Women MSME Conference & Awards 2025

Proposal: Women MSME Conference & Awards 2025
Date: 7th October 2025
Venue: Cinnamon Lakeside
Theme: Celebrating Strength, Innovation, and Success

Overview

The Women MSME Conference & Awards 2025, organized by Women in Management (WIM), is a landmark national event designed to recognize, empower, and promote Women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Sri Lanka. This event will bring together female entrepreneurs, policymakers, business leaders, investors, and ecosystem enablers to celebrate the strength, innovation, and contributions of women in the SME sector.

Objective

To connect Sri Lankan women-led MSMEs to the global market by enhancing their visibility, strengthening their brand identity, and providing them with the knowledge, tools, and networks required for sustainable growth and international expansion.

Event Structure

Morning Session – WIM Women MSME Conference
Time: 8:15 AM – 1:30 PM

• Keynote Speeches
• Panel Discussions with Industry Experts
• Business Clinics & Matchmaking Sessions
• Branding & Export Readiness Workshops
• Marketplace Showcases
• Networking Opportunities

Evening Session – Women MSME Awards Ceremony
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• District-wise & National Awards
• Global MSME Awards
• Recognition of Excellence in Service, Manufacturing & Trade
• Cultural Performances & Inspiring Stories
• Chief Guest Address & Special Awards

Award Categories

Awards will be presented under the following three main MSME categories:

1. Medium Enterprises

• Eligibility:
  • Minimum 30 and less than 250 employees
  • In operation for more than 5 years
  • Woman-owned (minimum 50% ownership)
• Sectors:
  • Service
  • Manufacturing
  • Trade

2. Small Enterprises

• Eligibility:
  • Minimum 10 and less than 30 employees
  • In operation for more than 2 years
  • Woman-owned (minimum 50% ownership)
• Sectors:
  • Service
  • Manufacturing
  • Trade

3. Upcoming Enterprises

• Eligibility:
  • Minimum 2 employees
  • In operation for minimum 1 year
  • Woman-owned (minimum 50% ownership)
• Sectors:
  • Service
  • Manufacturing
  • Trade

4. Export Excellence Awards (Across all categories)

• Recognizing women-led MSMEs contributing to international trade and export development.

Award Levels

Each category will be recognized at two levels:

• District-Level Recognition
• National-Level Recognition

Judging Criteria

1. Business Sustainability & Growth
2. Innovation & Adaptability
3. Employment Generation & Social Impact
4. Financial Performance & Governance
5. Contribution to Community & Women Empowerment
6. Brand Identity & Market Presence
7. Readiness for Global Expansion (Export category)

Expected Outcomes

• Create visibility and recognition for women-led MSMEs
• Bridge the gap between local women entrepreneurs and the global market
• Facilitate access to branding, digital tools, and investor networks
• Encourage policy-level engagement to support women MSMEs
• Inspire other women to become entrepreneurs through success stories

Target Participants

• Women Entrepreneurs across all districts
• Investors and Export Agencies
• Chambers of Commerce
• Financial Institutions and Donor Agencies
• Government and International Organizations

——————————————————————————————————————————

1. Global Trailblazer Award

Recognizing a woman-led MSME that has successfully established a strong international presence and is recognized MSME’s in the country representation.

• Eligibility:
  • Minimum of 5 years in operation
  • At least 30% of revenue should be from international markets
  • Woman must own at least 50% or be the CEO/Managing Director
• Key Evaluation Points:
  • International business strategy
  • Market diversification
  • Global partnerships or networks
  • Impact and innovation
  • Respectful Workplace Policies

2. Emerging Global MSME Award

Awarded to a woman-led SME that has being in operation in their own country in the last 1–3 years and shows high potential for global growth.

• Eligibility:
  • Company must be registered
  • Minimum of 3 years in operation
  • At least minimum of 30 employees
  • Woman must own at least 50%
• Key Evaluation Points:
  • Market readiness and scalability
  • Brand presentation and digital presence
  • Compliance and certifications
  • Ethical Business Practices

3. Diaspora Collaboration Award

Recognizing a woman entrepreneur who has built her business through collaboration with Sri Lankan or international diaspora communities.

• Eligibility:
  • Minimum of 2 years in operation
  • Must show evidence of active partnership or trade with Sri Lankan diaspora communities abroad
  • Woman must own at least 50%
• Key Evaluation Points:
  • Partnership building
  • Community engagement
  • Social impact through diaspora networks
  • Innovation in outreach
  • Ethical Business Practices