The SPARK Skilled Youth Entrepreneurship Competition 2024 has successfully completed its first round, with 100 young participants undergoing advanced training in business fundamentals and business plan development.
Organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship (SALE) project, and funding from the US Department of State, SPARK serves as an annual launchpad for aspiring business leaders in Sri Lanka. This year’s competition features two categories: ‘school’ and ‘open,’ providing practical skills and real-world business knowledge.
Manori Dissanayake, Senior Assistant Secretary General of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, noted the increasing popularity of SPARK: “This year’s 100 competitors were selected from a broad applicant pool, ranging from 15 to 30 years old, with 33% being female and representing all nine provinces. The first round’s evaluation is complete, and the top 30 candidates for the next stage, including an intensive bootcamp and pitching process with expert mentors, will be announced soon.”
The second round will involve intensive training with business mentors and trainers, who are crucial to the competitors’ skill development. Kanishka Weeramunda, Founder of SquareHub and a 2024 mentor, expressed enthusiasm for the diverse range of sectors represented: “This year’s submissions cover exciting areas like tech, eco, food innovation, healthcare, and arts and crafts. I look forward to guiding the top 30 competitors through the bootcamp and mentoring sessions, leading up to some impressive business pitches.”
As participants await the shortlist for round two, they reflect on the skills gained during the first round. S. Thushanth from St. John’s College, Jaffna, highlighted the transformative impact of SPARK: “Competing in SPARK has been enlightening. I’ve developed skills in problem-solving, understanding global business trends, and business plan development. I’m eager for the bootcamp and determined to make it to the finals.”
The competition will culminate in the grand finale on September 5, where the top five finalists will present their business ideas. This year’s finale will also introduce the “Young Entrepreneurship Journalist” and “Young Entrepreneurial Journalist” awards to honor young journalists who promote an entrepreneurial mindset among youth and support a business-friendly ecosystem in Sri Lanka.