International Training on SMEs and Nutrition: Upgrading Business Models
Empowering SMEs to create nutrition-sensitive business strategies for healthier food systems
Course Background
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in shaping food systems, especially in developing countries. However, many SMEs focus primarily on profitability, neglecting the integration of nutrition into their business models. This course, “Small and Medium Enterprises and Nutrition: Upgrading Business Models”, is designed to help SMEs shift their business strategies to include nutrition-sensitive practices. The aim is to enhance SMEs’ contributions to sustainable and inclusive food systems by embedding nutrition-focused principles.
This e-learning course is the second in a two-part series focused on helping SMEs embed nutrition-sensitive strategies. It offers practical tools and strategies to integrate nutrition goals across SME operations, from production to marketing.
Course Objectives
Understand and apply nutrition-sensitive business models and strategies.Identify and segment customer groups vulnerable to nutrition-related issues.Develop value propositions focused on nutritious food products.Identify opportunities to integrate nutrition-sensitive practices into the SME value chain.Employ marketing tools to promote nutritious foods effectively.Build partnerships to support nutrition-sensitive initiatives.Explore financing options for nutrition-focused SMEs.What You Will Learn
How to design a nutrition-sensitive business strategy for SMEs.How to identify and prioritize customer groups at nutritional risk.How to align business offerings with improved dietary outcomes.How to integrate nutrition objectives across the SME value chain.How to develop marketing strategies for nutritious food products.How to establish strategic partnerships to enhance nutrition and business growth.How to access financing options for nutrition-sensitive SMEs.Target Participants
This course is tailored for:
SME Trainers and Business Development Service ProvidersSME Owners and Managers in the Food SectorPolicymakers and Advisors Focused on SME Development, Nutrition, and Food SystemsCivil Society Actors and Development Practitioners Promoting Sustainable Food SystemsAcademics and Learners Interested in Nutrition-Sensitive Business ModelsTraining Modules
| No. | Module | Details |
|---|
| 1 | Designing a Nutrition-Sensitive Strategy | This module helps SMEs align their business goals with nutrition objectives, integrating nutrition into the core vision and mission of the enterprise. |
| 2 | Identifying Customers | Focuses on market segmentation and identifying nutritionally vulnerable customer groups, including behavioral insights and consumer profiling. |
| 3 | Developing a Value Proposition | This module guides participants in creating value propositions centered around nutritious foods that meet both market demand and public health needs. |
| 4 | Integrating Nutrition into Business Activities | Teaches SMEs how to identify entry points for nutrition integration across production, processing, storage, and distribution activities. |
| 5 | Marketing Nutritious Foods | Focuses on effective marketing strategies, branding, labeling, and using social marketing tools to promote nutritious food products. |
| 6 | Building Partnerships | This module covers building strategic partnerships to enhance SME business and nutrition outcomes, including multi-stakeholder platforms. |
| 7 | Getting Access to Finance | Explores financing mechanisms, investment opportunities, and how SMEs can access the funding required to support nutrition-sensitive initiatives. |
Training Style
The training will be delivered through a combination of PowerPoint presentations, case studies, field visits, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions. Guest speakers, both in-person and virtually, will share real-world insights. Experienced facilitators will guide the learning experience and promote active engagement.
