SL to welcome new entrepreneurial breed in 5-10 years – Hilmy Cader
View(s):Within the next five to 10 years, Sri Lanka will witness the introduction of a new breed of entrepreneurs challenging conventional business models, according to Hilmy Cader, the Chief Executive of MTI Consulting, quoted in a statement. Mr. Cader made his comment in relation to the unveiling of the MTI-sponsored “idea2fund”, an initiative with the stated goal of enabling the next generation of local entrepreneurs. As per the launch announcement, this fund has been created as a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, while also gaining access to funding and advice.
Further, the statement revealed the following have also signed up with the fund as sponsors: “Dialog Axiata, EAP Holdings, National Development Bank, People’s Bank, Sarva Integrated, Sign Tech, Teleview and Wijeya Publications. Former Chairman of Delmege Forsyth, Ricky Mendis, in his personal capacity, is also one of the event sponsors, who hopes to encourage and encourage young entrepreneurial talent”.
Additionally, according to the “idea2fund” website, this initiative is open to applications until February 29, 2016, and will be judged by corporate personalities including Mr. Cader, as well as Aroon Hirdaramani, Director, Hirdaramani Group; Jehan Amaratunga, Group Executive Deputy Chairman, MTD Walkers; Joseph Joshua, Managing Director, Access Group of Companies; Nahil Wijesuriya, Chairman, East-West Group; Dr. Himesh Fernando, Director of Innovation, Hemas Holdings; and Ishara Nanayakkara, Deputy Chairman, LOLC.
(JH)