National Enterprise Development Authority

What National Enterprise Development Authority does

National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) is a Sri Lankan government statutory body established in 2006 under the National Enterprise Development Authority Act No. 17 of 2006, operating under the purview of the Ministry of Industries. Its mandate is to promote, support, encourage, and facilitate enterprise development across Sri Lanka with a special emphasis on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, which was reported to contribute 52% of Sri Lanka's GDP as of 2014. NEDA serves a wide beneficiary base including MSMEs, university graduates, vocational trainees, rural entrepreneurs, migrant returnees, vulnerable communities, and informal sector workers such as three-wheeler drivers.

NEDA's core service portfolio includes the Brain into Business youth entrepreneurship program (launched 2014), the Made in Sri Lanka logo certification and franchise shop network (launched December 2022), the B500 brand development project (launched March 2024), the UPLIFT project with ILO for migrant returnees (2024), the Lengathukama program for three-wheeler driver redeployment, and government-funded loan schemes (E-Friends II and SMILE III). These programs are delivered through a network of 288 Development Officers embedded at Divisional Secretariat level across all 25 districts. Supporting technology includes the neda.gov.lk website, the SMEConnect.lk portal, the MadeInSriLanka.neda.gov.lk platform, and a maintained MSME database.

NEDA's business model is government-funded rather than commercial: it is financed through annual allocations from the Ministry of Industries and disburses grants and subsidized loans to beneficiaries. Programs are delivered in partnership with international organizations (ILO, World Bank, EU, Green Climate Fund), universities (12+ state universities, OUSL, UNIVOTEC), and other government bodies (District and Divisional Secretariats, Vocational Training Authority, Ministry of Industries' Vidatha Unit). The authority does not publish financial statements or commercial revenue figures. NEDA is headquartered in Colombo at 561/3, Elvitigala Mawatha, with leadership under Chairman/Director General Mr. Lakshman Abeysekera and a Board of Directors overseeing governance.

Name

National Enterprise Development Authority

Legal name

National Enterprise Development Authority

Website

https://neda.gov.lk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) is a Sri Lankan government statutory body that promotes MSME enterprise development nationwide through training, branding, subsidized loans, and trade fairs, delivered via 288 Development Officers across all 25 districts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Enterprise Development Services

NAICS

Public Administration (92), Administration of General Economic Programs (92611), Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support (921), Administration of General Economic Programs (926110)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Institutional Capacity Building & Training (Workforce/Systems Strengthening) (BPADAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building & Policy Advisory Programs (BPADABAO), Technical Assistance, Policy Lending & Capacity Building Programs (BPADACAN), Governance, Public Financial Management & Service Delivery Reform (BPADAEAD)

Keywords

• MSME enterprise development
• Youth entrepreneurship programs
• Government funded loans
• Brand development services
• Business incubation support

Headquarters

HQ city

Colombo

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: NEDA is a government statutory body operating under the Ministry of Industries, funded through annual government allocations and budgets. The authority disburses grants to entrepreneurs through programs like Brain into Business and provides subsidized loan schemes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) is a Sri Lankan government statutory body that promotes, supports, encourages and facilitates enterprise development across the country, with special emphasis on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector. It delivers a portfolio of programs including youth entrepreneurship grants, brand development projects, government-subsidized loan schemes, business incubation, market facilitation through trade fairs and franchise shops, skills training, and cluster-based enterprise development — all delivered through a nationwide network of 288 Development Officers at the Divisional Secretariat level.

Product overview

National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) is a Sri Lankan government statutory body operating under the Ministry of Industries. Rather than a single unified product, NEDA offers a portfolio of enterprise development programs and services targeting the MSME sector. The core offerings include the Brain into Business Programme for youth entrepreneurship, the B500 Project for brand development, the National Incubation Model for startup support, Government Funded Loan Schemes (E-Friends II, SMILE III), and Regional Enterprise Development Programs. These are complemented by supporting initiatives such as Entrepreneur Awards, Cluster Development Programs, Trade Fairs, the Made in Sri Lanka Logo certification program, training programs (GET Ahead), and the SMEConnect online platform. NEDA operates from Colombo with Development Officers at Divisional Secretariat level across the country, managing an MSME database and IT applications to serve entrepreneurs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SMEConnect: Online platform for connecting with SMEs
• Brain into Business
• B500 Project
• Made in Sri Lanka
• MISL Trade Fair

