Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024: Vidatha Programme Empowers Entrepreneurs Across Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, November 2024 – The Vidatha Programme marked an important milestone during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 by organizing a nationwide series of impactful events to empower Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. Spearheaded by Additional Secretary Mr. Lakkadas and Director of Vidatha, Mr. Manoj Karunarathna, the programme reached all 25 districts of the country, providing entrepreneurs with valuable tools and knowledge to help grow their businesses.
Nationwide Initiatives for Entrepreneurs
In celebration of GEW 2024, the Vidatha Programme organized a diverse range of activities across Sri Lanka. Each district held at least three distinct events, including Vidatha Haritha Kadamandiya (Green Initiatives), Technology Transfer Programmes, Digital Marketing Workshops, and Knowledge Sharing Sessions. These events aimed to foster innovation, enhance digital literacy, and promote sustainable business practices among local entrepreneurs.
Highlight Collaborations and Workshops
The Vidatha Unit’s head office coordinated several key programmes during the week. One of the standout initiatives was a collaboration with Dialog’s Idea Mart, which conducted a Digimansala workshop tailored for women entrepreneurs. This event offered invaluable insights into digital services for SMEs, with Dialog providing technical support to help female entrepreneurs tap into the digital economy. The workshop was met with great enthusiasm, and many attendees immediately signed up for the services offered by Dialog, recognizing the tremendous value it added to their businesses.
Additionally, in partnership with the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), two major digital marketing programmes were conducted. These sessions were held in Colombo, Gampaha, and Kaluthara districts and attracted over 60 participants. Entrepreneurs were equipped with modern digital marketing strategies to enhance their online presence and connect with customers in a rapidly evolving digital world. Vidatha Officers played an integral role in these sessions, sharing their expertise and offering support to local entrepreneurs.
A Success Stories of Entrepreneurs programme was also conducted via Zoom, offering motivation and inspiration to SMEs across Sri Lanka. This virtual session showcased the success stories of local entrepreneurs who had overcome challenges and achieved significant milestones in their businesses. The session was designed to inspire and encourage other entrepreneurs to pursue their own growth and success.
Special Programmes in Rathnapura and GMP Awareness
In Rathnapura, Vidatha, and NEDA officers organized a successful two-day Digital Marketing programme at the District Secretariat, with 40 participants in attendance. The programme was a hands-on opportunity for local entrepreneurs to learn about the latest digital marketing techniques to grow their businesses in an increasingly online world.
Additionally, a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Awareness session was held, focusing on relevant testing, global trends, and the importance of GMP certification for SMEs. This session was particularly valuable for entrepreneurs looking to expand their markets globally, as it provided guidance on the certification process and how adhering to international standards could boost their credibility and competitiveness.
Virtual Programs for SMEs Across Sri Lanka
To further extend its reach, Vidatha also organized several Zoom-based programs for SMEs across Sri Lanka to improve the quality and the standard of their products. These sessions were conducted with the support of leading global organizations like SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Control Union Inspections (Pvt) Ltd, and Ind-Expo Certification Ltd. The programs covered a range of topics, from global standards and testing to certification processes, providing vital knowledge for SMEs looking to expand and improve their operations.
A Positive Impact on the Entrepreneurial Landscape
The success of the Vidatha Programme during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 underscores the growing support for entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. With a focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and capacity building, the programme continues to be a powerful catalyst for growth in the country’s SME sector.
Through initiatives like these, Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs are gaining the skills, knowledge, and digital tools needed to navigate the challenges of today’s business world. As the country moves towards a more innovative and digital future, the Vidatha Programme remains a critical player in empowering the next generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
