The Entrepreneurship Development Training Program (EDTP) is designed to support and nurture women entrepreneurs with the aim of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, enhancing industry-specific skills, strengthening business management knowledge, and sustainable growth. It equips participants with the tools and strategies needed to navigate a dynamic and competitive business landscape, helping them lead and scale their businesses to new heights. This program is open to both small and medium-level entrepreneurs, offering tailored training, personalized mentoring, industry exposure visits, inspiring stories of successful women entrepreneurs, and access to investment opportunities.
Key Objectives
Enrich Entrepreneurial Drive
Strengthen the motivation and strategic mindset of women entrepreneurs to help them overcome challenges and pursue growth opportunities.
Engage in Skill Development
Equip them with essential industrial & business knowledge to advance their businesses by engaging them in targeted mentoring programs.
Enable Sustainable Growth
Facilitate sustainable growth by assisting entrepreneurs in developing strategies for long-term business viability and scaling their operation.
Embed Investment Readiness
Embed investment readiness by preparing selected entrepreneurs with enhanced business plans, financials, pitches, & connecting with potential investors.
The Journey of EDTP
The EDTP Journey Map is a transformative framework designed to empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey. From identifying market opportunities and enhancing operational efficiency to mastering business management and preparing for global expansion, this roadmap provides a holistic approach to entrepreneurial growth.
Key milestones include evaluating and innovating for business success, enhancing processes with industry best practices, mastering essential business management skills, pitching day competition, and preparing for impactful investor readiness support. As participants progress, they gain tools to build brand authority, explore global opportunities, and contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship and collaboration.
EVALUATE & INNOVATE
- Evaluate the current business landscape to understand opportunities, challenges and trends in the market.
- Refine and innovate your business idea and model to stay competitive and drive growth.
INDUSTRY EDGE CYCLE
- Improve product and process quality.
- Adopt efficient technology solutions.
- Implement cost-cutting measures.
- Explore product or service diversification opportunities.
- Enhance workplace efficiency through innovative practices like 5S.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CYCLE
- Financial Management
- Sales & Marketing Strategies
- Human Resource Management
- Legal & Regulatory Compliance
- Personal & Professional Development
SCALE-UP & GROWTH
- Build Brand Authority
- Perfect Your Pitch & presentation skills
- Investment readiness support
PITCH DAY
- Showcasing entrepreneurs' impactful visions
LEAD & EMPOWER
- Be a Mentor and Pay it Forward to the ecosystem
GLOBAL HORIZONS
- Access to private equity funding
- Exclusive Exposure
- Visit to Canada
HOW THE EDTP WORKS?
Program Components
- Interactive Learning Sessions: Entrepreneurs engage in tailored sessions designed to evaluate and enhance their business operations, ensuring the curriculum meets the unique needs of each enterprise.
- Mentoring Programs: Experienced mentors provide personalized guidance through one-on-one coaching sessions, helping businesses tackle specific challenges and achieve growth.
- Inspiring Journeys: Successful women entrepreneurs from the region share their stories, inspiring participants with real-world insights and motivating them to pursue their own paths with confidence.
- Factory Visits: Gain hands-on experience and valuable insights into real-world business operations through guided factory tours.
- Business Plan & Pitch Deck Preparation: Create a compelling business plan and develop impactful pitch decks that showcase your business potential and attract investors.
Program Timeline
Eligibility Criteria
We are seeking to recruit the best entrepreneurial talent, with a special focus on women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that drive innovation and economic growth in Sri Lanka's Northern Province.
Management and Ownership Criteria:
- The enterprise must be led, owned, or managed by a woman in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka (Including all 5 Districts: Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar).
- The business must be in one of these key sectors:
- Agriculture & Fisheries
- Food & Beverages
- Hotel & Tourism Services
- Beauty & Healthcare
- IT & Education
- Handicrafts & Designs
- Other Livelihoods
Small Enterprise
Must have formal registration
3-5 Years of business operation
Average Monthly income level between 75,000 - 100,000 LKR
No of Employees less than 10
Medium Enterprise
Must have formal registration
More than 5 Years of business operation
Average Monthly income level 100,000 LKR or above
No of Employees more than 10
Innovative Aspect: Priority will be given to SMEs with an innovative, scalable model that can expand beyond local markets and into exports.
Social and Environmental Impact: The enterprise must be able to demonstrate a measurable positive impact on society or the environment through its product or service.
Preference: Entrepreneurs with disabilities and SMEs that promote inclusion by providing job opportunities for persons with disabilities and marginalized groups.
Program Benefits
- Access to Capacity Building: Participants will benefit from tailored industry-specific training and business management expertise, designed to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive sustainable growth.
- Personalized Mentorship: Women entrepreneurs will be connected with experienced mentors who offer tailored guidance and support to navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses effectively.
- Increased Visibility: Entrepreneurs will gain opportunities to showcase their ventures to a broader audience through the program’s platforms and events.
- Networking Opportunities: Entrepreneurs will connect with a diverse network of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and partners within and outside their sectors, fostering sustainable partnerships and unlocking opportunities for business growth.
- Investment Opportunities: Entrepreneurs will have the chance to present their business ideas to potential investors, opening doors to funding and growth.
- Global Market Access: Entrepreneurs will connect with international markets through trade fairs, partnerships, and strategic opportunities, expanding their global reach.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial potential with EDTP-tailored to help you learn, grow, scale, and connect with impact investment opportunities. Join us on this transformative journey to create a brighter future for yourself, your business, and your community through innovative entrepreneurship.