One year ago, we began an exciting journey with the National Bank of Dominica (NBD) — and we had no idea just how transformative it would become. Working side by side with Shona Durand and her incredible team has been one of the true highlights of our work at idea&form. What started as an SME training program quickly grew into a shared mission: strengthen MSMEs, empower banking officers, and build a deeper connection between small businesses and the financial system in Dominica.
Throughout the year, our collaboration expanded far beyond training. Together, we combined:
Training & mentoring to build confidence and practical SME advisory skills
Process reviewing to understand how SME workflows really operate day-to-day
Process streamlining to make internal steps smoother and more client-friendly
Tools & product development, including shaping the new Ea$yAccounting app
Team building, fostering a group that works with trust, clarity, and purpose
All of this laid the foundation for something truly meaningful:
💡 the creation of NBD’s new SME Unit, a dedicated home for entrepreneurs inside the bank.
We watched the NBD team embrace new tools, rethink long-standing practices, and support each other as they grew into stronger SME advisors. This collaboration didn’t just upgrade processes — it ignited a cultural shift.
A shift toward understanding MSMEs more deeply… and serving them more effectively. Standing with Shona at the bank in Dominica, reflecting on everything we built together, made us incredibly proud — and excited for what comes next. A huge thank you to Shona and the entire NBD team for trusting us, challenging us, and sharing so many meaningful conversations (and laughs!) along the way.
This is partnership at its best. 💚
Here’s to the continued growth of MSMEs in Dominica — and to building even more bridges between entrepreneurs and financial institutions across the region.
#SMEBanking #MSMEDevelopment #FinancialInclusion #Dominica #NBD #ideaandform #SMEAcademy