In the new budget, several initiatives have been announced to strengthen the cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprise (CMSME) sector by enhancing entrepreneurial skills and improving the business environment.
According to estimates for the 2023-24 fiscal year, the CMSME sector contributed approximately 11.89% to Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed presented the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, amounting to Tk7,89,999 crore, in a televised speech on Monday.
15,000 new entrepreneurs in three years
The budget speech outlined a plan to create 15,000 new entrepreneurs over the next three fiscal years.
Additionally, 25,000 entrepreneurs will receive skills-based and technical training, and SME product display and sales centres will be established in divisional cities.
Regional fairs, central Database, and digital connectivity
To boost the visibility and marketing of local products, regional SME fairs will be organised in district towns.
A central database will be developed for CMSME entrepreneurs to simplify identification and support processes. Through digital platforms, 3,000 women entrepreneurs will be connected to corporate buyers, enabling them to scale their businesses.
Loans
The budget also announced that 10,000 CMSME entrepreneurs, including women and those at the grassroots level, will receive loans amounting to Tk1,000 crore to support their ventures.
