ArmInfo.The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is launching a free-to-use online learning and advice programme to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) confronted with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the press service of the Bank reports.
According to the Bank, these private small businesses are vital for the economies where the EBRD invests.
The EBRD "Know How to...in a Crisis" programme, hosted on the Bank's platform, The Know How Academy, is a central learning hub where entrepreneurs can access practical assistance, including training materials and crisis management advice from industry experts and can join peer discussion forums.
The hub will also offer specific local information on the financial support available from governments and banks in 30 of the economies where the EBRD invests, including Armenia.
Launched by the EBRD as part of its enhanced support for firms during the current crisis, the programme will focus on five key business pillars: 1. Crisis Management: Your customers and suppliers 2. Crisis Management: Financial management essentials 3. Crisis Management: Financing your firm 4. Crisis Management: Your staff your key asset 5. Crisis Management: Management and leadership challenges.
The first module, "Crisis management: Your customers and suppliers" will provide advice on how to keep your business supply chain moving and the cash coming in. It will be available from today, with the remaining four modules to be available shortly afterwards. All resources will be offered in Arabic, English, Russian, Ukrainian and Turkish.
The EBRD will be working with partner banks and business support groups across its regions to roll out the programme in 30 countries, with the aim of reaching more than 10,000 people working in MSMEs, offering them training resources, knowledge-sharing and expert advice in the coming months.
The initiative is funded by: the European Union (including through its European Investment Advisory Hub), Kazakhstan and the EBRD's Small Business Impact Fund (Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Sweden, US, Taipei China).
According to Head of EBRD Armenia Office Dimitri Gvindadze, support for small and medium-sized businesses is at the core of the EBRD's mission. <We are ready to support enterprises in this crisis situation, helping them overcome current problems and prepare for faster and more effective recovery. The EBRD platform can be a useful support tool for all enterprises, regardless of the size of the company>, the head of the office noted.
You can familiarize yourself with the program at the following link: www.ebrdknowhowacademy.com.