As part of BOC’s continuing efforts to help small-scale entrepreneurs emerge from the financial and operational challenges experienced on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank took their Business Revival clinic to Kilinochchi in late February. The program held on February 23, in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Kilinochchi District and, a large numbers of the bank’s micro, small and medium scale fisheries based customers were present.
The entrepreneurs received an opportunity to participate in a day-long program conducted by BOC, with a series of sessions allowing for direct interaction with the bank’s and Executive Management personnel and area plus branch managers, to voice their business concerns. The bank’s Executive Management was represented by V. Sivananthan, Assistant General Manager Northern Province and the event also drew the participation of K. Mohanakumar, Assistant Director Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Kilinochchi District. Other lead forum participants included S. Nethananthan, Area Manager Jaffna East, K. Alan Jeyaharan, Manager Kilinochchi Branch and S. Sivarupan, Manager Mulankavil Branch.
During the clinic, fisheries-focused customers from Kilinochchi and surrounding areas presented their entrepreneurial challenges to bank officials, with attention paid to identifying the reasons for business failure and subsequently receiving customized solutions to address exact concerns. Topics ranging from capital expenditure, operating expenses, to specialist loans were discussed as part of the program, with advice given to help entrepreneurs revive their businesses amidst the ongoing pandemic-affected economy.
As part of the program, the bank raised awareness among entrepreneurs on fisheries-specific loan facilities offered through BOC’s Divi Udana scheme, which carries specialized individual loans for business tasks ranging from the purchase of fishing nets to building of tanks.
The bank’s Business Revival and Specialist Loan clinics across the island have been well-received by entrepreneur communities across sectors such as fisheries, prawn farming, and pea cultivation, further strengthening BOC’s position as the industry-leader in facilitating development loans, with particular emphasis currently on boosting Sri Lanka’s vibrant yet hard-hit Micro and SME sector.
