National initiative to empower entrepreneurs and SMEs “4i Project” debuts

17 districts selected for the initiative, targeting 1,000 young entrepreneurs and SMEs Supports national vision to raise the manufacturing sector's contribution to 28% and boost national productivity to 52% by 2030

- By Sarna MALik

Handover of the 4i Project official letter by Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi (left)

THE national program ‘4i Project’ developing 1,000 young entrepreneurs was successfully launched last week by the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry in partnership with the National Productivity Secretariat and other Government bodies.

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi said the national program, the 4i Project, is geared towards empowering a new generation of business owners, with a focus on youth and Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs).

The Minister clarified the program’s eligibility, noting it is intended not only for emerging entrepreneurs but also for established SMEs that possess a minimum of three years of operational history and employ at least 10 individuals. The initiative will specifically target production-related businesses within identified districts across the nation.

He briefly outlined the main objectives of the project, stating the program seeks to expand business opportunities through entrepreneurship training and productivity enhancements. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment, stating that it has upheld its promise to support entrepreneurship and contribution to the development of the economy.

The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe provided an explanation for the initiative’s name, confirming that the 4i Project framework refers to four distinct phases of business innovation and development.