The Smart Business Profile Platform (SBPP) launch event, part of the UNDESA Project DA2124B, took place on August 17, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Gulshan in Bangladesh. This event aimed to address the challenges faced by cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprises (CMSMEs) in accessing formal finance channels. Below is a summary of the event, along with key highlights and key speakers:

Event Overview:
- The event focused on the need to enhance access to finance for CMSMEs in Bangladesh.
- It introduced the SBPP, a data aggregation platform designed to streamline access to formal finance channels for CMSMEs.
- The event featured discussions, keynote presentations, and panel sessions with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Key Highlights:
- Challenges for CMSMEs in accessing finance, including institutional coordination issues and complex processes, were highlighted.
- The SBPP was introduced as a regulatory sandbox concept to address these challenges.
- Stakeholders discussed the transformative potential of the SBPP in the CMSME landscape.
- Gender-specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and initiatives to empower them were recognized.
- The role of FinTech in addressing CMSME challenges and showcasing innovative startups in Bangladesh was emphasized.

Key Speakers and Their Contributions:

1. Bijon Islam
- CEO & Co-Founder of LightCastle Partners.
- Delivered a keynote presentation on the establishment of the sandbox framework, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to integrate CMSMEs into formal finance channels.

2. Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman
- Director of SME and Special Program Department at the Bangladesh Bank.
- Delivered opening remarks, highlighting the importance of inclusive financial mechanisms.

3. Mr. Vincenzo Aquaro
- Chief of the Digital Government Branch at UNDESA.
- Welcomed attendees and set the stage for discussions on regulatory sandboxes and financial inclusion.

4. Nahid Sharmin
- Gender Specialist at a2i.
- Participated in a panel discussion, addressing gender-specific challenges for women entrepreneurs and initiatives to empower them financially.

5. Syed Javed Noor
- Deputy Managing Director of IDLC Finance Limited.
- Part of the panel discussion, providing insights into implementing the SBPP and its anticipated outcomes.

6. Suman Chandra Saha
- Deputy General Manager at SME Foundation.
- Panelist in the discussion, contributing expertise on the practical aspects of implementing the SBPP.

7. Fahim Ahmed
- CEO of Pathao.
- FinTech expert, shared insights on how technology and innovation can empower CMSMEs.

8. Seyed Mosayeb Alam
- Chief of Staff of ShopUp.
- Discussed the transformative role of FinTech in addressing CMSME challenges.

9. Adnan Imtiaz Halim
- Founder & CEO of Sheba Platform Ltd.
- Presented insights into the innovative approaches of existing startups in Bangladesh empowering small and medium-sized enterprises.

10. Wai Min Kwok
- Senior Governance and Public Administration Officer at UNDESA.
- Delivered closing remarks, highlighting the significance of the SBPP initiative.

11. Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan
- Project Director at Aspire to Innovate (a2i), ICT Division, Bangladesh.
- Also delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the potential of the SBPP to reshape the CMSME landscape in Bangladesh.

The event served as a platform for valuable discussions and collaborations among stakeholders committed to advancing the CMSME sector in Bangladesh. The SBPP initiative holds significant promise for enhancing financial access and support for CMSMEs in the country, contributing to economic development and financial inclusion.

Learn more about the event here: [ Ссылка ]

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