In September 2024, Aloi Pvt. Ltd in partnership with UNDP conducted three crucial training programs across different regions, focusing on “Business Plan Development, Financial Management, and Green Financing” for Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) in Makwanpur. This is one of the UNDP projects in Nepal 2024. The training was hosted in Chuchekhola, Piple Pokhara, and Bungdal, and provided valuable insights and hands-on learning experiences aimed at strengthening local entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable forest-based businesses.

1. Chuchekhola CFUG Training (Sept 25-27, 2024)

Our first training took place in the scenic village of Chuchekhola, where 34 participants gathered for three days of intensive learning. The focus was on marketing strategies, forest regulations, branding, and business planning. 

Key Highlights:

– Marketing & Branding: Participants learned traditional and digital marketing techniques and were encouraged to role-play as business owners of forest-based products like medicinal herbs and eco-tourism.

– Business Plan Development: Groups worked on drafting comprehensive business plans, focusing on production costs and marketing strategies.

– Financial Management: On the final day, participants studied into enterprise accounting, tax regulations, and financial forecasting, equipping them with tools for future growth.

2. Piple Pokhara CFUG Training (Sept 10-12, 2024)

In Piple Pokhara, we welcomed 35 participants for another three-day training program that aimed to empower local forest-based enterprises. The focus was similar to Chuchekhola, with a strong emphasis on business plan development.

Key Highlights:

– Forest Regulations & Marketing: Participants explored Federal Forest Regulations and learned the importance of branding in both local and international markets.

– Hands-on Business Planning: Groups worked on product-specific plans, creating strategies for items like bamboo combs and Nepal map keychains.

– Financial Planning: Practical sessions on investment, expenditure planning, and profit-loss analysis fostered collaborative learning.

3. Bungdal CFUG Training (Sept 14-16, 2024)

The final leg of our training journey took place in Bungdal, with 35 eager participants. Despite weather and logistical challenges, the training successfully covered essential aspects of business planning and financial management.

Key Highlights:

– Business Planning & Cost Analysis: Participants created business plans for products like turmeric powder and compost manure. A key takeaway was the importance of accurate cost analysis in ensuring sustainable business growth.

– Market Pitch Practices: On the last day, participants practiced pitching their business ideas, with a focus on effective branding and marketing strategies.

– Packaging & Branding: Emphasis was placed on how effective packaging and unique branding can make products stand out in competitive markets.

Conclusion 

Across all three regions, the training sessions were well-received, with participants showing great interest in learning and applying business and financial management skills. While the core objective business plan development was successfully achieved. We are happy to work alongside UNDP projects in Nepal 2024.

The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the CFUGs highlight the importance of continued support for these communities. We look forward to organizing more comprehensive training programs to further empower these forest-based enterprises.

Kathmandu, Nepal – June 19, 2024

Laxmi Sunrise Bank and Aloi are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the commencement of a strategic partnership aimed at exploring, evaluating, and potentially initiating and scaling sustainable and green financing through digital interventions.

This collaboration is set to enhance sustainable and green financing initiatives, reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship. Also, the partnership will strengthen the bank’s portfolio in the SME and MSME sectors, leveraging leads generated by Aloi to drive growth. By supporting the development of SMEs and MSMEs, this collaboration is poised to make significant contributions to economic progress, fostering job creation and enhancing their impact on the economy. Furthermore, the initiative will include financial literacy and banking-related educational programs for participants identified by Aloi, further solidifying the commitment to economic empowerment and community development.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Dipesh Amatya Chief-RFS at Laxmi Sunrise Bank, and Ms. Sonika Manandhar, Co-Founder and CTO of Aloi. Both parties are dedicated to identifying strategic opportunities within green and sustainable sectors, leveraging their strengths and networks to drive innovation and create impactful change.

This MOU underscores the shared vision of both Laxmi Sunrise Bank and Aloi to foster a sustainable future and drive positive environmental impact through collaborative efforts.

About Aloi:

Aloi is a software platform providing climate financing monitoring for grassroots entrepreneurs. Our software tracks business loan expenditures and repayment automatically to ensure sufficient support and building of trust between lenders and borrowers. For more information, please visit read more about us.

About Laxmi Sunrise Bank: 

Laxmi Sunrise Bank, a premier commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank, continues to spearhead transformative initiatives in the Nepalese banking sector. With a wide network of branches nationwide offering a comprehensive range of retail and commercial banking services, Laxmi Sunrise Bank has cemented its position as a cornerstone of the country’s financial landscape via modern technology-driven banking products/services, a progressive business model, and social obligations. The bank aims to use finance to deliver sustainable and green economic, social, and environmental development.