Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum partners USAID to conduct Agcelerator Bootcamp

Monday, 22 April 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In an effort to support young entrepreneurs in agriculture, the Sri Lanka Agripreneurs› Forum (SLAF), is collaborating with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to organise the Agcelerator Bootcamp.

The Agcelerator Bootcamp, hosted by SLAF and supported by USAID Catalyze Sri Lanka Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity, is a training program aimed at founders of agricultural startups, small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises (SMEs), and agricultural entrepreneurs who have innovative solutions to real-world problems.

This program is part of the second phase of the Agcelerator Project, which provides funding and mentoring to empower agricultural entrepreneurs in the sector. The primary goal of this training program is to educate, motivate, and equip Sri Lankan agripreneurs with the knowledge and skills to enhance their potential for future success.

The event is scheduled to take place on 27 April at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Colombo 02 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program will cover key areas essential for agripreneurs, including Design Thinking and Problem-solving, Marketing for agri-business/agri-products, Operations Management, Financial Literacy, and Pitching and Presenting. Expert speakers will lead discussions on these topics throughout the day.

SLAF Chief Executive Officer Ruwin Mapa said: “This initiative by SLAF presents a valuable opportunity for all agripreneurs in Sri Lanka to enhance their skills and potential. We are hopeful about the bright future of agricultural entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka, driven by the enthusiasm and dedication of its young generation.”

SLAF is the premier agribusiness association in Sri Lanka representing growers, farmer organisations, agri value-addition enterprises, agri professionals and academics, agri scientists, local and global marketers of agri produce, providers of agri inputs, and local agri investors. It serves as the pivotal body for all the agribusiness communities in Sri Lanka.

Through the USAID CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity, USAID Sri Lanka enhances private capital infusion into crucial sectors of the Sri Lankan economy, with a particular focus on bolstering the agribusiness sector to catalyse innovation, economic growth, and workforce development in this rapidly evolving industry.