The SPARK Skilled Youth Entrepreneurship competition, a premier national platform for fostering young entrepreneurs, has officially opened applications for its 2024 edition. Organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, SPARK invites youth aged 15 to 30 years to participate in two categories: The School Category and the Open Category.
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce CEO Buwenakabahu Perera emphasized the competition’s role in nurturing Sri Lanka’s young entrepreneurial talent. “We are committed to developing youth entrepreneurship and recognize the vital role young entrepreneurs play in shaping Sri Lanka’s commercial future. Through SPARK, in collaboration with our private sector partners, we aim to cultivate young talent and highlight the potential of the next generation of entrepreneurs. We encourage parents and educators to support and motivate youth participation.”
This year’s competition features enhanced online workshops for deeper insights and advanced entrepreneurial skills. The expanded mentorship program includes a broader range of industry experts, offering personalized guidance. Winners will gain enhanced opportunities for international networking, connecting them to global entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, SPARK 2024 promises an exciting competition. Last year, participants excelled through business plan creation, pitching sessions, a boot camp, and one-on-one mentoring, with top winners visiting advanced innovation ecosystems in Hyderabad, India.
SPARK 2023 winner Mihindi Minupama Bandara, a 16-year-old, shared her positive experience: “Participating in SPARK was a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey. It provided me with essential skills and opportunities. I encourage everyone to take part this year; it’s a valuable opportunity to turn your dreams into reality.”
Mihindi’s father, Lalith Sujeewa Bandara, praised the competition’s impact: “I am proud of my daughter’s involvement. SPARK allowed her to explore beyond traditional career paths and develop crucial skills. I urge parents to encourage their children to participate in SPARK.”
Supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship (SALE) project, and funded by the US Department of State, SPARK 2024 aims to promote youth entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. It strives to create a supportive environment for start-ups and boost interest in entrepreneurship.
ILO Chief Technical Advisor Dr. Thomas Kring highlighted the potential of Sri Lanka’s young entrepreneurs: “We invite youth to apply and present their innovative ideas. Our support is designed to empower young entrepreneurs and provide them with skills, international exposure, and networking opportunities.”
Additionally, SPARK 2024 will recognize the ‘Most Outstanding Young Entrepreneurship Journalists.’ This accolade will honor young journalists who excel in entrepreneurial journalism and promote entrepreneurship through various media channels. The awards will be presented at the SPARK Grand Finale in September 2024.
During the SPARK Skilled Youth Entrepreneurship Competition 2024, contestants will receive comprehensive guidance on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship journalism. They will be encouraged to:
- Emphasize the significance of youth entrepreneurship for Sri Lanka.
- Promote the development of entrepreneurship skills among young women and men.
- Enhance public outreach for the SPARK 2024 Competition.
Winners will be chosen by a distinguished panel of judges based on the following criteria:
SPARK Young Entrepreneurship Journalist Award:
- Creativity, innovativeness, and adherence to media ethics in content published across relevant media channels.
- Public outreach and positive responses achieved from such content.
- The positive societal impact of the entrepreneurship journalism.
SPARK Young Entrepreneurial Journalist Award:
- Creativity, innovativeness, and adherence to media ethics in content published across relevant media channels.
- Outstanding entrepreneurial initiatives undertaken.
- Positive impact on media institutions served or owned by the contestant, with endorsements from senior management or editors.
The competition will consider initiatives from individuals or teams that have commenced on or after June 20, 2024, the launch date of SPARK 2024. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2024.
Interested young journalists from any media sector can apply online at: Application Form.
Launched in 2023, SPARK is a flagship initiative of the International Labour Organisation’s South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship (SALE) project, funded by the U.S. Department of State. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the principal implementing partner of the SALE project, will continue this annual competition to foster youth entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
The grand finale of SPARK 2024 will take place in September. Students with entrepreneurial aspirations and young innovators are encouraged to apply now via the SPARK website: SPARK 2024. Applications close on July 30, 2024.