Staff Correspondent

In a significant move to accelerate the growth of the cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSME) sector, the government has launched an ambitious three-year development plan aiming to foster entrepreneurship, enhance skills, and strengthen market access, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs.

As part of the initiative, 15,000 new entrepreneurs are set to be created by 2028. In addition, 25,000 existing and aspiring entrepreneurs will receive skill development and technical training to enhance their competitiveness and business capacity.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said this during his televised budget speech for the next 2025-26 fiscal.

To improve visibility and market access for locally produced SME goods, the government plans to set up SME product display and sales centers in all divisional cities.

Furthermore, the Adviser said, regional SME product fairs will be organized in various districts to promote regional products and foster linkages between producers and consumers.

A central database of CMSME entrepreneurs will also be established to improve policy formulation, access to finance, and service delivery.

In a major financial boost, Tk 1,000 crore will be disbursed in loans to 10,000 entrepreneurs from marginal segments of the CMSME sector, including a significant share allocated to women entrepreneurs.

A key component of the plan is the digital empowerment of women in business. Through targeted digital platforms, 3,000 women entrepreneurs will be connected directly with corporate buyers, enabling better market reach and sustainable business growth.

Meanwhile, the Adviser said that Cottage, small and medium enterprises (CSMEs) now contribute approximately 11.89% to Bangladesh’s GDP, according to estimates for the fiscal year 2023–24, reflecting the sector’s growing significance in driving economic growth and employment.

To unlock the full potential of this vital sector, the government has undertaken a wide range of initiatives aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial skills and improving the overall business environment.

A key focus of these efforts is to expand access to finance for marginal and underserved entrepreneurs. Under the credit wholesale programme, low-interest loans are being disbursed, with at least 23% of these loans allocated to women entrepreneurs.

To further strengthen support for SMEs, the government is actively updating cluster mapping and demand assessment strategies to ensure better-targeted assistance. Skill development programs are being conducted through incubation centers, where entrepreneurs receive training in business management and operational excellence.

In addition, SME product fairs are being organized across the country to help entrepreneurs showcase their products, expand market reach, and build networks with buyers and investors.

To promote gender-inclusive finance, all lending institutions have been instructed to ensure that at least 15% of their SME loan portfolio is allocated to women entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the government is offering a 1% incentive to both women entrepreneurs and financial institutions for timely loan repayment, encouraging a culture of credit discipline and responsible financing.