Uttar Pradesh, home to an estimated 3 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), is the newest hunting ground for online social networking giant Facebook, in India. In a one-of-its-kind initiative, Facebook and the UP government have got together to launch the ‘Boost your business’ programme that would be conducted in five districts.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple Yadav will launch the initiative from her Lok Sabha constituency Kannauj on Thursday in order to encourage the state’s MSME industry to reach global heights. After Kannauj, the programme would be held in Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Lucknow between February 11 and March 11.
Inviting the MSME sector to collaborate with them and learn how to expand their businesses with expert insights from Facebook officials, the UP government advertisement says, “Give your business a chance to reach the farthest corners of the world.” Directing the authorities concerned to provide all possible assistance to the Facebook initiative in five districts, the chief minister said the programme would train them to increase marketing of their products and services and maintain a long lasting relationship with their clients. A nodal officer would be appointed in every district to make the programme a success.
Facebook had launched the first of this initiatives in India in Hyderabad in August 2015. “Through this initiative, businesses can engage with a broad selection of small business peers and Facebook experts to learn and share their experiences of growing an online business in today’s global economy. Hands-on training sessions will include how to effectively use mobile, reach international audiences and boost brand online,” said a Facebook post.
The major MSME pockets in Uttar Pradesh include, Varanasi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Kanpur and Kannauj. While Varanasi and the adjoining areas are known for their Banarasi silk and carpet industry, Kanpur is known for its leather industry, Lucknow for its chikan work and Kannauj for the itr or perfume industry.
