October 19, 2009 -- In post-conflict Sri Lanka, new business opportunities mean a lot. IFC’s Corporate Advice and Access to Finance teams in South Asia are helping develop the country's tourism sector by rolling out a new program that enlists the help of local photographers.
The Southern Region SME Development Program, which is funded by the Norwegian government, promotes tourism at a time when the country is working to develop the economy, create jobs, and grow small businesses.
The rollout began in the southern district of Galle, a seaside area that attracts many foreign visitors. The IFC initiative engaged photography studios, local government, tourism associations, and the export development board in positioning Galle as an attractive eco-tourism destination. The project is also intended to attract infrastructure investment.
Hands-On Sessions
Forty studio owners and photographers received hands-on sessions in nature and digital photography. Nature photography is used in promotional materials advertising Galle as a destination.
"This is a very valuable program for photographers in Galle,” said Pradeep Gunawardena, a participant. "Most of us were able to eliminate our apprehensions for digital technology. This is the first time we have been recognized as a group."
By coming together as a group, photographers will be able to improve their bargaining power, review their pricing policies, and keep up to date with the latest techniques.
Galle’s first computer lab, which was established with IFC’s help, provides many benefits to photographers and other businesses: The lab helps more than 300 small businesses enhance their productivity and provides faster communications with overseas clients and partners. Both the photography workshop and the computer lab projects are being replicated in other districts throughout Sri Lanka.
IFC, in collaboration with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, is establishing Small and Medium Enterprise Development groups with support from the Government of Norway.
Establishing One-Stop Shops
These groups will eventually evolve into one-stop shops imparting business skills to small entrepreneurs to help them grow faster, make business processes more efficient, and boost client satisfaction.
The groups, which are expected to reach over 25,000 SMEs in two years, will offer training programs for entrepreneurs to improve their skills in accessing market information and business development services. Groups are being planned across the southern districts of Galle, Hambantota, Matara, Monaragala, and Ratnapura.
