Klebert Drenthe is from Paramaribo, Suriname. He studied journalism at the Academy for Higher Art and Culture, and he is currently completing his master in business administration in action learning. Klebert is also a business owner. He owns Concepts Media Consulting & Print, a local company that focuses on marketing and large-scale graphics and printing. Klebert has always been committed to giving back to his community, with a special focus on music, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and fostering a strong network. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Upgrade Your Business Online

Upgrade Your Business Online consisted of a two-day workshop for 102 individuals and one month of mentoring for 40 entrepreneurs. This program primarily focused on providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to give their business more exposure through different digital tools. Especially in times when many businesses have been forced to work with digital tools, this project helped fill in the gap for businesses which were not able to rapidly adapt their business model to the changed environment.

The project had four main objectives, the first was to help small businesses in Suriname construct a website, market their business via e-mail and social media, complete research on product-market fit, and refine their supply chain to build resilience around uncertainty. The second objective was to help small businesses rethink their business model and provide them with different on-demand service tools. The third objective was to help small businesses discover free e-learning tools and resources to help their continuing education in marketing and business development as they grow their business. And the final objective was to discuss necessary logistics for bringing a business online, such as how to access payment systems, using on-demand delivery services and implementing automated sales processes.

"The team was very helpful, and I really was amazed at how much impact the other entrepreneurs are making the in the community." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience

Klebert was a participant in the IVLP Project Migrating Your Small Business Online, organized by the U.S. Department of State and CRDF Global.

Klebert's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "The IVLP experience was very effective and practical. It was a great platform to interact with other leaders from different countries who share similar challenges within their communities."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually 

Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Las Vegas, NV; Pittsburgh, PA; San Antonio, TX

Country: Suriname

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