Digital Training Supports Sri Lanka SMEs to Expand Market Reach

USAID Collaborates with SLASSCOM to boost SME competitiveness

In December, the USAID CATALYZE Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity partnered with the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) to conduct a five-session digital masterclass on using digital marketing to establish an online brand for 50 information and communication technology (ICT) professionals from 30 companies.

Industry experts shared their views on the latest trends and opportunities in digital marketing to drive online performance. The training included skills in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and using a content-led approach to boost online search visibility, audience engagement, brand awareness, and enhancing sales conversions. From content marketing to social media and data analytics, participants learned how to leverage the power of online platforms and reach potential customers through online marketing.

Ashique Ali, Chairman of SLASSCOM said, “Digital marketing is a prerequisite today to showcase a company to all its stakeholders — customers, employees, investors, the larger marketplace and the public. Used effectively it can build engagement and credibility. As such, the masterclass was designed to give participants the skills and knowledge to build and enhance their digital marketing presence.”

One-on-one strategy support also was offered to 10 selected companies that demonstrated a clear growth plan for the next 12 months.

The training will support the companies to enhance their current marketing strategies and reach more local and regional customers in both a cost effective and efficient way. With in-depth technical support, local ICT firms will be able to better participate in the global arena, which will contribute towards generating Foreign Exchange and ensuring their survival and growth of the industry during these challenging times.

For more information, visit the USAID CATALYZE Private Sector Development page.

About USAID CATALYZE

USAID CATALYZE, implemented by Palladium, is an 8-year program designed to mobilize $2 billion in private capital for development impact, especially in underserved social sectors and frontier markets across the globe, complemented by a cross-cutting inclusion of gender-lens investing. CATALYZE supports blended finance solutions working with local and international businesses and investors to explore and find commercially-viable opportunities and approaches to creating jobs, developing sustainable social services, tightening and rationalizing supply chains, and advancing inclusive growth. We work across 28 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with 190 partners, including financial institutions, business advisory service providers, anchor firms, and job trainers.