Entrepreneur DNA Mapping

Entrepreneurship in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities, especially for youth and women in rural areas. The Northern Province of Sri Lanka has great economic potential, but it encounters distinctive obstacles arising from its history of conflict and economic isolation. Entrepreneurship has the potential to stimulate socio-economic development in the region. There is an increasing demand in North Sri Lanka to provide assistance and empower young and female entrepreneurs to unlock their capabilities and contribute to the region's development.

As part of the LIIN-GRIT implementation, the first-ever comprehensive ground-level research on entrepreneurship in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka was conducted. This study aimed to understand the market landscape and the impact ecosystem for entrepreneurs, including exploring the network of ecosystem actors involved in markets, value chains, and support services, with a particular focus on services for women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.

It is vital to conduct a thorough ground-level research which requires gathering valuable insights, identifying appropriate strategies and tailoring interventions to effectively support aspiring entrepreneurs in the Northern Province. The research-driven approach will enhance the impact and sustainability of the project outcomes and will contribute to evidence-based decision-making.