SME-Toolkit Global Conference kicks off in SL

The SME-Toolkit Global Partner Conference jointly hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Dialog Axiata kicked off yesterday under the theme of ‘small and medium sized enterprises in the 21st Century through mobile and social media.’ The conference which saw the presence of over 80 participants across the globe aims at coming up with products and solutions that will empower the Small and Medium sector enterprises of the community. It is a five day conference and will conclude on Friday.

SMEs and micro businesses which plays a colossal role in taking forward the economy must be given the right knowledge and information to sustainable and competitively take their businesses forward. The SME Toolkit under the IFC was first introduced to Sri Lanka in 2008 and has made a noticeable contribution to society. It offers free business management information and training for small businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on accounting and finance, business planning, human resources (HR), marketing and sales, operations, and information technology (IT). The SME Toolkit offers a wide range of how-to articles, business forms, free business software, online training, self-assessment exercises, quizzes, and resources to help entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers in emerging markets and developing countries start, finance, formalise, and grow their businesses. Accessible online, the Toolkit is offered in all three languages — English, Sinhala and Tamil to enable greater access to the local community.

CEO of Dialog Dr. Hans Wijayasuiya stated that the SME Toolkit is unique in three main areas. “There is reposition of global knowledge and business know-how on running a business. This together with the ingenuity and creativeness if locals will result in exponential capacity generation,” Wijayasuiya said. Customisability of the webpage and the adaptation of delivery method with flexibility are other factors that make the Toolkit a success in Sri Lanka, he said.

“The use of innovative models to support local entrepreneurs and helping their business become sustainable is a major focus of IFC work,” General Manager of IFC Advisory Services for South Asia Anil Sinha said, “Our collaboration with Dialog Axiata has been instrumental in expanding the SME Toolkit across Sri Lanka using their delivery channels.