1. Connecting root-level women-owned
businesses through national and regional
platforms
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2. 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
2

3. 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
3

4. 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
4

5. Achievements of Rajshahi DWBF
5
115
Members
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

6. Achievements of Barisal DWBF
6
112
Members
Financing
50 Members received collateral-free
loans through DWBF membership
Awards
5 Members received awards from
SME Foundation and BWCCI

7. Achievements of Rangpur DWBF
7
115
Members
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

8. Achievements of Sylhet DWBF
8
129
Members
Financing
96 Members received collateral-free
loans through DWBF membership
Fees
25% Concession on participation fees
for trade fairs in Rangpur

9. Thank You
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