Banks DIH Limited in partnership with Coca-Cola Caribbean, yesterday launched the Growing Together Small Business Programme, which is geared at offering economic empowerment for micro- and medium-sized business operators especially traditional grocery businesses.
The programme launch was held at Banks DIH Limited’s headquarters at Thirst Park, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and was attended by small business owners who were participants of the programme.
Banks DIH Chairman & Managing Director, Clifford Reis; Director of Business at the Ministry of Tourism & Commerce, John Edghill; and Senior Manager for Public Affairs & Communications at Coca- Cola, Lidia Castro, were also in attendance.
Banks DIH Sales & Marketing Executive, Carlton Joao, explained that the programme will cover core areas such Entrepreneurship, Small Business Finance, Customer Service, Marketing, and Innovation. Participants who successfully complete the online weekly tutored lead sessions will receive certificates.
Training & Communications Executive of Banks DIH Limited, Sonya Forrester, in her remarks said that in light of the challenges faced by local traditional grocery businesses in the country’s dynamic market, there was need to recognise the immense potential these businesses hold in shaping the economy.
She disclosed that the programme came into being following engagements with President Irfaan Ali, Banks DIH Chairman, Clifford Reis; and President of Coca- Cola, Mohammed Abdula
According to Forrester, participants will gain knowledge in business strategy, financial management, marketing techniques, and the effective utilisation of modern technologies, which will aid in improving their merchandise.
Meanwhile, Coca Cola Senior Public Affairs & Communications Manager for Latin America, Lidia Castro, lauded the initiative. She stressed that the program will assist traditional grocery business owners in a meaningful way.
And Director of Business at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, John Edghill, said that while it is a known fact that small businesses such as these may be confronted by challenges such as minimal financial resources, it is however important to prudently manage these resources.
Against this background, he explained, participants will learn how to effectively and prudently manage their financial resources.
One graduate of the programme, former media worker, Delica Haynes, who is now an entrepreneur, said that she learnt quite a lot from the training programme. Haynes who successfully completed the programme said that it has given her a new perspective on business management.
She noted that the programme enabled her to brainstorm several ideas which will take her enterprise to a different dimension. “It has stirred up several new ideas which I am excited to roll out.”
Sanjay Puran, Tiffini Levans, Junior December, and Walter Cheong are other small business owners who graduated from the programme.
