Grameenphone and Meta have recently collaborated to initiate an advanced-level training program in a bid to address the growing necessity to equip local entrepreneurs with better virtual engagement and business operational skills.
The ‘GP-Meta Boost Up’ event took place on October 18 at the GPHouse, where around 300 small and medium business owners participated in in-depth discussions, a press release said on Tuesday.
They attended training sessions under distinguished trainers affiliated with Meta, formerly known as the Facebook company. As a result, they learned how to grow and expand their online businesses through innovative digital marketing tools, the release said.
‘The core objective of the exercise has been to ensure better efficiency of local SMEs using online platforms to connect with their customers. By creating a platform supported by Meta, Grameenphone has opted to deliver on its promise of empowering entrepreneurs and driving digital innovation and advancement as the tech service leader and connectivity partner to Digital Bangladesh,’ the release read.
Mohammad Sajjad Hasib, CMO, Grameenphone; Solaiman Alam, CDSO, Grameenphone; Asif Naimur Rashid, CBO, Grameenphone; Johnny Johansson from the APAC Emerging Markets team at Meta; and Nasima Aktar Nisha, President, Women and e-Commerce forum (WE) graced the event.
Mohammad Sajjad Hasib, CMO, Grameenphone underlined the importance of such partnerships with globally recognized organizations in the local scenario.
He said, ‘Connectivity has impacted every facet of our lifestyle. Especially, in the post-pandemic the surge in digital adoption has been unprecedented. People are more inclined towards a digital lifestyle, be it for work, play, education, healthcare or even financial services. Grameenphone has partnered with Meta, to upskill and modernize SME enterprises to fast-forward their growth through innovative and affordable digital ways. This will enable them to cater better to the evolving customer needs by fueling their reach and engagement. As a digital enabler, we will work relentlessly towards our vision of a ‘Smart Bangladesh’.
Jordi Fornies, Meta’s Director of Emerging Markets in the Asia Pacific region, said ‘We are excited to partner with Grameenphone to help boost the businesses of local entrepreneurs who are using digital platforms like Facebook to grow and connect with their customers. The 300 small and medium businesses that are participating in the program are innovative and resilient. We hope they will benefit from the training and lead the way for other entrepreneurs that are building their communities online.’
In two sessions, each focusing on 150 pre-registered trainees, the trainers from Httpool, Meta’s Authorized Sales Partner in Bangladesh, elaborated on strategies, standards and ideal practices of businesses that use Facebook to engage with their customers.
A question and answer session was also held during the GP-Meta Boost Up event, where the discussants projected the optimistic growth of SMEs using digital platforms in Bangladesh and appreciated the participants’ enthusiasm to expand their knowledge and scope of work.