Fostering 10,000 Young Entrepreneurs with BOC

In a world where opportunities are vast but sometimes hard to grasp, the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) is making a significant stride towards nurturing our young entrepreneurs. With a vision to nurture and retain young talent within the country, we have launched an ambitious programme aimed at fostering 10,000 young entrepreneurs.

This initiative does not stop at providing loans; it goes beyond that and provides a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, encompassing financial counseling, strategic partnerships, and access to international markets. Through collaborations with organizations such as IDB, SED, NAITA, and EDB, we offer more than just financial assistance. Our young entrepreneurs receive guidance on the entire production process, from manufacturing their products to effectively marketing them and penetrating export markets.

The BOC Youth Loan programme, which provided an initial loan of Rs. 500,000, is designed to support SME entrepreneurs at the start of their journey. For those who demonstrate success, additional funding opportunities are available at lower interest rates. This financial support was coupled with educational programmes that equip young entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.

A recent event in celebration of International SME Day highlighted the success of this initiative. Held at the BOC auditorium, the event brought together over 250 young entrepreneurs, both current loan recipients and prospective applicants. The gathering provided essential knowledge and networking opportunities, reinforcing BOC's role in supporting the next generation of business leaders.

BOC’s efforts to combat brain drain are central to this initiative. By providing support and opportunities within Sri Lanka, we aim to give young entrepreneurs a compelling reason to stay and build their futures here. The success stories emerging from this programme are proof to the potential of our youth and the effectiveness of our approach.

By nurturing 10,000 young minds, we are not just investing in businesses; we are investing in the future of our nation. To every young entrepreneur embarking on this journey with us, we are here to support you every step of the way. Your dreams are our dreams, and your success is our success. Together, we will build a brighter, more prosperous future for Sri Lanka. This is our commitment, and this is our promise.