WCIC partners with IFC to support women in biz to thrive

Graduation awards

IFC Country Manager addressing the gathering

WCIC Capacity Building Pillar Lead addressing the gathering

Participants at the Workshop

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) in collaboration with Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) organised the third program through its Digital Training Academy Supporting #Womeninbiz to thrive. The program came into fruition during the pandemic to support female entrepreneurs in the MSME sector to face challenges and develop resilience. The program was fully funded by Australian Aid.

The program focused on topics such as financial literacy, digital finance, marketing and branding, supply chain management, financial management and product costing and personality development. These topics were covered over a 12-week period with all programs being facilitated online. One of the key features of the program was the inbuilt mentoring program which allowed the females entrepreneurs the opportunities to access more specific knowledge pertaining to their business and also seek greater exposure pertaining to the market.

The maiden program was initiated in 2021 with 15 participants being enrolled from the Western Province and 50 participants in 2022 from Hambantota and Kurunegala. Understanding the value of the program and the contribution made towards the upliftment of their entrepreneurial knowledge and work practices. In 2023 WCIC in collaboration with IFC, reached out to the female entrepreneurs of the Hambantota and Northern Province. 39 candidates successfully completed the training from the 2023 batch.

WCIC invited all successful candidates to a residential workshop and graduation ceremony on 14 May at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, mainly focusing on the value of developing personality as a female entrepreneur, which was facilitated by the WCIC Capacity Building Pillar Lead Nayana Karunaratne. The workshop was followed by dinner and an entertainment segment, which allowed the ladies to relax and unwind.

The graduation ceremony was a glamorous event sponsored by IFC. The occasion was graced by Australian High Commission Second Secretary DFAT Sophie Gordon, IFC Country Director Alejandro De Campa, Project Lead Rathnija Anandara and IFC official Shanuki Gunasekara and WCIC Board Members.

Delivering the welcome address, WCIC Chairperson Anoji De Silva said that the collaboration between IFC and WCIC has been an exemplary alliance as it has created a platform for females to expand their knowledge both technically and otherwise. She also stated that the residential workshop gave the female entrepreneurs the opportunity not only to experience the ambience but also to network with fellow entrepreneurs, an ingredient of success in a business.

Seven graduates who successfully completed the program received special awards of recognition for 100% attendance and active participation.

One of the key highlights of the program was the experience shared by three of the successful graduates. Julia Rosel from Hambantota stated that the program made her realise the value of branding her products to expand the business.

Vasuky from the Northern Province, stated that the exposure she obtained from the program was immense. She mentioned that the program was delivered in a very practical manner and catered not only for upskilling their business skills but also their personality. Also addressing the event Jena Jayakanthy from the Northern Province mentioned that the program gave her a boost to take the next step. Her vision has been to become the best female entrepreneur in the country and the WCIC-IFC program is certainly a stepping-stone in her defined journey.

The event was brought to a closure by inviting the graduates to participate in a brainstorming session. The objective was to understand from the ladies what are the other competencies required to support business growth. Based on the ideas exchanges, English skill development was placed as a matter of urgency. Moving on, the graduates would like to reach out to suitable resources to help support them in creating a digital marketing presence and maintaining financial records. WCIC will strive to support their future training needs and also to develop business links connecting North to South and a trade delegation will be organised shortly to promote each other’s businesses.

Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Sri Lanka is the premier organisation supporting entrepreneurs and professional businesswomen. The membership is open to women who believe they can contribute to society as well as benefit from the many opportunities the organisation creates.

WCIC Chair handing over the certificate to a graduate