NiApreneurs to deliver business solutions with purpose and passion

NiApreneurs web site being launched by (from left) NiApreneurs Advisory Board Member Pradeep Edward, NiApreneurs Co-Founder/Director Nilani Seneviratne, Co-Founder/Director Archana Law and Advisory Board Member Dr. Nirmal De Silva - Pix by Ruwan Walpola

NiApreneurs – a social enterprise with a difference – was launched recently in Colombo with the overarching objective of empowering communities through transformative collaborations with socially conscious business partners. With a business model aligned with the principles of sustainable development, NiApreneurs addresses pressing social, ecological and economic challenges through a market-driven approach. 

“We are setting a solid foundation for what is now globally considered as the future of business,” elaborated Co-Founder Nilani Seneviratne. “Around the world, social businesses are not only tackling social and environmental challenges, but also addressing market failures across industries. There is much potential for fostering collaborative partnerships right here in Sri Lanka that can result in truly ‘triple bottom line’ businesses, which seek profit as well as social impact and environmental sustainability. We are excited about the limitless prospects and impact NiApreneurs is ready to create.”

Both Co-Founders draw wisdom from their collective varied experience of over five decades as transformation advocates in both personal and business growth. With an illustrious career spanning in the banking and finance sector, Nilani is also a Business and Management Consultant specialised in banking. Archana is a professionally certified Executive Performance Coach, Behavioural Psychologist, Talent Consultant and Organisational Development Expert.

“Through this novel approach, NiApreneurs promises clients value-added learning and development opportunities by first understanding economic considerations and market dynamics that foster growth, develop capacity and enhance productivity of businesses in a sustainable manner,” added Co-Founder Archana Law. “This enables NiApreneurs to assist communities address social and environmental challenges with vision and purpose, forming a powerful network of partners, collaborators and communities striving for a better tomorrow.”  

NiApreneurs supports their mission by conducting innovative capability building programs, re-skilling and up-skilling the workforce to build a strong talent pool of skilled individuals readily available for opportunity employment. Small and medium-scale business entrepreneurs will also be engaged in skill building programs, so that communities are equipped to transform through social innovation, sustainable business practices and eco-friendly initiatives to improve their livelihoods and elevate living standards. 

At the launch, Neluka Silva, Professor in English at the University of Colombo shared the impact on ventures such as NiApreneurs in the academic world to inspire and transform the future workforce in our country. In an environment, which is both challenging and vulnerable, NiApreneurs will be an ideal partner for business and corporates to collaborate with to deliver solutions, expressed Kavinda De Zoysa, Director and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Citibank – Colombo. 

Sharing a different perspective, Ajai Vir Singh Founder of Colombo Fashion Week, spoke about the expanded scope of opportunities and the key pillars that will form the basis of development. Taking a cue from showcasing fashion as a destination sensitive towards environment and social impact, NiApreneurs could make a definite contribution with its multipronged platform.  

“This social enterprise comes at an opportune time in Sri Lanka where there is growing interest by investors, consumers and policymakers,” stated Dr. Nirmal De Silva, visionary leader and sought after Startup, SME, Social Enterprise and Leadership Power Play specialist, now also guiding NiApreneurs as part of the company’s Advisory Board. 

“It is important that organisations focus on creating social impact in their day to day business. The NiApreneurs vision and operational philosophy is geared towards achieving just that. Whether it is enhancing the talent in an organisation, developing the next generation of entrepreneurs or empowering youth and women across the country, NiApreneurs will definitely be creating positive social impact. The social enterprise ecosystem in the country definitely needs companies like NiApreneurs and I am indeed excited to see its entry to the local market.”

Among an interesting line up of programs, the upcoming Leaders Think Tank on 10 July is the next event by NiApreneurs. Refer www.niaplk.com for more details.