LIIN empowers Northern women entrepreneurs through Emerging Women Summit

Over 200 participants, including over 150 women entrepreneurs from across the Northern Province, gathered at ReeCha Park and Resort in Kilinochchi for the Emerging Women Summit, a landmark event dedicated to strengthening women-led enterprises through improved access to finance, markets, networks, and business development opportunities.

Organised by the Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) under the Growth, Resilience, Investment and Training (GRIT) Project, the Summit was funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented in partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). The event brought together women entrepreneurs, government institutions, financial institutions, business support organisations, universities, and private sector representatives under the theme “Unlocking Markets and Capital for Women Entrepreneurs in Northern Province.”

The Summit commenced with an inspiring welcome address by Lanka Impact Investing Network Chairman Chandula Abeywickrema, who underscored LIIN’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and supporting women entrepreneurs as key drivers of regional development and economic resilience.

The Chief Guest, Department of Industry Northern Provincial Director S. Krishnendran reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of women-led enterprises as vital contributors to the economic development and resurgence of the Northern Province. He emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional support systems to help women entrepreneurs expand and sustain their businesses.

Addressing the gathering, Industry Development Board Northern Province Director S. Sivagangadaran highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance enterprise development services and create greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs across the region. The partner organisation address was delivered by WUSC Sri Lanka Country Director Mumtaz Faleel, who emphasised the transformative impact of investing in women’s economic empowerment and the importance of building ecosystems that enable women-led businesses to thrive.

A central feature of the Summit was two high-level panel discussions addressing the most pressing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

The first session, “Capital for Growth: Financing Women-Led Enterprises,” explored practical pathways to improve access to finance and strengthen financial readiness among women entrepreneurs. Panelists from the Export Development Board, Chamber of Women’s Economy, and DFCC Bank discussed government support schemes, financial literacy, business registration, bookkeeping practices, tax compliance, and the importance of building credibility when seeking financial assistance. The discussion encouraged entrepreneurs to strengthen financial management practices and take advantage of available institutional support mechanisms.

The second session, “Bridging Markets: Expanding Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in Northern Province,” focused on market access, branding, digital presence, product quality, packaging, and buyer expectations. Entrepreneurs and business leaders shared practical insights on how women-led businesses can move beyond local markets and successfully engage with national and export opportunities. The discussion highlighted the importance of consistency, market readiness, collaboration, and digital marketing in building sustainable enterprises.

The Summit also featured a vibrant women entrepreneurs marketplace, with more than 40 stalls showcasing products ranging from food and beverages, handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, and other locally produced goods. The marketplace provided a valuable platform for entrepreneurs to promote their products, connect with potential customers, and establish new business relationships.

Another highlight of the event was the Entrepreneurs Fashion Ramp, which showcased products created by more than 25 women entrepreneurs from across the Northern Province. Featuring clothing, jewellery, handbags, accessories, and other locally produced items, the showcase celebrated the creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial achievements of women-led businesses while providing increased visibility and market exposure.

The Summit also welcomed participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including the District Secretariats of Kilinochchi and Mannar, Department of Industries, Industry Development Board, Export Development Board, National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), National Credit Guarantee Institution, University of Jaffna, University of Vavuniya, HATCH, Chrysalis, Northern Chamber of Industries, Commercial Bank, DFCC Bank, and successful entrepreneurs from across Sri Lanka.

The event created valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with financial institutions, government agencies, business support organisations, and potential market partners. New market linkages were established, future collaboration opportunities were identified, and entrepreneurs gained practical knowledge to strengthen and grow their enterprises.

As the Summit concluded, organisers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs beyond the event. Through the GRIT Project, LIIN and its partners will continue to promote targeted capacity-building programmes, strengthen access to finance, and expand market opportunities to ensure women entrepreneurs across the Northern Province have the resources and support needed to thrive, grow, and lead.

The Emerging Women Summit demonstrated the remarkable potential of women entrepreneurs in Northern Sri Lanka and reinforced the importance of collaborative action in building a more inclusive and resilient economy.