Discovering Spark Competition 2024 Through The Voices Of Past Winners
Shakila Ifham
June 30, 2024
Spark competition is an initiative of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) South Asia Leadership in Entrepreneurship (SALE) programme, partnering with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
It is an action-packed competition designed exclusively for Sri Lanka’s next generation of game-changing entrepreneurs. The age criteria of this competition is between 15 and 30.
This competition fosters the young entrepreneurs or yet to be entrepreneurs with guidance, resources, and mentorship to transform the innovative ideas into successful realities. The competition has two categories; the school category (for competitors aged between 15 and 19) and the open category (competitors aged between 15 and 30)
The Earth Lanka News spoke to three standout contestants among the top ten from the 2023 Spark Competition shared their insights on how this platform has propelled their entrepreneurial dreams forward.
Kavindi Ranasinghe, second runner up of the Grand Finale of Spark Competition 2023 is a third-year undergraduate of University of Sri Jayawardenapura, pursuing a degree in Business Information Systems, through Spark, Kavindi had the opportunity to build a strong network of individuals in addition to expand her game-changing business idea of electronic waste disposal.
“Spark has significantly impacted my entrepreneurial journey by connecting me with investors, mentors and industrial experts, this networking mechanism has been crucial in sustaining my business. Further, the recognition of Spark also has been influential on investor pitches and collaboration opportunities” says, Malindu Pradinath, the 1st Runner Up of last year’s Spark Grand Finale.
Malindu, further added, “Attitude is the key to a starup’s success. As young entrepreneurs, we often lack experience, but Spark connects us with seasoned experts. Moreover, Spark is more than a competition, it’s a journey and a family that supports your growth throughout your life.”
Hansana Janinda, the founder of JSH exporters & J Bricks (a sustainable brick company that manufactures bricks that are cost effective and sustainable in comparison to the traditional bricks) was also among the Spark Top 10. Hansana says that Spark has helped him with good managing skills, molding a successful business plan and the proper way of using the social media for his business
Excitement for Spark 2024 is palpable, with applications open until July 15, 2024. Aspiring young entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions and join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals dedicated to driving positive change through entrepreneurship.
For more information and to apply for Spark 2024, visit the official website of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Join the ranks of past winners who have transformed their ideas into thriving enterprises, making meaningful contributions to Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.
Spark Competition continues to set the stage for the next generation of game-changing entrepreneurs, proving that with passion, mentorship, and innovation, young minds can indeed spark a brighter future.