Lankaputhra Development Bank strengthens entrepreneurs with Athwela

Thursday, 18 December 2014 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

This year too Lankaputhra Development Bank (LDB) together with National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) offered the Athwela training program to entrepreneurs and it was conducted at all branches successfully. The program being conducted at the branches of Colombo, Hambantota, Polonnnaruwa, Kandy, Batticaloa and Trincomalee   This training program is offered to Small and Medium Entrepreneurs who encounter many difficulties when doing business. The program teaches entrepreneurs how to identify a business, prepare a business plan, preparing project reports, finding the appropriate market for the product or service, maintaining proper accounts as well as the legal issues. Entrepreneurs are trained to develop skills and knowledge while problem solving skills are also taught. After studying the issues faced by Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, Lankaputhra Development Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding with National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) to conduct the program. As a result every year the program is conducted by Lankaputhra Development Bank together with the National enterprise Development Authority, who is the provider of the best and experienced trainers for the program. The Branch Managers of Lankaputhra Development Bank selects the entrepreneurs who have obtained loans from the bank as well as start up entrepreneurs to undergo the training while the Marketing and Business Development Department coordinates the program. It not only teaches the theory aspect of starting and continuing a business but also the practical issues faced by Small and Medium Enterprises. All the entrepreneurs who have participated in the program are of the opinion that they have acquired a lot of knowledge which will help them to develop their business. The content of the training is adjusted to suit the requirements of the people engaged in business in a particular area or town and it is a welcome sign. This year (2014) Lankaputhra Development bank has conducted the Athwela training programs island-wide which covers the areas of Colombo Hambantota, Polonnnaruwa, Kandy, Batticaloa and Trincomalee . Each participant who completes the program is awarded a certificate. Management is planning to add more features to this program in next year. The bank was setup under the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ and its main objective is supporting the development activities of the country and fully owned by the government. The bank covers the whole island with its network of eight branches. The bank has many concessional loan schemes for small and medium entrepreneurs. The bank also offers attractive interest rates for it savings products. In addition the bank also conducts leasing, pawning as well as a special account for its senior citizens. The National Enterprise Development Authority which is established under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce conducts many business programs and among its main aims are providing special development activities at provincial level.

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