Entrepreneur development post Covid 19.

A new non-profit organization, Entrepreneur Support Lab or ENSULA, has been formed to provide technical assistance to small and medium entrepreneurs. This is an initiation by CEO and Chairman of The Advanced Design Studio Mr. Wijesinghe Dissanayake, Assistant Director of the National Human Resource Development Council of Sri Lanka Mr. Sivaguru Thanigaseelan, and Director of the Institute for Health and Social Behavior (USA) Dr. Thulitha Wickrama. The goal of the organization is to provide technical assistance to S & M entrepreneurs in formation, functioning, and management of business activities. Through the assistance provided this organization wishes to help them succeed both in Sri Lanka and abroad.  

This organization vision takes a participant centered approach. That is, the entrepreneur is the dreamer, creator, and leader of his or her activity. We provide the requested technical assistance to make their dreams come true. By providing the nuts and bolts necessary we aim to provide a smooth ride for the entrepreneur at their chosen pace of development and functioning. Not limiting ourselves to the intricate details of a business, our team is ever ready to expand the paradigms of an entrepreneur’s activities. With decades of business experience, our team is capable of sharing, creating, and broadening opportunities, introducing modern thinking, new realities, unique collaborations, novel creations and applications, transferring to the entrepreneur the technical concepts of administration, management, marketing, monitoring and evaluation, business psychology, and techniques of sharing ideas and experiences for mutual benefit and development. These apply to the multiple stages of an entrepreneur’s’ activities – from planning to implementation. 

The Central Committee of this organization combined forces recently with the Eastern University Alumni Association to hold a webinar on the risks and opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs as a result of Covid-19. The discussion was joined by internationally renowned entrepreneurs, senior business executives from China, USA, and Sri Lanka, Senior Managers of International Conglomerates, accounts and finance experts, academics, and government officers working with entrepreneurs. A visionary program was also launched during the event to provide mentorships to five up and coming entrepreneurship projects. 

This organization also takes a special view of women entrepreneurs from vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. As the bedrock of Sri Lanka’s society and families, women play a central role in the management of family economic activities and the wellbeing of children, parents, spouses, the extended family, and community relations. As thousands of women have taken on the role of head of the household and primary bread winner, small and medium entrepreneur development has become a central activity in the lives of women. Our organization recognizes the value played by women in entrepreneurship and makes it a priority to support their activities. 

ENSULA welcomes those who seek advise and guidance. Please send details of your project, inquiries, and requests to: dwije@yahoo.com