LightCastle, Meta launch Small Business Growth Academy in Bangladesh

International consulting firm LightCastle Partners, in partnership with Meta, has launched the Meta Small Business Growth Academy in Bangladesh to strengthen the digital and AI capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses and help them expand into new markets.

The initiative will provide Bangladeshi entrepreneurs with hands-on training on Meta’s digital platforms and AI-powered tools, focusing on reaching new customers, improving productivity, strengthening digital marketing and exploring opportunities in local and international markets, according to a statement.

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The programme will be implemented through workshops and activities conducted by LightCastle Partners, with training tailored to the needs of local entrepreneurs and businesses.

“At Meta, we see every day how small businesses use our AI-enabled tools to reach customers and grow,” said Tehara Punchihewa, public policy associate manager for South Asia at Meta.

“The Small Business Growth Academy is about giving more entrepreneurs the practical skills and support they need to use these tools confidently, compete more effectively, and take part in the opportunities being created by the digital economy.”

The academy will be implemented across 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, initially aiming to support more than 10,000 businesses.

The training will cover strengthening online presence, improving digital platform capabilities, digital marketing, the use of AI-powered tools, customer engagement and identifying opportunities for business expansion.

“At LightCastle Partners, we see every day how investing in grassroots entrepreneurship transforms communities and drives inclusive economic progress,” said Bijon Islam, chief executive officer of LightCastle Partners.

“Our partnership efforts are about giving more founders the mentorship, insights and structural support they need to build competitive enterprises and contribute actively to regional development,” he added.