27 April Kathmandu, 2020
While the total economic impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nepal is yet to be gauged, it is evident that the small-and-medium enterprises (SME) sector contributes around 22% of the GDP and generates about 17 lakh employment has taken a significant hit.
To revive the economy and further mitigate the impact of the pandemic, it is critical to reinvigorating the SME sector. To contribute to the efforts, Daraz, the leading online marketplace in the country, has launched Daraz Seller Sahayatri Program – a program through which the platform is inviting retailers & businesses across the country to set up their digital ventures on Daraz to diversify their revenue streams beyond traditional brick and mortar.
The program is currently being implemented in all of Daraz’s operating countries. It aims to reinvigorate the SME sector by providing a subsidy of nearly half a million US dollars with dedicated one-on-one support and access to free business consultation.
Under the program, Daraz Nepal has promised to charge 0% marketplace fees to SMEs on the sales made from the platform for May and June 2020. The total local support package includes subsidies of more than NPR 55 lakh. The company is providing a swift online store set up so that new businesses can start selling on Daraz as early as possible. Furthermore, businesses will also have access to analytical tools, free-of-cost education, and training on eCommerce operations through Daraz University as the platform focuses on learning to ensure sellers can optimize their business on Daraz.
Other support initiatives within the program include:
- Weekly payouts to all Daraz sellers until 30 June 2020
- Dedicated campaigns and visibility on the Daraz app for all SME sellers
- Free access to analytical tools to improve performance
- One-on-one support to help new sellers set up their online shops
Daraz is confident that the Sahayatri program will help thousands of SMEs get back on their feet by leveraging the increased e-commerce activity and reaching millions of Daraz customers across the country.