SLIM SME Development Awards launched to empower SMEs
The second iteration of the SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA) 2024, aimed at recognising and rewarding significant achievements among Sri Lankan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in marketing, branding and sales, has been launched.
The awards promote constructive rivalry among Sri Lankan SMEs, highlighting SLIM’s commitment to marketing as a key economic force.
SLIM President Gayan Perera stated; “The SLIM SME Development Awards embody our commitment to driving economic prosperity by empowering SMEs through marketing excellence. The sector faces challenges in commercialization and sustainability due to limited marketing knowledge. Through this initiative, SLIM aims to reward and encourage SMEs to embrace marketing and branding, ensuring their growth and integration into mainstream business, thereby contributing to the nation’s overall economic advancement.”
Among the main awards are Micro/Small/Medium Enterprise of The Year, Young Start-Up of The Year, and others for IT, digital and online businesses, retailing, agriculture and dairy produce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), hospitality and services, exports, business-to-business (B2B) services, textiles and apparel, construction and real estate, hardware, nutrition, health and wellness, arts and crafts, as well as other specialized sectors.
The awards will also recognise the Best Innovation to Commercialisation as a special category.
SLIM Vice President – Events and Sustainability Dr. Dilhan Jayatilleke stated; “As the National Body for Marketing in Sri Lanka, it is of paramount importance for SLIM to empower and strengthen the SME sector. Keeping that in mind, SLIM has marked a great journey for deserving entrepreneurs in these sectors.”
“While the SMEs are recognised through various industry categories, the segment of micro-enterprises will also be duly recognized at the same stage, whereby SLIM believes that they will get the necessary encouragement to reach the next level.”
To be eligible, the entity must be a home-grown Sri Lankan company, with its size determined by annual revenue. Micro enterprises must have an annual revenue ranging from Rs. 1 million to 15 million, small enterprises between Rs. 16 million to 250 million, and medium enterprises between Rs. 251 million to 750 million.
The enterprise must have been operational in Sri Lanka for at least three years.
Project Chairperson Asanka Udayakumara for SLIM SME Development Awards 2024 said; “We understand that SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and our goal is to provide them with a platform where their efforts in marketing, branding, and sales are acknowledged on a national stage.”
“This is a great opportunity for the SME sector to showcase their success stories. Instead of just another award ceremony, this opens up many opportunities for them to link with the SLIM and receive significant support in aspects like marketing consultancy and marketing research.”
More information can be obtained from viagangani.l@slim.lk, or.
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