31 Banks DIH customers graduate from “Growing Together” initiative

The first batch of 31 Banks DIH customers has completed the “Growing Together” training programme aimed at enhancing small business management while acquiring insights into customer service, marketing, and innovation.
During the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Banks DIH Marketing Executive Officer, Carlton Jomao emphasised the organisation’s commitment to enhancing the management skills of its customers to effectively manage their respective businesses.
“Today we celebrate the success of the 31 Guyan

ese Small business owners who have worked with our trainers over the 9-week duration of the Program. These customers, our graduates, come from communities across the West Bank of Demerara to the East Bank Demerara in which we are well pleased, as we believe that we are now firmly on the way to the 300-customer goal we have set ourselves,” he revealed.
Additionally, he highlighted that the training programme has effectively mitigated challenges for small business owners who have encountered numerous obstacles over the years.
“We’ve observed that these enterprises grapple with various issues, from inventory management of fast-moving consumer goods to effective marketing,” he explained.
Furthermore, he noted that this insight drove the launch of the “Growing Together” Small Business Training Programme – an innovative economic empowerment initiative dedicated to fostering the ongoing growth and sustainability of traditional trade businesses.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) Nizam Hassan congratulated the group of customers and noted “This programme was designed to help you develop the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the dynamic world of business and you have risen to the occasion demonstrating remarkable perseverance and relentless commitment to your goals,”
He further rendered his expertise to the 31 persons on various forms in which they can enhance their businesses through a point format.
The points in which he delivered spun across social media business engagement, monitoring finances and considering offering delivery services.
“Monitor your finances closely, keep a close eye on your finances, manage your expenses efficiently, and look for ways to cut costs without compromising on quality. Understanding cash flow, profit margins, and the nuances of credit and debt management will secure your business’s financial health.”
In addition, he noted that the road ahead may still have its fair share of twists and turns but he is confident that they are more than equipped to navigate them.
In 2022, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, along with Muhammad Abdullah from Coca-Cola and Chairman of Banks DIH Limited, Clifford Reis initiated discussions on the importance of educating small and micro business owners due to their vulnerability to rapid changes in Guyana.
The Head of State at the time proposed training initiatives for entrepreneurs, focusing on “Mom and POP” and traditional grocery businesses.
Coca-Cola Latin America and Banks DIH Limited initiated the “Growing Together” Small Business Training Programme, recognising the crucial role of small enterprises in Guyana’s business landscape and the critical points that the President raised.
The “Growing Together” initiative is a curriculum-based training program that is available to local merchants.
The program is offered online through weekly tutor-led sessions for business owners and includes management topics such as Entrepreneurship, Small Business Finance, Customer Service, Marketing, and Innovation.