Digital Skills Training For Entrepreneurs
Swisscontact
The Be Digital initiative, supported by Enterprise Georgia and the Rural SMEs Development Project, a consortium comprising Swisscontact, Mercy Corps, and the Springfield Centre for business in Development, and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), aimed to provide digital skills training to entrepreneurs in order to improve their business operations. Recognising the need for training, Enterprise Georgia, with the support of the RSMED project, engaged the consulting firm SavvY to give technical assistance (TA) to its beneficiaries on the use of digital products.
The objectives of the project, entrusted to the SavvY Team, were to equip entrepreneurs with digital knowledge and skills to enhance the effectiveness of business communication skills of entrepreneurs. Trainers organized a comprehensive training series that provided instruction on various digital technologies that simplify marketing and financial operations. The training curriculum encompassed multiple skills, including registering and using email, creating electronic signatures, utilizing online communication platforms, developing basic design skills like logo and brochure creation, handling invoicing, registering on business platforms, and performing data modelling using Excel functions. Participants acquired essential knowledge of income and expense tables, tax calculations, and profit margin analysis.
How We Helped | During the training series, trainers engaged participants in interactive sessions, introducing them to various digital technologies and tools. We provided step-by-step instruction and practical exercises to ensure entrepreneurs could confidently navigate these digital resources. The SavvY team developed a customized 6-hour training course delivered in-person to small groups, specifically designed to address the unique needs of the beneficiaries. The training was open to the beneficiaries of Enterprise Georgia. Our team coordinated a series of training sessions across nearly 10 rural locations in Georgia, including Telavi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Ozurgeti, Gori, Zestaponi, Akhaltsikhe, Khulo, Batumi, and Rustavi, engaging approximately 200 participants. |
Entrepreneurs from a diverse range of sectors were represented, including:
- Auto service
- Construction
- Food Processing
- Manufacturing Food or even Textile
- Professional services
- Textile
- Tourism
- Winemaking
Throughout the training sessions, the SavvY team provided hands-on support to beneficiaries who required additional assistance with the training materials. They guided participants in registering on the appropriate platforms, setting up accounts, and resolving any issues that arose. The team also tracked attendance and facilitated the completion of satisfaction assessments from attendees following each session.
Impact and Potential | Through this course almost 200 entrepreneurs gained essential digital literacy skills in 10 major cities, empowering them to effectively navigate and leverage digital technologies. This increased proficiency enables them to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape and stay competitive. By mastering digital tools, entrepreneurs can streamline their marketing and financial operations. They can leverage email communication, online platforms, and design skills to enhance customer engagement, create marketing materials, and automate tasks, increasing efficiency and productivity. |
Even during the training, entrepreneurs developed several digital tools for their operations. For example, they created the company logo, registered their location on Google Maps. Several entrepreneurs created the company brochure, etc.
The impact of the Be Digital project extends beyond individual entrepreneurs as trained beneficiaries applies their digital skills. It can inspire others to embrace digital transformation, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
The Be Digital project, executed by SavvY Team, successfully empowered entrepreneurs with crucial digital skills to streamline their marketing and financial operations. By bridging the digital divide, the project empowered the beneficiary businesses by providing them with valuable knowledge and experience navigating the digital landscape.
