CDB champions women entrepreneurs through CAN Market partnership as part of a broader push to promote inclusive growth and sustainable business practices, aligning with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme of “Give to Gain.”
CDB champions women entrepreneurs through CAN Market partnership initiative
In a strategic collaboration, Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) partnered with The Creative Isle Ltd. to support the Women’s Day edition of CAN Market, an initiative designed to elevate women-led enterprises and eco-conscious brands. The partnership reflects a growing emphasis on women entrepreneurs Sri Lanka and their role in driving grassroots economic development.
Held from 6 to 8 March at Arcade Independence Square, the event brought together a diverse network of women entrepreneurs, artisans, and sustainable businesses. It provided a dynamic platform for participants to showcase products, connect with consumers, and build brand visibility in a competitive marketplace.
The collaboration is anchored in CDB’s Wings Ecosystem, a framework aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs through financial inclusion, digital enablement, and community engagement. By leveraging this ecosystem, the CAN Market initiative sought to address key challenges faced by women-led businesses, including limited access to finance, insufficient market exposure, and barriers to adopting digital tools.
The CDB champions women entrepreneurs through CAN Market partnership initiative also introduced digital payment solutions to enhance the customer experience. Visitors to the market were able to complete transactions seamlessly באמצעות QR-based systems, supported by CDB’s digital platform, CDB SELF. This not only improved convenience for consumers but also enabled entrepreneurs to adopt cashless payment methods, an increasingly important aspect of modern retail environments.
According to CDB, the integration of digital tools is critical in ensuring that small businesses remain competitive and resilient. The organisation emphasised that initiatives such as CAN Market are not merely event-based interventions but part of a longer-term strategy to build capacity within the SME sector, particularly among women-led enterprises.
CDB Brand Manager Michelle Jackson highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering sustainable development. She noted that empowering women entrepreneurs goes beyond financial assistance, requiring a holistic approach that includes mentorship, market access, and technological support. By bringing together entrepreneurs and conscious consumers, the initiative aimed to create a supportive ecosystem that encourages collaboration and innovation.
The CAN Market itself has evolved into a platform that promotes sustainable and eco-conscious living. Participants at the Women’s Day edition showcased a wide range of products, from handcrafted goods and artisanal food items to environmentally friendly lifestyle products. This focus aligns with broader trends in sustainable business Sri Lanka, where consumers are increasingly prioritising ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and local production.
The CDB champions women entrepreneurs through CAN Market partnership effort also underscores the growing recognition of women as key contributors to Sri Lanka’s economic landscape. Women-led SMEs play a significant role in employment generation and community development, yet they often face structural challenges that limit their growth potential. Initiatives such as this aim to bridge those gaps by providing targeted support and creating opportunities for scaling up operations.
In addition to enhancing visibility, the partnership is expected to facilitate future phases of the CAN Market initiative, potentially expanding its reach and impact. By formalising the collaboration through a memorandum of understanding, CDB and The Creative Isle Ltd. have signalled their commitment to sustaining and scaling the initiative over time.
The event also contributed to Colombo’s broader economic activity, drawing visitors to a central location and supporting local commerce. As Sri Lanka continues to recover from recent economic challenges, such initiatives play an important role in revitalising the SME sector and promoting inclusive growth.
From a policy and development perspective, the focus on women entrepreneurs aligns with global priorities related to gender equality and economic empowerment. By integrating financial services, digital tools, and community engagement, CDB’s approach reflects a multi-dimensional strategy aimed at creating long-term value.
The CDB champions women entrepreneurs through CAN Market partnership initiative ultimately highlights the importance of collaboration between financial institutions, private enterprises, and community platforms in driving sustainable development. As the programme evolves, it is likely to serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented segments within the business ecosystem.