Training to unlock potential of local MSMEs
A PARTNERSHIP between the BSP Financial Group Ltd (BSP) and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) will deliver a localised business development program that is expected to unlock the potential of micro and small to medium enterprises, including women-led businesses.
According to the bank’s country head Haroon Ali, the partnership would enable the delivery of impactful sustainable outcomes through a training and mentoring program specially designed for Fiji businesses that would build capacity and further support the national agenda for MSME development.
In a media release yesterday, Mr Ali said they were rolling out this program in Fiji with ABV after a successful pilot phase in Papua New Guinea with BSP PNG.
“We are delighted that this collaborative effort will give program participants, many of whom are women entrepreneurs, access to ABV’s international development specialist staff and their network of over 300 skilled business professionals (SBP) providing business tools and mentoring over six months,” said Mr Ali.
“We value the contributions made by local businesses including small to medium enterprises and we are proud to lead this concerted effort in alignment with our commitment to the MSME Pillar under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022-2030.”
The partnership program led by BSP Fiji and ABV, supported by the British High Commission, will be officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica next week.
ABV chief executive officer Liz Mackinlay said they had delivered about 500 programs in more than 30 countries.
“Being able to co-design the practical business mentorship programs with BSP stakeholders whilst also drawing from direct support of business management experts through our network of skilled business people who donate their time creates sustainable change for the businesses involved,” she said.