Ratanakiri, Cambodia – In a significant move to enhance local economic development, Building Community Voices (BCV) partnered with Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD) to successfully conduct a two-day intensive training workshop. The workshop aimed to empower local producers by equipping them with essential business and networking skills.
Held on December 3–4, 2024, at Build Bright University, the training brought together 40 representatives from local producer associations. This marked the first cohort to participate in the specialized capacity-building initiative under the CLESIDRA project.
The workshop, titled “Business Planning for Entrepreneurs: Envisioning a Strategy for PLASED, Multistakeholder Approach, and Networking Strategies,” was facilitated by Mrs. Elena Sisti, an expert trainer from Italy. Through interactive sessions and group discussions, participants explored practical methods to strengthen their business operations and expand market access.
Producers from four key value chains in Ratanakiri—cashew nuts, cassava, rice, and eco-tourism—actively worked on refining their business models, sharing experiences, and identifying collaboration opportunities.
The recent training program was designed with two key objectives at its core. First, it aimed to enhance the small business planning skills of participants, equipping them with tools to conduct thorough market analysis, create strategic business plans, and implement sustainable practices that align with their local contexts. Second, the training focused on building effective networking strategies, highlighting the significance of establishing robust connections among producer groups and stakeholders.
This networking not only helps in scaling up the impact of their initiatives but also strengthens market linkages and promotes long-term sustainability within the community. Overall, the workshop provided valuable insights and practical skills that participants can apply to their businesses and collaborations.
This initiative is part of the CLESIDRA project (Civil Society Links and Empowerment for Socially Inclusive Development in Ratanakiri), a program funded by the European Union, aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development across the province.
The project is implemented through a collaborative partnership involving FELCOS Umbria, ILS LEDA, Building Community Voices (BCV), and Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD). Together, these organizations are working to enhance the capacity of local communities, strengthen civil society engagement, and create more inclusive economic opportunities for rural producers.
The successful completion of the first training cohort marks an important milestone in building resilient local economies in Ratanakiri. By equipping producers with practical business tools and fostering collaboration, the CLESIDRA project continues to establish a solid foundation for long-term, inclusive growth in Cambodia’s northeastern region.
Further training sessions and follow-up support are expected to expand the impact of this initiative, ensuring that more local producers will benefit from enhanced skills, stronger networks, and improved market access.
