In January 2024, the Canadian Trade and Investment Facility for Development (CTIF) commissioned MDF to implement the project: Building the Capacity of Women Business Development Coaches in Sri Lanka. To implement this project MDF has partnered with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to organise a 5 Day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for Sri Lankan Women-Led Business trainers/Coaches. The objective of this programme is to build a network of women coaches/trainers who can empower women entrepreneurs with practical skills and knowledge to succeed.

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5-Day Training on Women’s Entrepreneurship, Ecommerce and Digital Marketing, Environmental Sustainability, and Business Coaching Skills

This program welcomes diverse Sri Lankan women eager to boost their careers as business coaches or trainers. Potential participants include: women with prior training experience, leaders in business groups like cooperatives or microcredit organisations, and women actively involved in business enterprises. Our aim is to create a network of women coaches/trainers empowering women entrepreneurs with practical skills for success. Aligned with Sri Lanka's goals amid post-pandemic challenges, this initiative addresses gender disparities in business support, offering specialised training in ecommerce, digital marketing, and environmental sustainability.  

Why Join Us?

  • Acquérir des connaissances précieuses sur le commerce électronique et le marketing numérique.  
  • Élaborer des stratégies sur la manière d'assurer la durabilité environnementale dans les petites entreprises.  
  • Supprimer les obstacles auxquels sont confrontées les femmes propriétaires de MPME.  
  • Entrez en contact avec des pairs partageant les mêmes idées et partagez votre propre expertise.  
  • Apprenez à devenir un coach ou un formateur avec des compétences pratiques et des opportunités futures pour développer votre carrière en vous affiliant à la Chambre de Commerce et à d'autres partenaires.  
  • Utilisez vos points forts et votre connaissance du monde des affaires pour avoir un impact positif sur votre communauté locale.  

Nos modalités

L'atelier en personne offre une occasion unique aux participants de se connecter avec des femmes inspirantes dans tout le pays, de favoriser les réseaux et de partager les expériences de l'entrepreneuriat au Sri Lanka. Combinant un apprentissage interactif et des activités pratiques, la formation permet aux participants d'acquérir des compétences pratiques et la confiance nécessaire pour utiliser les outils de manière efficace. Tout au long de la formation, les participantes ont un aperçu du processus de coaching et apprennent à développer un profil professionnel soutenant les MPME dirigées par des femmes dans tous les secteurs.  

Thèmes clés

  • Jour 1 : Opportunités et défis pour le développement des PME dirigées par des femmes au Sri Lanka, comprendre nos clients et leurs besoins  
  • Jour 2 : les bases du commerce électronique et le développement d'un portefeuille de produits pour les marchés locaux ou internationaux  
  • Troisième jour : le marketing numérique pour attirer et fidéliser les clients  
  • Quatrième jour : développement de produits ou prestation de services utilisant des méthodes durables sur le plan de l'environnement
  • Jour 5 : compétences et plan de coaching d'entreprise  

Calendrier

Les participants s'inscrivent pour 5 jours complets chacun :  

  • Premier lot : 3-7 juin (15 participants)  
  • Deuxième lot : 10-14 juin 2024 (15 participants)  

Lieu : La formation se déroulera dans un lieu central à Colombo.  

Organiser and Facilitator

The training is being organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and MDF. This technical assistance is funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Canadian Trade and Investment Facility for Development through the project: Building the Capacity of Women Business Development Coaches in Sri Lanka.  

Les animateurs seront à la fois des formateurs internationaux, qui apporteront une nouvelle vision globale, et des formateurs travaillant en première ligne sur les questions abordées, qui apporteront une profonde compréhension de la réalité sri-lankaise.  

  • Richard Yeboah  entrepreneurship, ecommerce and digital marketing | MDF  
  • Ruvanara Tillakaratne| women’s entrepreneurship | Hatch  
  • Randhula de Silva and Priyadarshinie Karunaratne | environmentally sustainable business | Good Life X  
  • Zoë Lawson Project Manager | MDF | please reach out for partnership inquiries in Sri Lanka zla@mdf.nl  
  • Bart van Halteren  MDF Asia Director
  • Manori Dissanayake | Gestionnaire de programme | Chambre de commerce de Ceylan  
  • Yasura Samarakoon| SME Centre | Ceylon Chamber of Commerce  
  • Shehara | Chambre de commerce de Ceylan  
  • Nirosha | Chambre de commerce de Ceylan  

For more details and to apply: https://forms.office.com/e/n45TbdeiHC

Pour toute demande de renseignements : Yasura Samarakoon | 0777486558 | yasura@chamber.lk

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs):

What is the deadline to apply for the training program?

The deadline to apply is March 29th, 2024.

How can I apply and get selected for the program?

To apply, please fill out the application form provided on our website and submit it before the deadline. You will need to write about your motivation, and also supply your CV. Selection will be based on various criteria, including but not limited to, motivation, commitment, experience, and suitability for the program. If you are full-time employed, we encourage you to speak with your supervisor to get their support and/or ensure you can apply for leave.

What are the requirements to participate?

Participants should be Sri Lankan women interested in developing their career as a business coach/trainer. They should also have digital literacy, access to a smartphone/laptop. Participants need sufficient English language skills to follow the main presentations, but participants are welcome to discuss in any language, and we will also arrange interpretation support in both Tamil and Sinhala languages as well as some translation of key concepts. Additionally, participants should be committed to attending all five days of the training, with the support of their employer if necessary.

What is the cost to participate?

The program is FREE for selected participants. The training will be held at a location in Central Colombo, and lunches and breaks are provided.  

However, participants will be responsible for their own transportation, accommodation, and living costs during the training period. For participants residing in the wider Colombo area, a small daily transportation allowance is available. For participants coming from around the country, a reasonable allowance will be provided to help cover the costs of accommodation, transportation, and additional meals, depending on distance.

What happens after the training?

After completing the training, participants will become part of a network of women coaches/trainers empowered with practical skills and knowledge to support women entrepreneurs. They will have opportunities to affiliate with the Chamber of Commerce and other partners for further career development and coaching opportunities.

Can I apply if I have prior coaching/training experience?

Yes, prior coaching/training experience is beneficial but not mandatory. The program welcomes applicants with varying levels of experience in coaching and training.

Can I apply if I do not have prior coaching/training experience?

Absolutely! Formal coaching or training experience is not a requirement for applying to the program. We encourage Sri Lankan women with leadership experience in business or entrepreneurship to apply.  

What business sectors is the training relevant for?

The program welcomes applicants from various sectors and industries. Whether you're involved in traditional businesses, emerging industries, or niche sectors, your expertise and insights are valuable. We encourage women from diverse sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts and traditional, manufacturing, technology, hospitality, retail, and services to apply.

Do I need experience in ecommerce and digital marketing?

No prior experience in ecommerce and digital marketing is required to apply for the program. While having some knowledge or experience in these areas may be beneficial, it's not a strict requirement. The training sessions are designed to cater to participants with varying levels of expertise, including those who are new to ecommerce and digital marketing. However, the training will be relevant for participants who are digitally connected, and who have access to their own smartphone and/or laptop.  

How will I be notified if I am selected?

Selected participants will be notified via email or phone after the application review process is completed.

Is there any age restriction to apply for the program?

No, there is no age restriction to apply. Women of all age groups within the eligible range are encouraged to apply.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the training?

Yes, participants who successfully complete the training will receive a certificate of participation, and skills endorsement by the trainers on your LinkedIn profile (if applicable).  

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Remember, the deadline to apply is March 29th, 2024. Apply now for this exciting opportunity to enhance your coaching and training skills and empower women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka!

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