Staff Reporter 

The Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) yesterday launched the DHI Business Acceleration Programme (DHI BizAP) focused on digital skill-up freelancing program.

A press release stated that DHI, in keeping with its Royal Charter mandate to “Lead, complement and spearhead the growth of a dynamic private sector”, supports the development of entrepreneurship and a supportive ecosystem.

Previously DHI BizAP programmes focused on accelerating start-ups and advanced stage business proposals.  According to the press release, 61 entrepreneurs were trained in three cohorts and funding amounting to Nu 18.6 million (M) was awarded to 45 entrepreneurs.

The new programme is an iteration of its BizAP training and focuses on equipping its participants with digital fluency skills in areas such as website development, mobile app development, digital marketing complemented by skills in freelancing and gig economy.

According to the press release, as of 2021, Nu 1.1 billion (B) of the 3.5B global work-force is involved in freelancing, and South Asia is already a hotspot for global freelancing market.

DHI has partnered with Forward School, a Malaysia-based tech and future-skills school, to provide a bespoke program moulded to the unique needs of its Bhutanese participants. Forward School has experience in delivering practical knowledge that is application based and industry-ready.

The two-month course will begin on March 8 and will focus on delivering knowledge and skills in a fast-moving tech sector, as well as giving the participants a guide to penetrating the freelancing market.

After the conclusion of the in-class course, a six-month aftercare programme will provide handholding to participants to ensure they have the opportunity for success.  This involves apprenticeships, internships and similar support activities.

The programme will also provide internet access, payment access and other similar support.

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