TikTok has launched a nationwide capacity-building programme with IDLC Finance to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh with digital marketing skills to expand their businesses locally and internationally.
The programme, TikTok Bazaar, will support up to 2,500 SMEs through in-person workshops, advanced training clusters, online mentoring and virtual support, TikTok said in a press release on Tuesday.
The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs move beyond traditional social commerce by using TikTok to reach wider audiences, strengthen their brands and explore new business opportunities.
Many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs already use social media platforms to promote and sell products such as clothing, food, cosmetics, personal care items, handicrafts and accessories. However, limited access to structured performance marketing training has restricted their ability to optimise campaigns and achieve sustainable growth, according to TikTok.
Under the programme, participating businesses will receive training on TikTok campaign planning, creative content production, account configuration, advertising optimisation and performance measurement.
Businesses with operational readiness will also receive guidance on reaching overseas customers and developing export-oriented campaigns.
Ferdous Mottakin, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, South Asia, TikTok, said digital creativity could become a powerful driver of business growth.
“In partnership with IDLC, we aim to provide SMEs with the knowledge, tools and support they need to turn creativity into measurable commercial opportunity through TikTok Bazaar, whether they are serving customers locally or introducing Bangladeshi products to audiences overseas,” he said.
Adnan Rashid, Head of SME, IDLC Finance, said digital inclusion was essential for SME growth, particularly for businesses outside major markets such as Dhaka and Chattogram.
“Bangladesh has a very potential SME scenario, and from IDLC, we are putting our best efforts to upskilling local SME business owners through collaborating with partners like TikTok,” he said.
Through TikTok Bazaar, the companies aim to help Bangladeshi entrepreneurs build resilient businesses, connect with new customers and participate more fully in the digital economy.
