The UNDP Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme, has conducted a round of training for winners of Cohort IV with a focus on enhancing customer relations as a cornerstone of sustainable business growth. 

At the training, Accountability Lab Liberia Country Director Lawrence Yealue, stressed the importance of building robust customer relationships, noting that Liberian-owned businesses often struggle to compete because of poor customer service.

Mr. Yealue said many Liberian businesses are losing competitive grounds to international service providers, particularly in industries such as catering, where foreign companies frequently dominate due to excellent customer service standards. 

Yealue urged Liberian entrepreneurs to improve customer service, a key factor for staying competitive. He added that Liberian businesses can only compete with international companies if they focus on delivering high-quality, customer-centered services. He urged business owners to reconsider their approach to customer relations, viewing it as an integral part of their business strategy.

The two-day training held in Ganta Nimba County on 8-9 November 2024 for MSMEs, and Agricultural Cooperatives, introduced participants to the fundamental aspects of business growth, such as supply chain management, customer service, market linkages, team building and collaboration. Each session provided entrepreneurs with hands-on learning experiences, encouraging them to actively explore strategies for improving their operations and overcoming business challenges.

The sessions supported each group in building practical skills that directly impact their day-to-day business activities and covered topics on production and distribution, marketing, and branding, exploring fundraising and investment opportunities and creating a value chain in customer interactions.

Reflecting on the knowledge acquired from the workshop, Sandra Perkins Lighe CEO of Zagg Naturals, shared the value of the “Product Journey” exercise, describing how it has reshaped her approach to business. 

“We were made to fully understand what product journey is and how we can improve our different products and services,” she stated, highlighting the importance of aligning customer needs with the product life cycle.

Lighe expressed pride in Liberia’s potential in the agricultural sector, encouraging women entrepreneurs to bring Liberian products to the world stage and demonstrating a commitment to innovation and growth, with plans to create jobs and drive economic development in Liberia.

The Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme is part of a mission to empower entrepreneurs and Liberian MSMEs nationwide by providing co-financing opportunities, technical assistance, and training to select businesses, and helping Liberian businesses optimize their skills in customer service, supply chain, marketing, and branding.

 The Chief Executive Officer of ICampus, Luther D. Jeke, highlighted the importance and impact of the programme across the country in the last four years. Jeke encouraged the Cohort IV winners to keep their passion, dedication, and zeal to scale and grow their businesses.

“These virtues will trigger the employment of other youths, women and persons with disabilities within your ventures and contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods,” he noted.

The winners represent a range of industries, from agro-ventures to medical and service-based enterprises. Each business has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and growth, with plans to create jobs and drive development.

Businesses competed in grant categories of US$10,000, US$20,000, and US$40,000, based on business viability, profitability, and socioeconomic impact. 

Each winning business receives mentorship and business development training, to help them navigate the challenges of scaling up in Liberia’s competitive market environment.

The Growth Accelerator Liberia Programme is a flagship initiative of UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Forestry Development Authority, Accountability Lab Liberia and iCampus Liberia co-funded by the European Union, and the Swedish Embassy in Monrovia.