The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will bring together policymakers, business leaders, financial institutions and business support organisations next week to help Sri Lanka's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome key growth barriers through improved market access, stronger competitiveness and better access to finance.

The Scale Up 2.0 – National SME Forum 2026, to be held on 11 August at the Taj Samudra, Colombo, will serve as a platform for SMEs to connect with industry stakeholders, gain practical insights and explore opportunities for sustainable business growth.

Held under the theme "Connected, Competitive, Ready to Grow," the forum comes at a time when SMEs are seeking to strengthen resilience and expand their role in Sri Lanka's economic recovery. The event will focus on equipping businesses with the knowledge, partnerships and resources needed to become more competitive and market-ready.

Discussions will centre on three strategic areas critical to SME development—expanding market access, enhancing competitiveness through standards and certification, and supporting businesses to move from survival to sustainable growth.

Participants will gain insights into accessing new domestic and international markets, integrating into local and global value chains, and building stronger linkages with larger enterprises. Sessions will also highlight the importance of quality standards, certification and improved business processes in enhancing customer confidence and opening new commercial opportunities.

Recognising the financing challenges faced by many SMEs, the forum will also examine ways to improve investment readiness, strengthen business management practices and identify suitable funding options to support long-term expansion.

A key feature of the event will be a dedicated B2B networking session, providing participants with opportunities to engage directly with corporates, financial institutions and business development organisations, paving the way for new partnerships, market opportunities and business support.

Through Scale Up 2.0, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce aims to strengthen Sri Lanka's SME ecosystem by fostering stronger business linkages and providing enterprises with the tools, knowledge and networks required to scale up in an increasingly competitive business environment.

Registrations for the National SME Forum 2026 are now open. More information and registration details are available at https://event.chamber.lk/event-register/486. Inquiries may also be made by contacting Nirosha on 011 558 8879 or Ravi on 011 558 8807