BRAC Bank, Finance Ministry and Bangladesh Bank conclude training for CMSMEs

BRAC Bank, with support from the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance and Bangladesh Bank, has successfully completed a month-long intensive training programme for entrepreneurs in the cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprises (CMSMEs) sector.

The initiative, launched by the Finance Division under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (SICIP) with technical and implementation support from Bangladesh Bank, aims to develop entrepreneurial and managerial skills among emerging business owners.

The closing ceremony of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme was held at BRAC Bank's head office in Dhaka, where certificates were handed over to 23 participating entrepreneurs.

Husne Ara Shikha, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, attended the event as Chief Guest. Md Nazrul Islam, Programme Director and Additional Director, SME and Special Programmes Department, BB-SICIP, was present as Special Guest. Syed Abdul Momen, Additional Managing Director and Head of SME Banking, BRAC Bank, and senior officials from both institutions also attended the ceremony.

"This programme has built a foundation of knowledge and confidence among emerging entrepreneurs," said Husne Ara Shikha. "The next step is ensuring access to appropriate financing so they can translate their skills into sustainable businesses. CMSMEs are the backbone of our economy, and empowering them accelerates inclusive growth and national prosperity."

Syed Abdul Momen said, "BRAC Bank is deeply committed to grassroots entrepreneurship. Alongside access to finance, we believe training is vital for the sustainability of small businesses. This initiative has equipped entrepreneurs with the skills to expand and thrive, and we will continue to stand beside them with the necessary financing support."

The training was conducted at BRAC Bank's premises with expert resource persons from Bangladesh Bank and BRAC Bank. The programme was funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), managed by the SICIP Project of the Finance Division, and implemented by the SME and Special Programmes Department of Bangladesh Bank.