Lanka Social Ventures (LSV) proudly conducted the Lift-Up: Start-Up and Scale-Up support programme for disabled entrepreneurs, with financial assistance from the Partner Innovation Fund of World University Service of Canada. Running from August 2022 to July 2024, this initiative supported 50 disabled women and youth, aged 18 to 34, from the Anuradhapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale, and Vavuniya districts of Sri Lanka.
The programme provided comprehensive training and resources, enabling participants to develop and scale their businesses. LSV’s tailored approach included mentorship, business development workshops, and access to financial resources, ensuring these entrepreneurs could overcome barriers and achieve sustainable growth.
By fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, LSV aims to empower disabled individuals, promoting economic independence and social inclusion. This initiative not only enhances the livelihoods of participants but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
LSV partnered with the British Council Sri Lanka on their Youth Led Green and Inclusive Businesses (YLGIB) initiative. This six-month programme aimed to harness the enthusiasm and energy of young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, guiding them to become role models in green and inclusive transitions within SMEs.
Through this initiative, we supported 15 youth-led SMEs operating food and beverage, agribusiness, trading, and travel & tourism sectors in identifying and initiating environmentally responsible and socially inclusive practices within their businesses. The programme culminated in a showcasing event, where the participating SMEs presented their innovative projects, highlighting their contributions to a sustainable and inclusive future.
LSV collaborated with the University of Highlands and Islands Inverness Campus to develop and deliver the curriculum integrating current good practices by SMEs in Scotland.
As part of the exit strategy, ChildFund sought LSV support to assist 15 women who were trained under Child Fund’s Lead Mothers programme and NVQ 3 qualification, in establishing a social enterprise. Over three years, LSV provided comprehensive support, guiding these women to operate a day care centre in Hambantota and produce educational items, toys, and maternity products.
This social enterprise, now a limited company with 15 women shareholders, was co-established and co-managed by Lanka Social Ventures (LSV). LSV continues to support them as a non-executive director, ensuring sustainable growth and impact. This iinitiative empowers women entrepreneurs and supports mothers and children in the community.
1009/17, 5th Lane, Sumudu Mawatha
Malabe 10115
Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94 11 287 3112
Email: info@lsv.lk
