Monday, June 1 2020 15:40

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.