Career & Skill Development Club

Empowering Entrepreneurs: Sustainable Youth Development and Capacity Building through Ongsho Foundation’s Career & Skill Development Club

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of equipping young people and business owners with relevant skills cannot be overstated. Entrepreneurs, particularly those managing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face unique challenges in their journey to business success. To address these needs, Ongsho Foundation has launched an initiative titled “Sustainable Youth Development and Capacity Building through the Career & Skill Development Club.” Funded by the SME Foundation, this project is designed to empower SME business owners by providing comprehensive training that enhances their ability to grow and sustain their businesses.

The program focuses on offering targeted training in essential areas of business management, digital marketing, product development, and more. The ultimate goal is to create a thriving community of skilled entrepreneurs who can contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development while fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation.

We will explore the significance of this project, the training provided, and the broader impact of this initiative on the local community and economy.

The Significance of the Career & Skill Development Club

Ongsho Foundation’s Career & Skill Development Club is a crucial part of the organization’s mission to promote sustainable growth, particularly among youth and entrepreneurs. The club’s focus is on capacity building, which refers to strengthening the abilities of individuals and organizations to achieve measurable and sustainable results.

Supporting SMEs: SMEs play a vital role in Bangladesh’s economy. They provide jobs, contribute to GDP, and stimulate innovation. However, many SME owners lack the formal training required to manage and grow their businesses effectively. The Career & Skill Development Club fills this gap by offering tailored training programs that help SMEs thrive in today’s competitive market.
Youth Empowerment: With a significant portion of Bangladesh’s population under 30, youth empowerment is critical for the nation’s future. The project provides young people with the skills and knowledge they need to either start their own businesses or contribute meaningfully to existing enterprises. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and building practical skills, the program sets up young participants for long-term success.
Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth: The concept of sustainable development is embedded in the program’s framework. Capacity building focuses not just on immediate gains, but on creating a sustainable environment where participants can continue to grow and contribute to their communities long after the training ends.

Key Training Programs for Business Owners

The Career & Skill Development Club provides a wide range of training programs, all designed to address the specific needs of SME business owners. These programs are practical, hands-on, and led by industry experts, ensuring that participants receive actionable insights they can apply directly to their businesses. The training sessions cover a broad spectrum of skills, from business management to specialized crafts.

Business Management & Financial Readiness
Digital Marketing & Cyber Security for SMEs
How to Start a New Business
Fabric Hand Paint
Product Marketing Strategy
SMART Product Photography
Business Enterprise and Factory Management
Beautification and Parlor Management
Fashion Design
Design and Development of Bamboo-Cane Products
Banking Project Proposal Preparation
Production of Versatile Jute Products

The Broader Impact of the Program

Ongsho Foundation’s Career & Skill Development Club is not just about individual growth—it’s about creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. The skills and knowledge gained through this training have far-reaching impacts on economic development, job creation, and poverty reduction.

Economic Empowerment: By providing SME owners with the tools they need to succeed, the program contributes to economic empowerment at the grassroots level. As these businesses grow, they generate income, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
Job Creation: SMEs are significant drivers of job creation in Bangladesh. By supporting the growth of SMEs, the program indirectly contributes to job creation, offering employment opportunities to community members and helping to reduce poverty levels.
Sustainable Development: The focus on sustainability is evident throughout the program, from the promotion of eco-friendly products like bamboo-cane and jute to the emphasis on long-term business planning. By encouraging sustainable practices, the program helps ensure that future generations can also benefit from these resources.
Women’s Empowerment: Many of the training programs, such as beautification and fashion design, are specifically tailored to empower women entrepreneurs. By providing women with the skills and knowledge to run their businesses, the program contributes to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the Career & Skill Development Club has achieved significant success, there are challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Scaling the Program: As the demand for these training programs grows, the foundation must find ways to scale the initiative without compromising the quality of education. This includes expanding the number of trainers, increasing access to resources, and developing partnerships with local and international organizations.
Funding: Although the SME Foundation provides funding, securing additional financial support is essential to sustain and expand the program. The foundation may explore avenues such as corporate partnerships, grants, and crowdfunding to raise additional funds.
Keeping Up with Technological Advancements: The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and the foundation must ensure that its training programs stay up to date with the latest technological advancements. This is particularly important for modules such as digital marketing, product photography, and cyber security.

At The End

Ongsho Foundation’s Career & Skill Development Club is a transformative initiative that addresses the needs of SME business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. By providing comprehensive training in areas like business management, digital marketing, and product development, the program equips participants with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive market. Funded by the SME Foundation, the program is a beacon of hope for those seeking to build sustainable businesses and contribute to the economic development of Bangladesh.

As the program continues to grow, it will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future