Non-profit social enterprise Building Markets has launched its first HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) training centre in Mandalay, which is part of a program aimed at helping Myanmar cultivate small businesses and support the country’s future business leaders.
The e-learning centre is provided through the US Agency for International Development-funded “Advancement and Development through Entrepreneurship Programs and Training” partnership (ADEPT) with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.
USAID Mission Director Chris Milligan said, “This is a concrete example of USAID’s commitment to the small businesses and entrepreneurs of this country.”
“We are very excited to bring to Mandalay those great training materials developed by HP,” said Emmanuel Maillard, country director for Building Markets in Myanmar.
“The e-learning is in line with our efforts to modernise the business culture in Mandalay. It will help local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to familiarise themselves with numeric content and processes, which is essential for them to become better integrated in regional and global supply chains.”
The opening of the Building Markets HP LIFE Centre comes at the half-way mark for the three-year ADEPT program, and is the sixth such centre and first in Mandalay. It is part of shared efforts to create economic opportunities for SMEs through information and communication technology (ICT)-led programs.
The centre is equipped with the latest HP technology and classroom solutions, including the HP LIFE e-Learning program, as well as other resources to encourage and support entrepreneurship and business skills in under-served populations.