LIIN, WUSC host first-ever investor pitch event for entrepreneurs

Panel of investors and industry experts evaluating business pitches / Judges providing feedback to entrepreneurs during the pitch session

The GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Investment and Training) – Entrepreneurship Development Training Program (GRIT-EDTP) recently concluded its first cohort pitch competition at Jetwing Jaffna, marking a significant milestone in empowering women-led enterprises in the Northern Province.

The GRIT-EDTP initiative is designed to strengthen women entrepreneurs by enhancing their business resilience, investment readiness, and growth potential. Funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) in collaboration with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), LIIN plays a key role in empowering 340 entrepreneurs in the Northern Province, equipping them to become investment-ready and advancing the ultimate goal of improving the economic well-being for women in Northern Sri Lanka.

Over the past ten months, entrepreneurs underwent a comprehensive program that included structured training, mentorship, and tailored business development support. The pitch competition served as the culmination of this journey, where ten promising entrepreneurs presented their ventures to a distinguished panel of judges, investors, and industry experts.

The event provided a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to showcase innovative, locally rooted, and impact-driven business models spanning food processing, coir industry, handicrafts and agro-based industries. The competition not only highlighted the entrepreneurial potential within the Northern Province but also underscored the importance of supporting women-led businesses as drivers of inclusive economic growth.

The competition was evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges representing industry and academia, including Department of Industries Jaffna Industrial Promotion Officer Polin Beneraj, PawSmart AI Founder/CEO Amizhthini Nakkeeran, and University of Vavuniya Career Guidance Counselor Sasitharan Paramanantham.

The event was further strengthened by the presence of a distinguished panel of investors and industry experts, including Senior Financial Systems Advisor and Global Investor Sumanthan Selvarajah, Finance System Support Analyst Michael Surendran, Synamon Global’s Nila Sridaran, , and Sivanarul Hope Guarantee Ltd.’s Krishnasamy Utayakumar, who brought valuable insights and perspectives to the platform.

The winning enterprise, Pallueir Ltd., a Jaffna-based enterprise founded in 2022, emerged victorious for its work in processing millets into high-quality, value-added, and nutritious food products for both local and export markets. By sourcing raw materials directly from farmers who follow traditional and sustainable practices, the company produces millet flour, multi-grain energy health mixes, and ready-to-cook mixes, promoting healthy consumption while supporting farmer livelihoods. Notably, the enterprise provides direct employment to 13 women from the surrounding community, making a meaningful contribution to female economic empowerment in the region.  The entrepreneur was awarded a seed capital of Rs. 600,000 in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

The runner-up position was secured by Uma Products, a Mannar-based enterprise, led by Uma Maheshwari, which produces natural food and wellness products including herbal powders, dried fruits, and oils. By sourcing from local farmers, the business delivers chemical-free, nutritious products while promoting traditional health practices. The entrepreneur was awarded a seed capital of Rs. 450,000 in recognition of their achievement.

Third place was awarded to Mathi Mixture, an established enterprise from Mullaitivu, led by Jeniban Menaka produces a range of snack products including mixtures, cassava chips, pakoda and fried chickpeas for the local market. The business supports local farmers through fair sourcing while creating employment for women and youth. The entrepreneur was awarded a seed capital of Rs. 350,000 in recognition of her achievement. 

Fourth place was awarded to Nutri Food Packers, a Jaffna-based agro-processing business led by Sathees Sivarubi, producing dehydrated natural food products using hygienic processing and packaging methods. The enterprise focuses on value addition using locally sourced produce while promoting sustainable food solutions. The entrepreneur was awarded a seed capital of Rs. 250,000 in recognition of their achievement.

Kavitha Palmyrah Products and Exports awarded in Fifth place, a Mannar-based enterprise led by Kavitha Mohamed produces traditional palmyrah-based food products and handicrafts. The business supports rural livelihoods and preserves indigenous food practices. The entrepreneur was awarded a seed capital of Rs. 150,000 in recognition of her achievement. 

The GRIT-EDTP Pitch Competition reflects a growing commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems in Sri Lanka, particularly by supporting women-led enterprises in Northern Province. By equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and exposure needed to scale their businesses, the program contributes to building resilient local economies and sustainable livelihoods.

An entrepreneur presenting her business idea at the GRIT–EDTP Pitch Competition / The top 10 shortlisted entrepreneurs recognised at the GRIT–EDTP Pitch Competition

Top 5 winners of the GRIT–EDTP Pitch Competition receiving seed capital awards to scale their ventures