Advocata launches story competition on MSE...
Advocata Institute recently launched a study on removing barriers to micro and small entrepreneurs (MSES) through regulatory and legislative reform.
The economic contributions of MSES are seen as one of the major driving forces pushing economic growth. However, regulations that govern these businesses can be a deterrent.
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the issues faced by Sri Lanka’s small businesses, Advocata is launching a story competition within this study.
It invites individuals to submit their 600-800 word story, be it personal or about someone they know, on the barriers faced by MSES today.
The stories should also detail changes to the current system entrepreneurs think are needed, in order to overcome these challenges. Stories are accepted in Sinhala, Tamil or English.
The individual whose story wins the first place will receive Rs.100,000. The second place will receive Rs.50,000 and the third place will receive Rs.25,000. In addition to this, all shortlisted entries will receive valuable consolation prizes.
The judges for this competition include Achala Samaradiwakara, Rukmankan Sivaloganathan and Anushka Wijesinghe.
Small businesses make up over 90 percent of the total businesses in Sri Lanka. Not only do they employ close to 45 percent of total employment, they also contribute tremendously to our economy. A recent survey carried out by the Advocata Institute found that some of the main barriers to entrepreneurship are sourcing finance, sourcing raw materials and low sales.
Out of the businesses that had not been registered, 36 percent reported that they had tried to register but had failed due to the complex procedures that were involved.
The stories for the competition can be submitted through email to info@ advocata.org, with the subject ‘My Entrepreneurship Story, Name’.
Stories can also be submitted by sharing a public post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #Mystorylk or by sending a direct message to @advocatainstitute on Facebook or @advocatalk Instagram.
Further information can be found on the competition website: https:// mystory.advocata.org/.
Advocata is an independent policy think tank based in Colombo. It conducts research, provides commentary and holds events to promote sound policy ideas compatible with a free society in Sri Lanka.