On 22-23 May 2019, CKC organised the 1st training on “Preparing a Business Plan and Writing a Successful Proposal” for nearly 25 participants at iLead AMA Hue English Language Center, Hue City. They represented a range of organisations from Hue including NGO’s (CKC, CODES, Hearts for Hue, I Love Hue, Climate Change Research Centre), Thua Thien Hue Child Protection Association, HUEFO, HUSTA, and a young professionals start-up group. The training was presented by Mr. Philip Thomas – CKC’s Business Development Advisor.

On the first day of training, Philip explained that NGO’s, local authorities, government departments, teams and businesses can all benefit from preparing a business plan which involves a written statement, a vision for the future, and specific steps or actions to achieve that vision.  Business plans are particularly helpful for start-up organisations (like CKC) and for organisations facing change due to reduced budgets or restructuring.

On the second day of training, all participants were introduced about the rules would also assist applications for jobs and scholarships, and then described eight steps to prepare a successful funding proposal including Be selective, Know your deadline, Plan ahead, Make it a team approach, Get feedback – and use it, Know your audience, Be positive and upbeat, and Keep it short.

Colleagues then participated in a practical session where they worked individually and then in pairs to write an opening paragraph for a proposal.  They focused on using confident and positive language, clearly and concisely defining the problem and then their response to the problem, in order to quickly get the attention of the reader – which is vital when there maybe dozens if not hundreds of applications.  They then presented their work to the group who asked questions and provided feedback.

Participants were offered a free 1-hour consultation with CKC to discuss their funding proposals or for general advice after the training.