THE first phase of the Coca-Cola Growing Together business course has wrapped on a high note, with strong take-up by micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Wisynco network who embraced the development opportunity.

Between August 2023 and February 2024, 350 women and men between the ages of 18 and 65 completed the free, 90-minute digital course which was funded by Coca-Cola Foundation and designed by Fundes Latin America.

“As Wisynco grows, so do the opportunities for our partners; similarly, their own growth positively impacts ours. I am really pleased that so many of our customers have completed the programme and are already seeing the benefits,” said William Mahfood, chairman of Wisynco Group, at a reception held May 25 at • Mona Visitors’ Lodge and Conference Centre in St Andrew.

Designed to enhance shopkeepers’ success and turn their businesses into centres of higher profit, the course touched on topics such as managing your business, digitalisation of the business, electronic payments,
WhatsApp business, inventory, and financial health.

Keynote speaker Senator Dr Dana Morris-Dixon, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for skills, digital transformation and information, commended the graduates.

“The completion of this course is a testament to the drive and determination of our people that fuels the local economy. I am thrilled to see the significant emphasis on digital literacy and transformation; the pathway for MSMEs to scale and succeed in today’s economy is through technology. Embrace and leverage these digital tools, optimise your business, and become more competitive,” the minister said.

Shireen Ganga, senior franchise operations manager with Coca-Cola, said the Coca-Cola Caribbean system will continue working on the development of an ecosystem that ensures the permanence and competitiveness of each of these businesses.

“It is inspiring to see how business owners have taken advantage of the growth and development opportunities like this one,” she said.

The Jamaican cohort is among 12,000 men and women across the Caribbean who have completed the course.

“Having a small-scale business, I never had put much thought into having a structured business model; however, after completing the course, I now send my customers receipts where I can follow up on payments, record my income and expenses with an accounting app, and employ online payment methods — which, before, I would never have seen myself using,” said businessman Ceyon Baugh.

Donovan Wignal, outgoing president of MSME Alliance, spoke to the importance of providing support to MSMEs given their role and importance to the economy.

“By equipping MSMEs with the knowledge and skills to manage their businesses effectively, digitalise their operations, and enhance their financial health, we are not only empowering individual entrepreneurs but also strengthening the foundation of our economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chantellee McDonald, Coca-Cola brand manager, announced that the online business course is again available and will remain open to MSMEs within the Wisynco network until December 2024.