Workshop on Product Handling and Brand Development by WSME Business Support Center

Workshop on Product Handling and Brand Development by WSME Business Support Center

by | Jan 27, 2024 | WSME Business Insights

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center, a key initiative under the We-Fi project of the World Bank and organized by BreakBite in collaboration with North South University, successfully conducted an online workshop on Product Handling and Brand Development on January 27, 2024. The workshop was led by Dr. Farzana Nahid, Associate Professor from the Marketing Department of North South University and Founder Director of NSU Startups Next, and attracted 30 enthusiastic women entrepreneurs.

Workshop Overview:

The three-hour intensive workshop focused on providing case-specific marketing and promotion-related solutions to participants. Dr. Farzana Nahid offered one-to-one tailored guidance, addressing various challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in their businesses.

Key Recommendations:

  1. Enhancing Online Presence:
    • Dr. Nahid emphasized the importance of a strong online presence for business success. She provided actionable strategies for improving website functionality, leveraging social media platforms, and optimizing search engine visibility to attract and retain customers.
  2. Exploring Referral Marketing:
    • The workshop highlighted the benefits of referral marketing as a cost-effective way to increase customer acquisition and loyalty. Dr. Nahid discussed methods for implementing referral programs and incentivizing existing customers to refer new clients.
  3. Refining Product Presentation:
    • Dr. Nahid underscored the significance of product presentation in influencing customer perceptions and driving sales. She offered practical advice on improving packaging design, product photography, and overall branding to create a compelling visual identity.

Interactive and Personalized Guidance:

Participants were actively engaged throughout the session, benefiting from personalized advice tailored to their specific business needs. Dr. Nahid’s expert insights and practical solutions empowered the entrepreneurs to overcome their marketing challenges and enhance their brand development strategies.

Participant Feedback:

The participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive and practical advice provided by Dr. Farzana Nahid. They valued the opportunity to receive tailored guidance and engage in interactive discussions. The session was highly productive, offering practical solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs with the knowledge to improve their marketing and promotional efforts effectively.

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Support Center continues to empower women by providing essential resources and insights through such interactive workshops. The center remains committed to supporting the growth and success of women-led SMEs by providing tailored support and expert guidance.

The Unstoppable Ascent of E-Commerce in Bangladesh: A Tale of Digital Transformation and Growth

The Unstoppable Ascent of E-Commerce in Bangladesh: A Tale of Digital Transformation and Growth

by | Dec 10, 2023 | Industry Insights

The story of e-commerce in Bangladesh is one of rapid transformation and growth, particularly evident in the last five years. This journey, however, is rooted in pivotal developments that have shaped the digital commerce landscape of the country.

Early Milestones: Paving the Way for Digital Commerce

The foundational steps for this digital journey were laid in 2009 when the Bangladesh Bank approved online payment systems. This regulatory shift marked the beginning of a new era in digital transactions, opening up possibilities for e-commerce platforms and consumers alike.

In 2013, another significant milestone was achieved. The Bangladesh Bank approved the use of debit and credit cards for online payments, further facilitating the ease of digital transactions and bolstering consumer confidence in e-commerce platforms.

A Five-Year Surge: Remarkable Growth in Digital Payments

While the foundations were laid a decade earlier, the most striking growth in e-commerce in Bangladesh has been observed in the last five years:

2019: Marked a strong year with digital payment transactions amounting to 23,557.71 million BDT.

2020: Witnessed a surge to 51,422.36 million BDT, fueled by the pandemic’s push towards digital platforms.

2021: Saw the growth double to 102,148.98 million BDT, a testament to the increasing reliance on online shopping.

2022: Continued the upward trend with transaction volumes reaching 119,233.56 million BDT.

2023: Broke all previous records, soaring to an unprecedented 160,989.35 million BDT in digital payments.

Understanding the Growth Dynamics

This exponential growth in digital payments, especially in the last five years, reflects a broader trend of digitalization in Bangladesh. It signifies a shift in consumer behavior, with a growing preference for the convenience, safety, and efficiency of digital transactions over traditional cash dealings.

Looking Ahead: The Future of E-Commerce in Bangladesh

As Bangladesh continues to embrace digital innovation, the future of e-commerce looks bright. With supportive regulatory frameworks, an active trade body, and a growing tech-savvy population, the country is poised for further advancements in the e-commerce sector.

In Conclusion

The journey of e-commerce in Bangladesh, marked by significant regulatory milestones and the recent five-year surge in digital payments, paints a picture of a rapidly evolving digital economy. From the approval of online payment systems in 2009 to the remarkable growth witnessed in recent years, Bangladesh’s e-commerce landscape is a testament to the country’s adaptability and forward-looking vision in the digital age.

Author: Asif Ahnaf

Finance Secretary, e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB)

CEO, BreakBite eBusiness