BRAC Bank, DU to launch Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme 'Uddokta 101'

BRAC Bank, in partnership with the Department of Marketing of Faculty of Business Studies (FBS), Dhaka University, is to launch a specially-designed entrepreneurial accelerator course, titled 'Uddokta 101'.

The two organizations have signed an MoU to launch 'Uddokta 101' at the BRAC Bank Head Office on March 3, 2021, said a press release.

Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, the Chairman of the Department of Marketing, Dhaka University and Selim RF Hussain, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

Dr. Rafiuddin Ahmed, Associate Professor and DBEDP Director from the Department of Marketing, Dhaka University; Dr. Nazmul Hossain, Associate Professor of the Department of Marketing, Dhaka University; Syed Abdul Momen, Head of SME of BRAC Bank; Akhteruddin Mahmood, Head of HR of BRAC Bank; and other senior officials were present at the signing.

Uddokta 101: Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme by DU-BRAC Bank - is a targeted accelerator certification course for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, with a minimum of one year of business experience.

The participants will receive exclusive entrepreneurial training from the country's renowned trainers, academicians, and practitioners.

The participants will also get networking opportunities that will help them gain skills that will augment their professional skills and business acumen.

BRAC Bank's Managing Director and CEO, Selim RF Hussain said, "BRAC Bank has always been proactive in nurturing Bangladesh's SMEs. With this accelerator programme, our objective is to simply help SMEs and entrepreneurs grow by up-scaling their businesses. We want our women to take advantage of this course and we will ensure that at least 30 per cent of the participants are women."

Women are especially encouraged to enroll in this Uddokta 101 programme.

Current students and alumni of DU will also get privileges in the programme.

Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman said, "Uddokta 101 will be a flagship project that will provide an inclusive platform for our students, alumni as well as new entrepreneurs. We will be happy if the participants learn from this platform to be enabled to give a job, rather than looking for one. I thank BRAC Bank for coming up with such a great endeavor."

'Uddokta 101' will accommodate four batches of entrepreneurs every year for a 3-month certification course.

BRAC Bank will contribute to the participants' registration cost from its CSR fund.

According to the press release, interested participants should keep an eye on the BRAC Bank website for a call for application.