Workshop Held on Procurement and Supply Chain Management for Small Entrepreneurs

 A “Two-Day Workshop to Finalize the Training Module on Procurement and Supply Chain Management for Small Entrepreneurs” was jointly organized by Young Women for Development Rights and Climate (YWDRC) and Nari Unnayan Shakti (NUS) with the aim of enhancing the business skills of small entrepreneurs and providing practical knowledge on procurement of products and raw materials, as well as supply chain management.

The workshop was held at the YWDRC office in Banasree, Dhaka. The primary objective of the workshop was to review and finalize a practical, effective, user-friendly, and applicable training module on Procurement and Supply Chain Management that is aligned with the real needs and business contexts of small entrepreneurs.

The training module was presented at the workshop by Nusrat Sultana Afroj, Executive Chairperson of Young Women for Development Rights and Climate (YWDRC). Zarin Tasnim, Volunteer of Nari Unnayan Shakti (NUS), provided support in developing the module. The workshop was chaired by Dr. Afroja Pravin, Executive Director of Nari Unnayan Shakti (NUS).

In her remarks, Dr. Afroja Pravin emphasized that knowledge of production and sales alone is not sufficient for small entrepreneurs to operate sustainable and profitable businesses. She highlighted the importance of practical knowledge of sourcing products and raw materials, selecting appropriate suppliers, negotiating prices, inventory management, transportation, and establishing effective market linkages. She noted that a practical and easy-to-understand training module can play an important role in strengthening the capacity of small entrepreneurs to make sound business decisions and manage their businesses effectively.

Participants provided valuable comments and recommendations on different sessions of the training module, including Selina Khatun, Media Secretary of the Domestic Worker Employers' Association Bangladesh; Abdul Momin, Executive Member of the Forum for Culture and Human Development; small enterpriner Hasnat Jahan Hasi and Monowara Begum; along with other women small-business owners and participants.

The participants engaged in detailed discussions on the contents of the different training sessions, training methodologies, practical examples, the business needs of small entrepreneurs, the experiences of women entrepreneurs, and the applicability of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the local level. Based on their observations, recommendations, and practical experiences, necessary suggestions were provided to make the module more accessible, practical, participatory, and entrepreneur-friendly.

The workshop focused on finalizing a training module that would enable small entrepreneurs to develop the knowledge and skills required for making informed procurement decisions, selecting appropriate suppliers, evaluating and negotiating prices, planning procurement activities, managing inventory, and ensuring the timely collection and delivery of products. The module also gives importance to reducing business costs and waste, managing supply chain risks, and strengthening entrepreneurs’ capacity to operate their businesses in line with market demand. Particular attention was given to incorporating the practical experiences, challenges, and needs of women small entrepreneurs so that the module can effectively respond to their business realities.

Through the workshop, a finalized and practical training module on Procurement and Supply Chain Management will be developed for small entrepreneurs, which can subsequently be used for future capacity-building and training initiatives. The training is expected to provide participants with practical knowledge and skills in procurement planning, supplier selection, price evaluation and negotiation, inventory control, product sourcing and delivery, and business cost management. It will also strengthen their ability to identify and address potential supply chain risks and to develop procurement and supply plans based on market demand. As a result, the initiative is expected to contribute to improved business decision-making, cost control, operational efficiency, and competitiveness among small entrepreneurs, while creating greater opportunities for sustainable business development in the long term. In particular, the initiative is expected to contribute positively to strengthening the business capacity and economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs.