BeshiDeshi’s Mobile Platform Empowers 5,000+ Artisans
▼ Summary
– BeshiDeshi combines a digital marketplace with a mobile-first e-learning platform to transform artisan livelihoods in Bangladesh.
– The initiative was created to address a gap where artisans possessed craft skills but lacked the digital skills needed to market their products effectively.
– It provides video-based lessons in Bangla that are short, visual, and practical, making learning accessible and directly applicable via smartphones.
– Artisans who apply the training have experienced tangible results, including 30–40% sales growth, better pricing strategies, and improved online engagement.
– Beyond training, the platform offers financial support and market access, with future plans to expand into export readiness and social media branding modules.
A mobile-first platform in Bangladesh is revolutionizing the way artisans build their businesses, empowering over 5,000 individuals with the digital skills needed to thrive in a modern economy. BeshiDeshi merges an online marketplace with accessible e-learning, creating a powerful tool for artisans who possess remarkable crafting talent but previously lacked the means to effectively market their goods. This initiative, active since 2018, provides practical training in areas like product photography and business strategy, directly leading to more sustainable livelihoods.
The concept emerged from a clear disconnect. While local artisans could produce exquisite handicrafts, they often had no way to navigate the digital landscape required to sell them. The pandemic sharply highlighted this vulnerability, pushing BeshiDeshi to develop a structured, video-based curriculum in Bangla. These lessons are designed specifically for a mobile audience, featuring short, visual, and highly practical modules that artisans can easily absorb and immediately apply to their work.
The training methodology is built on fostering early success. It begins with achievable skills, such as taking quality photos with a smartphone, which builds a foundation of confidence. This encouragement paves the way for artisans to tackle more complex topics, including managing online orders, controlling inventory, and applying design thinking to their product lines. The impact is measurable; participants who use the platform’s lessons frequently report a 30–40% increase in sales, alongside more strategic pricing and significantly better engagement with online customers.
BeshiDeshi’s support system extends beyond education. The platform integrates crucial elements like financial assistance and direct market links, forming a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures artisan enterprises from the ground up. Looking ahead, plans for expansion involve introducing new modules focused on preparing for exports and strengthening social media branding. A dedicated mobile application with offline capabilities is also in development. By seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology, BeshiDeshi provides marginalized communities with a viable path to turn their skills into a stable and growing source of income.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
