WCIC ready to help women entrepreneurs

However, much you earn, it is not enough for household expenses....", is the complaint of a majority of housewives.

The main part of the responsibility of finding an extra source of income falls on the wife and mother.

"But, what do I have to do to earn an extra income.... where to find the a capital to start a business.. if I succeed in producing something, how can I find a market for my produce...." these will be the questions assailing would-be entrepreneurs.

There are answers to all those questions. Only your dedication is needed.

Though you might think that there is no one to advise and assist you, the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) is there to guide you.

Here is a interview with the Chairperson of the WCIC, Dr. Saroshi Dubash and the Vice Chairperson Vidyani Hettogoda to clarify the services offered by them to women.

Q: The theme of your organisation is 'Women Empowered - Women in Command'. How do you set about this task?

A: Our women ceaselessly endeavour to escape from the economic problems facing them in their day-to-day lives without getting further mired in them. But at their hour of need, they do not have anybody to provide them with guidance and advice.

The WCIC is ready to intervene on behalf of budding women entrepreneurs.

Q: What are the programs already activated by your organisation to achieve those objectives?

A: Starting an enterprise, upgrading existing enterprises and revitalising an existing enterprise facing shut down are major problems faced by women entrepreneurs today.

The WCIC offers advice on obtaining financial facilities, market-related problems, legal advice, positive thinking, paradigm shifts, manufacturing products of superior quality and marketing and financial management.

We conduct workshops and seminars island-wide to educate women and through them we pave the way to the top, not only in Sri Lanka but also in the world.

All these things are possible through conquering the market.

Another step towards empowering women is the 'Women Entrepreneurs of the Year Program, organised by WCIC.

Q: How can women entrepreneurs participate in this program?

A: What ever scale, what ever category of the business enterprise you are in, this awards ceremony is designed to cover all those ranges.

You can participate under Micro, Small, Medium and Large Scale categories.The basic need is that your annual turnover should be over Rs. one million.

Winners will be crowned at an awards night at the Kingsbury, Colombo.