Business Resiliency Program launched to help entrepreneurs
To support startups and small businesses across Cambodia, Impact Hub Phnom Penh is launching a new education program for entrepreneurs with funding from Smart Axiata’s 1 Million USD COVID-19 Relief Fund.
The free online course aims to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges that have emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is designed for SME founders and leaders who are in need of solutions to improve their business and build a resilient company.
During the course, participants will learn how to assess their current business operations in order to adapt to changing circumstances by designing and implementing new plans. Through the program, entrepreneurs will also learn about different ways to acquire additional funding, engage customers and remodel their financial plans. The online classes will be available on Impact Hub’s website where entrepreneurs can join at any time at no cost.
“The goal of the Business Resiliency for Startups program is to bring knowledge to entrepreneurs across Cambodia and help them build sustainable and resilient businesses that can overcome crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Olivia Hough, Managing Director of Impact Hub Phnom Penh.
Business owners will be able to access different online modules and participate in monthly online group calls with other entrepreneurs. They will also have access to videos, various exercises, resources and case studies from around the world. The online classes will take approximately 10 hours to complete and all successful participants will receive a certificate at the end of the course.
“We are partnering with Spring Activator, a Canadian startup supporter, which has experience navigating through three recessions, and in doing so has first-hand experience in leading businesses through challenging periods of uncertainty and risk. We are contextualizing and translating the content to localize it for SMEs in Cambodia,” added Olivia.
So far, Smart has funded 11 different initiatives through the COVID-19 Relief Fund, supporting programs focused on distant education, hygiene, protective equipment for healthcare professionals, vocational training and access to finance for entrepreneurs.
“We are very proud to support Impact Hub’s new business resiliency initiative. Growing startups and successful SMEs is essential to building a strong economy, especially during times when businesses face serious challenges as result of changes in the market, digitization of economy and moving activities online,” said Thomas Hundt, CEO of Smart Axiata.