What do we offer? We offer two tailored programmes to support start-ups and innovative SMEs: Start-up Programme: Designed to accelerate existing start-ups, helping them develop cutting-edge solutions, become investment-ready, and gain access to funding. SME Programme: Geared toward larger businesses that meet the SME criteria set by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), offers targeted support to help them scale and innovate. We offer a wide range of services for selected companies: Tailored Mentorship: One-on-one coaching with local and international experts, customized to meet your unique business needs. Specialized Services: Access to key resources like legal advice, online marketing, digital product optimization, design, and coding to strengthen vital areas of your business. Focused Training: Individual sessions on topics such as pitch preparation, growth strategies, data analytics, market analysis, marketing, and sales. Networking and Exposure: Attend two in-person community events to showcase your business (we cover travel costs for one representative from each start-up). Community Exchanges, Peer Learning and Collaboration: Participate in virtual group trainings, workshops, company visits, and topical exchanges with expert speakers and guests. Investment and Partnerships: Get support with your fundraising strategy, preparation for investor rounds, and introductions to potential investors and partners. We offer additional support on an as-needed basis: Female Leaders Programme: Empowering female founders and women in leadership through exclusive networking, peer-to-peer learning, and enhanced visibility, helping you stand out and succeed. Digital Agency Support: Get tailored technical assistance to strengthen your digital strategy, optimize your online presence, and become more data-driven for smarter business growth.
Who can apply? To be eligible for the programme, your company must meet the following minimum requirements: Be registered and operate in Sri Lanka Be for-profit Have a minimum viable product Ideally have a digital or tech-enabled solution (start-up) or be prepared to integrate a tech component into your business model (SMEs) Have a management team of at least two people Have evidence of traction (paying customers, first revenue) Contribute to the reduction of food waste or loss or of single-use plastics for food Programme Medium: English
About CIRCULAR Economy in the Food Sector Project The CIRCULAR Economy in the Food Sector Project (2024–2027) is an EuropeanUnion funded programme implemented by Expertise France, the Food and AgricultureOrganization of the United Nations (FAO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für InternationaleZusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and is partly co-funded by the German Federal Ministryfor Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project focuses onreducing food loss, food waste, and eliminating single-use of plastics in the food sectorthrough innovative, circular approaches.