SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub supports women entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities by equipping them with essential branding and digital marketing skills through a targeted training programme held in Anuradhapura.
SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub training boosts digital skills and export readiness
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), through its SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub initiative, recently conducted a comprehensive training programme aimed at strengthening the capabilities of women entrepreneurs in regional areas. The session, held at the Divisional Secretariat Office of Nuwaragampalatha Central in Anuradhapura, attracted participation from over 50 women-led businesses, reflecting growing interest in export-oriented enterprise development.
The programme forms part of the EDB’s broader Export-oriented Women Entrepreneurship Development in Regions initiative, which focuses on enhancing the competitiveness of women entrepreneurs while encouraging them to explore international market opportunities. By targeting regional business owners, the initiative seeks to address structural gaps in access to knowledge, tools, and networks that are essential for scaling businesses beyond local markets.
Participants were introduced to a range of practical topics designed to improve their market positioning and digital capabilities. These included the fundamentals of effective branding, strategies for social media branding, and key principles of website optimisation and SEO basics. In addition, the training incorporated sessions on content creation techniques using AI tools, reflecting the increasing role of digital innovation in modern business practices.
The hands-on nature of the programme enabled attendees to directly apply what they learned, gaining actionable insights into building strong brand identities and improving their digital presence. This is particularly significant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women, many of whom operate in highly competitive and resource-constrained environments. Strengthening digital visibility not only enhances access to local customers but also opens pathways to global markets.
The training was organised by the EDB North Western Provincial Office in collaboration with the Divisional Secretariat Office of Nuwaragampalatha Central, ensuring strong local engagement. This collaborative approach helped tailor the programme to the specific needs of entrepreneurs in the region, making the content both relevant and impactful.
Feedback from participants indicated that the programme delivered tangible value, particularly in terms of understanding how to leverage digital tools for business growth. Many attendees highlighted the importance of learning structured approaches to branding and marketing, areas that are often overlooked in early-stage business development. By bridging this knowledge gap, the initiative contributes to building more resilient and sustainable women-led enterprises.
Beyond immediate skill development, the programme also plays a strategic role in supporting Sri Lanka’s export diversification efforts. Encouraging more women entrepreneurs to enter export markets can broaden the country’s export base while promoting inclusive economic growth. In this context, initiatives such as SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub are aligned with national priorities to enhance export competitiveness and drive regional economic development.
The EDB has indicated that this training programme is part of an ongoing effort, with additional sessions planned across other regions in the country. This expansion is expected to provide more women entrepreneurs with opportunities to strengthen their businesses, adopt modern marketing strategies, and connect with international markets.
Through the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub supports women entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities initiative, the EDB continues to play a pivotal role in empowering women across Sri Lanka. By providing targeted training, practical tools, and sustained institutional support, the programme helps entrepreneurs transition from local operations to globally competitive enterprises.
As global trade becomes increasingly digital and competitive, such initiatives are likely to become even more critical. For women entrepreneurs in regional Sri Lanka, access to knowledge, networks, and digital tools can be transformative, enabling them to scale their operations and participate more actively in export-led growth.