Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), in collaboration with the ILO, Country Office for Bangladesh and National Association of Small & Cottage Industries of Bangladesh (NASCIB), Sylhet, organized a 3 day-long “Training on Formalize Your Business for Informal Enterprises” during 20-22 September 2025 at Conference Hall, Hotel Valley Garden, Sylhet Tower, Subhani Ghat, Bishwa Road, Sylhet. The training aimed to promote business formalization by enhancing participants’ understanding of its benefits, processes, and challenges. The training was design to equip informal entrepreneurs with practical steps for transforming their businesses into formal entities.

The program was led by Mr. Joha Jamilur Rahman, ILO Certified FYB Trainer and Head of Training at BEF, who outlined the training objectives and expected outcomes, utilizing participatory methods to engage attendees in an interactive learning experience.

The inaugural session was chaired by Ms. Gazi Jinat Afza, Vice President, NASCIB, Sylhet & Director, Sylhet Chaamber of Commerce and Industry, Sylhet. She extended a warm welcome to participants and shared insights from the private sector regarding the importance of formalization. Chief guest Mr. Ahtasamul Haque Chowdhury, Ex Vice President, Sylhet Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sylhet discussed the key legal and administrative requirements for business formalization, including Business registration, Taxation, VAT processes and Bookkeeping. Additionally, Mr. Kibria, NASCIB addressed the major challenges faced in the formalization process and offered practical solutions to overcome these hurdles.

This training program was intended for owners and managers of informal cottage, micro, and small enterprises, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs from the Sylhet region. A total of 24 participants (Female-07, Male-17) from priority industry sectors availed of this unique learning opportunity.