Products and services

• Brain into Business Programme Flagship entrepreneurship development initiative that coaches educated youth with entrepreneurial skills through three-day workshops, mentorship, and financial grants for viable business proposals, delivered in partnership with state university Career Guidance Units.
• B500 Project National brand development program selecting 500 promising MSMEs from over 3,000 applicants for practical brand development activities, strategic plans, free branding facilities, and government support to help them conquer international markets.
• Made in Sri Lanka Logo Certification Certification program launched in December 2022 to promote genuine Sri Lankan products via the 'Made in Sri Lanka' logo, which depicts the degree of localness and provides persistent market access and tourist visibility for certified products.
• Government Funded Loan Scheme (E-Friends II and SMILE III) Government-funded financial support programs including the E-Friends II investment loan and SMILE III loan scheme, offered at subsidized interest rates to MSMEs through NEDA and District Secretariats.
• National Incubation Model National framework for business incubation that provides specialized capacity building for NEDA Development Officers to support entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs at district and provincial levels through standardized programs.
• SMEConnect.lk Portal Online portal connecting Small and Medium Enterprises with NEDA's services and resources, supporting access to enterprise development programs and information.
• UPLIFT Project Skill development initiative implemented in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) supporting migrant returnees and vulnerable communities through entrepreneurship training, safe migration promotion, and economic resilience programs.
• MISL Trade Fairs Made in Sri Lanka trade fairs held at tourist destinations (Ella, Arugam Bay, Mirissa) to promote and showcase certified Sri Lankan MSME products at national and international levels.
• Cluster/Sector Development Program Cluster-based promotional and development approach providing cost-effective Business Development Services to groups of enterprises rather than individuals, focusing on resource efficiency and technological innovation across regional sectors.
• Entrepreneur Awards Award ceremonies conducted across all provinces to recognize, reward and motivate enterprises that have contributed to Sri Lanka's economic development, executed with assistance of District Chambers and Government entities.
• Made in Sri Lanka Franchise Shops Franchise shop network established in leading tourist destinations (both local and international) where private-sector tenants showcase certified Sri Lankan MSME products under the Made in Sri Lanka brand.
• Enterprise Forum Public-private dialogue platform established at Divisional, District and National levels that brings together government authorities, private sector, NGOs, and key entrepreneurs to contribute to local economic development.
• Lengathukama Programme Redeployment program offering three-wheeler drivers alternative livelihoods through skill development and training (e.g., electrician skills), initially focused on the Gampaha District with 300 drivers, fostering entrepreneurship.

