About Oikko foundation
OIKKO Foundation: Empowering CMSME Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh
OIKKO Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly to empower the CMSME (Cottage, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) entrepreneurs of Bangladesh. The foundation was established with the aim of building an identity of prominence for these entrepreneurs who are often overlooked and underserved.
The CMSME sector is a vital part of the Bangladeshi economy, contributing significantly to employment generation and poverty reduction. However, despite their importance, these enterprises face numerous challenges such as lack of access to finance, technology, markets and information. OIKKO Foundation recognizes these challenges and works towards addressing them through various initiatives.
One of the key areas where OIKKO Foundation focuses its efforts is capacity building. The foundation provides training and mentoring programs to help CMSME entrepreneurs improve their skills in areas such as business management, marketing, financial management and product development. These programs are designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to run successful businesses that can compete in local and international markets.
Another area where OIKKO Foundation makes a significant impact is access to finance. Many CMSME entrepreneurs struggle to obtain loans from traditional financial institutions due to lack of collateral or credit history. To address this issue, OIKKO Foundation provides microfinance services that enable entrepreneurs to access affordable loans without having to provide collateral or go through lengthy application processes.
In addition to capacity building and access to finance initiatives, OIKKO Foundation also works towards creating market linkages for CMSME products. The foundation helps connect producers with buyers both locally and internationally by organizing trade fairs, exhibitions and other events that showcase their products.
OIKKO Foundation's efforts have not gone unnoticed - the organization has received numerous awards for its work in empowering CMSMEs in Bangladesh. In 2019 alone it won three prestigious awards including "Best SME Development Organization" at the National SME Excellence Awards.
In conclusion, OIKKO Foundation is a non-profit organization that is making a significant impact in the lives of CMSME entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Through its various initiatives, the foundation is helping these entrepreneurs overcome challenges and build successful businesses that contribute to the country's economic growth. If you are a CMSME entrepreneur looking for support or an individual or organization interested in supporting this cause, OIKKO Foundation is definitely worth checking out.