The DigiGo.lk Journey: Empowering SMEs for a Digital Tomorrow
In a bustling marketplace in Gampaha, a small tailoring shop owner, Nisha, struggled to keep up with her growing clientele. She knew her business had potential but felt lost in the fast-paced world of digital tools and technology. Nisha’s story isn’t unique. Across Sri Lanka, countless micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face similar challenges: brimming with potential yet unable to harness the digital tools that could transform their businesses.
Enter DigiGo.lk, a program born out of a shared vision to bridge the gap between SMEs and the digital world. In partnership with Small Enterprises Development Division (SED), DigiGo.lk set out on an ambitious journey in September 2024, armed with a fresh approach to digital empowerment.
The first step was to train the trainers—the divisional officers who could cascade the knowledge to businesses like Nisha’s. Over the course of three months, 250 officers were trained across nine districts, spanning from the urban hustle of Colombo to the serene hills of Nuwara Eliya. Each district carried its own unique challenges, but the message remained the same: digital transformation is not a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
What made this initiative special was its focus on a tool that nearly everyone already had—a smartphone. DigiGo.lk recognized that while not every entrepreneur could afford a laptop or complex software, nearly all of them had a smartphone in their pocket.
For Nisha, the program was a revelation. She learned how to use her smartphone to manage orders, connect with customers on social media, and even track expenses through intuitive mobile apps. The simplicity and practicality of the training made it accessible, even for someone who had never used technology for business before.
DigiGo.lk key insights:
- Accessibility: Smartphones are everywhere, making them the perfect starting point for businesses with limited resources
- Ease of Use: Mobile apps are intuitive and reduce the fear of technology making it easier for entrepreneurs to adopt
- Connectivity: Always online, enabling real-time communication and resource access to digital resources.
- Affordability: Cost-effective solutions that align with the realities of micro-SMEs.
As Nisha’s confidence grew, so did her business. She began taking custom orders through WhatsApp, created a simple Facebook page to showcase her designs, and used mobile apps to plan her inventory.
Her story is one of thousands that DigiGo.lk aims to inspire. The program’s phased, structured learning ensures that entrepreneurs with limited resources aren’t left behind in the digital race. By empowering trainers, DigiGo.lk creates a ripple effect, reaching businesses in every corner of the country.
DigiGo.lk’s Impact:
DigiGo.lk isn’t just a program; it’s a movement. It’s about giving people like Nisha the tools to dream bigger and the skills to achieve those dreams. And while the journey is just beginning, the impact is already being felt—one business, one smartphone, one success story at a time.
The Future of DigiGo.lk:
DigiGo.lk’s vision extends far beyond its current reach. With plans to expand into more districts in the coming year. By continuing to equip trainers, DigiGo.lk is ensuring that the digital transformation of Sri Lanka’s micro and small enterprises is sustainable and scalable.
DigiGo.lk: Powered by Collaboration
This transformative initiative is proudly brought to life by the LK Domain Registry in collaboration with the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS).
Be part of the movement. Together, let’s empower businesses to thrive in a digital tomorrow.
