Based on feedback from business owners who rated development of managerial skills as their second highest need after financing, the Business Edge Program has developed a suite of affordable, locally-tailored management training resources to improve individual and company performance. These include 1-2 day workshops, workbooks for self-study, a rigorous competency-based ‘Train the Trainer’ certification process, and Business Edge TV, a weekly business information program in Cambodia. To ensure sustainability, Business Edge collaborates closely with local partners. Workbooks are printed and sold by local publishers, and seminars are delivered by local training companies. To meet growing demand for qualifications, the BE Program is piloting an initiative in Vietnam that enables middle managers to earn an internationally-recognized certificate of applied business skills. Based on success in the Mekong region, IFC-MPDF is helping other IFC Facilities in Asia and Africa to adapt Business Edge resources for their own needs.
