At Tapasya Business Management Pvt. Ltd., we believe that financial literacy and strong business management skills are crucial for the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the agricultural sector. In 2024, we organized a series of impactful training programs titled "Accounting, Business Management, and Taxation Training for Agri SMEs" across various municipalities in Ilam and Khotang, reaching hundreds of entrepreneurs and future business leaders.
From July to August 2024, five successful sessions were held in different municipalities, including Rong, Suryodaya, Ilam, Maijogmai, and Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi. These training programs were designed to cover the critical aspects of business registration, accounting practices, internal auditing, taxation, business management, and understanding minimum wages and banking loan processes.
A total of over 150 entrepreneurs, along with municipal employees, students, and agriculture technicians, participated across the regions. The active participation in these sessions highlighted the hunger for knowledge among SMEs looking to navigate the complex world of taxation and management.
Each municipality brought its own unique challenges and strengths, and we tailored our programs to fit the needs of the participants:
Rong Rural Municipality (July 25-27, 2024) - With 26 entrepreneurs and 8 municipal employees in attendance, the training helped foster collaboration between local government and SMEs. This program not only improved financial skills but also strengthened ties between entrepreneurs and local institutions.
Suryodaya Municipality (July 31-August 2, 2024) - 36 entrepreneurs braved challenging weather conditions in Shree Antu, showcasing their commitment to learning. The training reinforced the importance of resilience in business.
Ilam Municipality (August 6-8, 2024) - This session uniquely included four students, who left inspired to share their newfound knowledge. Additionally, participants were thrilled to learn how to file VAT and taxes, a skill they immediately found practical.
Maijogmai Rural Municipality (August 13-15, 2024) - Here, 26 entrepreneurs embraced an interactive learning environment with role-plays and group discussions. Local officials like Chairperson Mr. Kush Bahadur Thebe encouraged participants to fully immerse themselves in the training, recognizing its value for local economic growth.
Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality (August 27-29, 2024) - In Khotang, 32 entrepreneurs, 4 students, and an agriculture technician attended, making this one of the most diverse sessions. The municipality showed exceptional local support, committing to resolving SME challenges during the training.
Each training was led by expert trainers such as Suman Pokhrel, Kriti Ghimire, and Madan Thapa, whose interactive teaching methods made complex topics easier to understand. The sessions emphasized practical knowledge, from managing social security contributions to securing business loans.
Participants praised the hands-on approach, particularly when it came to topics like VAT filing and business planning. In many cases, attendees were able to apply what they learned immediately, strengthening their business operations.
The success of these programs was made possible through the collaborative support of local municipalities, agriculture knowledge centers, veterinary hospitals, and the Cottage and Small Industries Office. These institutions played vital roles in the selection and mobilization of participants, ensuring the training reached the right audience.
While the training sessions were a resounding success, challenges like adverse weather, lower participation from women, and adherence to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) policies highlighted areas for improvement. Moving forward, we plan to expand the reach of these programs and offer follow-up mentoring to ensure long-term business sustainability. By addressing these challenges head-on, we aim to make future training even more inclusive and impactful.
The "Accounting, Business Management, and Taxation Training for Agri SMEs" has set a benchmark for rural capacity building and economic development. Through these trainings, Tapasya Business Management Pvt. Ltd. has empowered entrepreneurs to make informed financial decisions, contributing to the economic well-being of their communities. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants eager for more opportunities to grow and refine their skills.
At Tapasya, we remain committed to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in rural communities. By providing the tools and knowledge needed to succeed, we are fostering economic growth that will resonate for years to come.
