Facebook conducts workshop to help SMEs, SHGs boost online biz in Odisha

Around 2,250 micro entrepreneurs and self-help groups got trained in digital marketing at Balasore

Facebook on Friday trained 2,250 micro entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) in digital marketing at its biggest ever workshop in the state at Balasore. The training programme was hosted under 'Boost Your Business' series in which the social networking giant has partnered with the Odisha government.
 

As per the terms of partnership with the state government's MSME department and 'Project Mission Shakti', Facebook has agreed to train 25,000 entrepreneurs across the state.

Prafulla Samal, Odisha's minister for MSMEs said, "The training of micro entrepreneurs and SHGs by Facebook will result in their digital empowerment. It will help them in digitally promoting their business of products and services. Such programmes will be held at other district headquarters as well".

"The training in digital marketing skills will help the entrepreneurs with new digital resources, insight and stimulus to build and grow their business online. The programme is designed to equip small and medium businesses with the knowledge, skill and technology to stay innovative and increase market across globally", said L N Gupta, additional chief secretary (MSME), Odisha.

"This joint initiative will introduce the 3Ts enunciated by the chief minister- technology, transparency and teamwork- in the day-to-day transaction of entrepreneurs. The joint workshop of SMEs and SHGs will also facilitate vertical integration and exchange of business ideas and strategies amongst them," he added.

Ritesh Mehta, head of policy programs, Facebook (India & South Asia) said: "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and an important part of our Facebook community. Odisha is one of fastest growing state economies in India. We want to help accelerate this growth by giving entrepreneurs the skills they need to build and grow a business, by connecting them with customers at home and abroad".

The 'Boost Your Business' programme is part of Facebook's continued investment in Indian small businesses, developers and its over 200 million monthly users. Facebook has an array of options to support small and medium business owners to create and leverage their presence online.