Empowering Marginalized Communities – Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Initiatives in Kandy District

Overview

Empowering Marginalized Communities – Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Initiatives in Kandy District is a 12-month project funded by the India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) and implemented by the Sri Lanka Centre for Development Facilitation (SLCDF) in partnership with HIFCO. The initiative seeks to improve the livelihoods of poor and marginalized families across ten Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Kandy District by promoting entrepreneurship and enterprise creation, especially among women. Through business development training, financial literacy, mentorship, and market linkages, the project enables participants to build sustainable income sources and contribute to inclusive local economic growth.

Why This Makes a Difference

Marginalized families in Kandy face persistent challenges such as unemployment, lack of access to finance, and limited entrepreneurial skills—hindering their ability to achieve economic stability. This project bridges these gaps by equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to start and manage successful micro-enterprises by promoting women’s economic empowerment and strengthening community-based networks, the initiative enhances self-reliance, resilience, and social inclusion in rural and semi-urban areas of the Central Province.

Impact That Counts (By 2025)

• Entrepreneurs Empowered: 166 individuals from marginalized families trained and supported to launch or expand micro-enterprises

• Women’s Economic Inclusion: Increased participation of women in local economic development through enterprise creation

• Capacity Building: Comprehensive training in business planning, financial management, and market access

• Sustainable Livelihoods: Strengthened household incomes and improved living standards through diversified income sources

• Community Collaboration: Enhanced partnerships between local NGOs, government bodies, and service providers to support enterprise ecosystems

  
  

To create a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial environment in Kandy District where marginalized families—especially women—can achieve economic independence, strengthen community resilience, and contribute meaningfully to local development.