Quantifiable outcome

• MSME contribution to GDP increased from 40% (2013) to 52% (2014)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Labour Organization (ILO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2024NEDA partnered with ILO as implementation partner for the 'UPLIFT' project supporting migrant returnees and vulnerable communities. The initiative enhances skills, improves livelihoods, and promotes safe migration. ILO provides technical expertise and international coordination, with funding support from Government of Japan.
• PASS AsiacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 21 August 2024PASS Asia collaborated with NEDA and ILO on the UPLIFT project, focusing on market access and digital marketing strategies to empower SMEs. Mr. Samantha Pathirathna served as Chairman/Principal Researcher/Master Business Coach for PASS ASIA.
• State University Career Guidance UnitscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Career Guidance Units of 12+ state universities to implement Brain into Business program. Universities include University of Colombo, University of Moratuwa, University of Kelaniya, University of Peradeniya, University of Ruhuna, Rajarata University, Uva Wellassa University, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and others. CGU assists in selection and monitoring of beneficiaries.
• University of Vocational Technology (UNIVOTEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for Youth Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme for vocational trainees, encouraging educated youth to embrace entrepreneurship. UNIVOTEC provides venue and academic infrastructure for three-day workshop programs.
• National Youth Service CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative implementation of five-day residential entrepreneurship training workshop series. National Youth Service Council organized Anuradhapura district program with NEDA providing resource persons.
• Herbline InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint implementation of Beauty Scholarship Program for Kegalle district entrepreneurs. Herbline Institute provides expertise and resources for beauty entrepreneurship training.
• International Labour Organization (ILO) - GET Ahead ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEDA collaborated with ILO to conduct 'Gender and Enterprise Together (GET) Ahead' Training of Trainers program. Ms. Bharti Birla, Enterprise Development Specialist from ILO Decent Work Team for South Asia, led training sessions for 20 NEDA officers.
• GCF Knuckles Project (Green Climate Fund)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrain into Business program under GCF Knuckles Project focusing on climate-resilient entrepreneurship development in Knuckles region.
• Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to set up R&D Hub for Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. MOU planned for February 2025. Partnership aims to develop roadmap for SME and startup support, including R&D advancement, big data analytics, incubators, and branding initiatives. OUSL will serve as the R&D Hub.
• Ministry of IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEDA operates under the purview of Ministry of Industries. The Ministry provides policy direction, administrative support, and coordinates with other government entities for enterprise development initiatives.
• Vidatha Unit of Ministry of IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative implementation of Lengathukama program for three-wheeler driver redeployment. Vidatha Unit provides technical expertise for alternative livelihood development.
• Vocational Training Authority (VTA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in Lengathukama program for three-wheeler driver skills training. VTA provides vocational training infrastructure and certification for alternative livelihood programs.
• District and Divisional SecretariatscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNationwide network of District and Divisional Secretariats implementing NEDA programs at local level. Development Officers work through Secretariats to reach entrepreneurs, obtain project proposals, and provide financial support.
• Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSLT participated in B500 Project inauguration. Dr. Philip Neri Mullegama provided branding expertise, with Deputy General Manager Ajith Kularathna and Senior Manager Lalwin De Zoysa attending the event.
• Orel ITminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVice President (Strategic Business) Bandula Dissanayake and General Manager of Orel Academy Dr. Kapila Giragama participated in B500 Project inauguration, providing expertise on digital branding and IT solutions.
• Loku Business InstituteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-Founder Mustaq Indrues participated in B500 Project inauguration, contributing expertise on business development and entrepreneurship training.
• Simple BooksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-founder and CEO Abhit Sabir participated in B500 Project inauguration, providing expertise on business documentation and process management.
• Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research & Training InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for UPLIFT capacity-building program on August 21, 2024. Provided Subasinghe Conference Hall facilities for NEDA officer training.
• People's BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMr. Wickrama Narayana, Deputy General Manager (Enterprise Banking), presented on MSME credit appraisal at UPLIFT training, enhancing financial access awareness.
• CA Sri Lanka SME Task ForceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMr. Harsha Gunasena, Senior Chartered Accountant/Executive Member, provided insights on effective tax management strategies for MSMEs at UPLIFT training.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Enterprise Singapore: Singapore government agency supporting enterprise growth across financing, capability building, and internationalization. Operates as a statutory board similar to NEDA but with a more outward-oriented focus on globalizing local SMEs.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI): India's principal financial institution for promotion, financing and development of the MSME sector. Directly comparable to NEDA as a national statutory body delivering credit, capacity building, and ecosystem programs to MSMEs across India.
• Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME): Korean government agency under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups that delivers policy financing, incubation, market开拓, and global programs for SMEs and startups. Highly comparable mandate and toolset to NEDA's.
• SME Corporation Malaysia: Malaysian central coordinating agency for SME development under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development. Operates advisory, financing, and capacity building programs across Malaysia, mirroring NEDA's mandate.
• Department of Trade and Industry - Philippines (DTI SME Development Division): Philippine government agency responsible for SME development policies and programs, including the Small Business Corporation which provides financing. Comparable in mandate and approach to NEDA.
• Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) South Africa: South Africa's national agency for small enterprise development providing non-financial support, incubation, and training to small businesses. Comparable to NEDA in mission and service mix, though NEDA also facilitates government loan schemes.

Others

• International Labour Organization (ILO): UN agency delivering technical cooperation programs including the GET Ahead and UPLIFT initiatives implemented through NEDA. Not a direct competitor but a key implementation partner providing technical expertise.

Broad incumbents

• International Finance Corporation (IFC): World Bank Group's private sector development arm that supports SME finance and advisory globally. Already partners with NEDA via ASMP-2, and represents the broader blended-finance/DFI category NEDA aspires to interface with.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC1pGgjx2fAs6sLFyreyrxoA
• Facebookfacebook.com/neda.srilanka
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/neda-enterprise-development-authority
• TikToktiktok.com/@nedasl?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Enterprise Development Authority