About Us

GRIT

(Growth, Resilience, Investment, and Training)

GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Investment and Training) project is a transformative initiative aimed at fostering a gender-responsive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Sri Lanka over a six-year period from 2023 to 2028. The project, funded by Global Affairs Canada in collaboration with WUSC, is dedicated to empowering startup, small, and medium-level women entrepreneurs and driving socio-economic development in the North of Sri Lanka.

As part of this impactful initiative, the Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) proudly introduces the Empower Pengal platform under the GRIT initiative that aims to enhance the women entrepreneur’s skills and competencies, strengthen their entrepreneurial drive, and help them advance to the next phase of their entrepreneurial journey.

LIIN is implementing the GRIT initiative through four key pillars.

Our Programs

Innovative Business Development Solutions

Providing comprehensive support through specialized training, mentorship, and investment readiness programs designed for sustainable growth and market success.

Entrepreneur DNA Mapping
Entrepreneur DNA Mapping
Research & Development

Exploring comprehensive landscape research to support stakeholders in designing development strategies for women-led enterprises and sustainable business growth.

The Emerging Women Program
The Emerging Women Program
Two-Year Initiative

A transformative program supporting 100 women entrepreneurs at startup and ideation stages through mentorship, skill development, and networking.

Entrepreneurship Development Training
Entrepreneurship Development
Training Program

Empowering 240 women entrepreneurs through industry-specific training, mentorship, and investment readiness support (2024-2027).

GSG Impact Sri Lanka
GSG Impact Sri Lanka
Investment Initiative

Strengthening partnerships and accelerating impact investing adoption with a focus on integrating a gender lens and facilitating investment processes.

Why Join LIIN's GRIT Program?

Transform Your Business Journey

Join our exclusive program designed to empower women entrepreneurs with essential skills, valuable networking opportunities, expert mentorship, and access to investment resources for sustainable business growth.

Step 1
GRIT-Selected Women Entrepreneurs
Step 2
EDTP & EWP-Training & Mentoring Cycle
Step 3
Pitch Deck & Business Plan Preparation
Step 4
Pitch - Showcasing entrepreneurs' impactful visions
Step 5
Winner Selection
Step 6
Investment Support for Growth
Investment Opportunities
  • Access to investment opportunities to scale the business.
  • Support for developing sustainable and impactful business models.
  • Opportunities to connect with potential investors and strategic partners.
  • Opportunities to participate in competitions providing exposure and visit opportunities to Canada.
Upcoming Events

Join Our Professional Events & Workshops

Discover upcoming opportunities to enhance your business skills, network with industry leaders, and stay ahead of market trends through our specialized events.

2nd EWP IV
Cohort-02 EWP Training Sessions IV

Empowering Women-led Innovation to Reach New Heights and Market Potential!

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2nd Empower Pengal IV
Cohort-02 EDTP Training Sessions IV

Another Significant Step Forward in Taking Your Business to The Next Level in The Digital World!

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2nd EWP III
Cohort-02 EWP Training Sessions III

Another Significant Step Towards Legalizing Businesses and Advancing Towards Sustainable Growth!

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2nd Empower Pengal III
Cohort-02 EDTP Training Sessions III

Taking Women Entrepreneurs One Step Closer to Digital Excellence

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2nd EWP II
Cohort-02 EWP Training Sessions II

Stronger customer connections. Smarter sales. Greater business success through Empower Pengal

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2nd Empower Pengal II
Cohort-02 EDTP Training Sessions II

Stronger Skills. Smarter Businesses. Brighter Futures for Women Entrepreneurs in the Northern Province

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Emerging Women Summit 2026
Emerging Women Summit 2026

LIIN Empowers Northern Women Entrepreneurs through Emerging Women

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2nd Empower Pengal I
Cohort-02 Empower Pengal Training Sessions

Northern Province Entrepreneurs Embark on a New Growth Journey with GRIT

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Investor Pitch Competition 2026
Investor Pitch Competition 2026

LIIN, WUSC Host First-ever Investor Pitch Event for Entrepreneurs

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EDTP Training Sessions XIX
EDTP Training Sessions XIX

✨ Empower Pengal – Investment Readiness Training

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Testimonials

Success Stories from Our Community

Hear from entrepreneurs who have transformed their businesses through our programs, achieving measurable growth, innovation, and sustainable success.

Testimonial 1
B. Uthayakumary
Proprietor, BK Dried Foods
"This program happens every month, and through it, we are moving forward step by step. Honestly, this session truly motivates us.I am really grateful to LIIN for giving us this opportunity. Thank you so much!"
Testimonial 2
Thangaraj Mathyvathany
Proprietor, Anathils Batik and Aari Work
"Today, I learned how important the SCAMPER technique is for our business. It helped me realize how we can modify and improve our business. I noted how I can apply this strategy to increase profits. I also learned that with good ideas, we can definitely earn more profit. Thank you!"
Testimonial 3
Sivananthiny Baratharam
Proprietor, Aarokyam Food Products
"I'm Sivananthiny B. I've been attending all the Empower Pengal programme sessions. This programme is really useful. In today’s session, I learned about how to get food certificates, hygiene practices, and how to protect employees. The trainers, refreshments, and overall arrangements were all very good. The trainer also guided us that if we haven’t obtained quality certificates yet, we should make an effort to get them. I am going to work on that as well. Thank you!"
Testimonial 3
Suganthiny Sivakumar
Proprietor, Livegreen Products
"Today, I learned about how to get quality certificates and how to follow proper food hygiene practices. I also learned how to prepare documentation for obtaining the GMP certificate. If we want to get a GMP certificate, we need to enhance our products and use proper machinery in the business place. It's important to follow proper documentation, and I understood that clearly in today’s session."
Partners

Strategic Collaborations for Innovation

Our partnerships with industry leaders and organizations create valuable opportunities for growth, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development across sectors.