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Connecting root-level women-owned businesses through national and regional platforms

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Rosy Enterprise: Background • Founded in 1997• Wide variety of products: • Sarees• Bed covers• Nakshikatha• Children’s clothing and toys

• 1 store in Rajshahi, employing 54 individuals• Future plan: to expand business to form a small garments producing

enterprise

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Rosy Enterprise: Benefits from joining DWBF• Involvement with DWBFs began in 2009, through District Public-

Private Dialogue (DPPD) events • Benefits gained from joining the Rajshahi DWBF: • Networking with other women entrepreneurs: more customers, business

ideas• Increased visibility and respect in the community • Access to government officials: Mayor, District Commissioner, Trade union

officials, VAT/Tax officials

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DWBFs as platforms for networking and collective action

• The District Women’s Business Forums (DWBFs) were created in 2009 with the support of IFC and The Asia Foundation

• The DWBFs are an institutional innovation that have improved the business environment for women-owned businesses

• Before the creation of effective platforms, women faced problems in: • Accessing formal-sector finance

• Advocating for appropriate policies to local and national government

• Gaining information regarding government regulations, financing opportunities, etc.

• Selecting profitable market niches to exploit

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Achievements of Rajshahi DWBF

115Members

Financing

30 Members received collateral-free loans through DWBF membership

Awards

5 Members received awards from SME Foundation and BWCCI

Shops

50 Shops allocated on concessional rent terms by the Mayor of Rajshahi

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Achievements of Barisal DWBF

112

Members

Financing

50 Members received collateral-free loans through DWBF membership

Awards

5 Members received awards from SME Foundation and BWCCI

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Achievements of Rangpur DWBF

115Members

Financing

75 Members received collateral-free loans through DWBF membership

Fees

25% Concession on participation fees for trade fairs in Rangpur

Shops

22 Shops allocated on concessional rent terms by the Mayor of Rajshahi

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Achievements of Sylhet DWBF

129

Members

Financing

96 Members received collateral-free loans through DWBF membership

Fees

25% Concession on participation fees for trade fairs in Rangpur

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Thank You