EDB’s coaching programme to enable SMEs access export markets
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) – Regional Development division recently implemented an Export Coaching Programme as a pilot project for 25 selected, export potential SMEs that are registered under the EDB – New Exporter Development Programme and assist them to develop capacities to enter the export market.
The programme consisted of three phases and in the first phase, the companies were evaluated by an interview panel comprising EDB officers, and the 25 most suitable SMEs for the coaching programme were selected from 70 applications received, according to an EDB media release.
In the second phase, individual coaching sessions on Export Marketing Planning were conducted by a selected team of EDB officers who were trained by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in 2019/2020 as Export Marketing Planning (EMP) coachers. During these sessions, SMEs were guided by the EDB officers to develop their export marketing plans and the SMEs were appraised of export audit, exploring opportunities in the export market, and strategic decision making on export market- entry options. Later, export marketing plans and action plans were developed by each individual company by their own through the guidance of EDB officers and submitted to the EDB during the second phase and feedback was provided to improve their plans.
As the final phase, a market-pitching programme was held on December 10 virtually where the selected SMEs presented their export marketing plans with details of their funding requirements to obtain the services that are identified as key to expand their business internationally to an external evaluation panel. The panel was represented by Dr. Dayaratna Silva, National Expert –
International Trade Centre, Prof. B. Nishantha, Faculty of Management and Finance – University of Colombo and Nuwan Gamage, Senior Vice President - Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing.
Plans were presented by Unicorn Tyre Retreads Pvt Ltd, Kandrick Tea Beverages Lanka Pvt Ltd, Nature’s Wellness Pvt Ltd, Ceylon Dhee Ayurveda Pvt Ltd, Gamma Chemicals, Hela Coco Energy Pvt Ltd, Healthy Foods Lanka Pvt Ltd, Kadadasi, Liven, Nature Wins Pvt Ltd, Navigata Foods Pvt Ltd, Pranaya and Tilma Lanka Pvt Ltd and they were selected as the Best Export Marketing Plans.