Scale Up 2.0 will bring together policymakers, business leaders, financial institutions and entrepreneurs in Colombo this month as Sri Lanka intensifies efforts to strengthen the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through improved market access, financing and business development.
Scale Up 2.0 will connect SMEs with markets, finance and growth opportunities
Organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the National SME Forum 2026 will take place on August 11 at the Taj Samudra, Colombo. The event is designed to provide practical solutions for businesses seeking to overcome common growth barriers, from expanding into new markets to securing finance and improving operational capabilities.
The Chamber said Scale Up 2.0 will focus on helping SMEs become more competitive, market-ready and better positioned for sustainable long-term growth. The forum will provide participants with valuable insights, industry connections and access to resources that can support business expansion in an increasingly competitive environment.
A key focus of the event will be strengthening SME growth through improved market access. Participants will learn how to connect with larger companies, enter local and international value chains and identify new commercial opportunities that can accelerate business development.
Another major discussion area will centre on improving competitiveness through internationally recognised standards and certifications. Organisers said businesses that meet recognised quality standards are better positioned to build customer confidence, strengthen supplier relationships and access higher-value markets.
The forum will also explore how SMEs can transition from operating for short-term survival to achieving sustainable expansion. Sessions will examine the importance of investment readiness, stronger governance practices and strategic planning as businesses prepare for future growth.
Access to finance remains one of the most significant challenges faced by Sri Lankan SMEs. To address this, Scale Up 2.0 will bring together financial institutions and business support organisations to discuss funding opportunities and practical financing solutions tailored to different stages of business development.
Participants will also gain a better understanding of how improved financial management, stronger business processes and credible growth strategies can increase their ability to attract investment and secure financing for expansion.
An important feature of the forum will be its dedicated business-to-business (B2B) networking sessions. These engagements will enable entrepreneurs to meet corporate representatives, financial institutions and industry experts while exploring new partnerships and commercial opportunities.
The Chamber expects these networking sessions to help SMEs establish valuable business relationships, identify potential customers and suppliers, and connect with organisations that provide advisory, technical and financial support.
Organisers believe that collaboration between the public and private sectors will play an important role in creating a stronger environment for SME growth, particularly as businesses adapt to changing market conditions and rising customer expectations.
Beyond knowledge-sharing, the forum aims to equip entrepreneurs with practical strategies that can be implemented immediately within their businesses. Topics such as improving operational efficiency, strengthening business credibility and enhancing market readiness are expected to be central to discussions throughout the event.
The Chamber noted that SMEs remain a vital contributor to Sri Lanka’s economy, employment generation and entrepreneurship. By providing direct access to policymakers, financial institutions and industry leaders, Scale Up 2.0 seeks to create meaningful opportunities that help businesses expand sustainably while improving their long-term competitiveness.
Businesses interested in participating can register through the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce’s official event portal.