DHAKA — Bangladesh Bank and Prime Bank PLC have completed a month-long Entrepreneur Development Training Programme, aimed at strengthening business skills and competitiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The initiative was held under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (SICIP), financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and implemented by the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance.
A closing ceremony took place recently at Prime Tower in Nikunja, Dhaka, where 25 entrepreneurs received certificates after successfully completing the training.
Programme aims to build SME resilience
The programme focused on improving participants’ business management capacity, financial literacy and innovation skills. Organisers said the goal was to foster sustainable growth within Bangladesh’s SME sector, which remains a vital driver of employment and industrial output.
According to Prime Bank, the training sessions were designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools for managing finance, marketing and operations more efficiently. The course also encouraged participants to develop innovative business solutions in response to emerging market challenges.
Bangladesh Bank emphasise innovation and sustainability
Nawshad Mustafa, Director of SME and SPD at Bangladesh Bank, attended the closing event as the chief guest. He said the programme reflects the central bank’s commitment to building a resilient SME ecosystem through skills development and access to finance.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between public institutions and private banks in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Md Nazrul Islam, Program Director of SICIP and Additional Director at Bangladesh Bank, and Md Ayub Ali, Joint Director, attended as special guests.
The ceremony was chaired by M Nazeem A Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director of Prime Bank PLC, who reaffirmed the bank’s focus on supporting small businesses and start-ups.
“Prime Bank has long recognised the SME sector as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy. Through initiatives like this, we aim to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs who are not only innovative but also financially disciplined and globally competitive,” Choudhury said.
Strengthening industry capacity
The Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (SICIP) seeks to strengthen industrial skills, promote technological innovation and align workforce capabilities with market needs. By integrating financial institutions into the capacity-building process, SICIP enables entrepreneurs to access both training and credit support.
Senior officials from Prime Bank, including Mamur Ahmed, Head of Distribution, and Mohammad Aminur Rahman, Head of SME, also attended the event alongside representatives from Bangladesh Bank and the ADB.
The bank said the joint effort demonstrates how partnerships between regulators and commercial banks can deliver measurable progress in SME development.
Focus on long-term SME support
The SME sector contributes nearly a quarter of Bangladesh’s GDP and employs millions across manufacturing, trade and services. However, small businesses continue to face challenges in accessing finance, technology and skilled labour.
Through initiatives like the entrepreneur development programme, Bangladesh Bank and Prime Bank hope to build a stronger foundation for small enterprises to innovate and grow sustainably.
Officials said the participating entrepreneurs are expected to act as catalysts for local development by applying modern management practices and adopting digital tools in their businesses.
