It often starts with a dream, a vision of a better future for yourself, your family, and your community. For many small business owners, that dream faces a harsh reality – limited resources, operational hurdles, marketing challenges, and the struggle to grow beyond a simple idea. But what happens when a little bit of support comes along? That’s when a business becomes more than just a source of income, it becomes a force for good.
At Dilmah, we believe that true goodness extends far beyond a cup of tea. It’s about empowering people, fostering community, and making business a matter of human service. Our Small Entrepreneur Programme (SEP) by the MJF Charitable Foundation is a testament to this philosophy, acting as a catalyst for individuals who are not only building their own businesses but are also enriching the lives of others. The stories of some of our recent SEP grantees are a powerful reminder of this shared prosperity.
For 36-year-old Sathiyareka, her journey began with her keen interest in making a sustainable profit utilising coconut and palm leaves. With the SEP grant, she acquired a crucial tool, the bench grinder, that transformed her handicraft business by multiplying her production. She even mentored 22 other women in her community, teaching them crafts and helping them to find means of making their own source of income. This is an example of how one woman’s dedication could empower an entire community of women to succeed in any niche.
Pranavi is also from the east of the country like Sathiyareka. This jewellery designer and business owner is also a beneficiary of our SEP grant programme. From selling her handcrafted jewellery at local markets to building an international presence, she has proven that passion and dedication are two crucial elements to succeed at almost anything in life. Like Sathiyareka, Pranavi too has stepped into the shoes as a mentor, conducting jewellery making short courses, training over 40 students in Sri Lanka, France and Canada, and inspiring a new generation of creators.
Mujeeth is a small entrepreneur who transformed his business by embracing a simple truth – control and quality go hand in hand. Before receiving his SEP grant, he was reliant on a third – party supplier for grinding his spices, a process that was both costly and inefficient. With the grant, Mujeeth was able to fully execute his business in – house – from sourcing sustainable raw materials to grinding and packaging his products. This not only improved the quality of his brand ‘Mite Spice’, but also gave him a sense of ownership and the ambition to someday collaborate with Dilmah.
These are just three examples of over 2,000 entrepreneurs the MJF Charitable Foundation has supported over the last 20 years. Their stories are a testament to the fact that when we invest in people, we’re not just funding a business – we’re fueling a dream, building a community, and creating a prosperous world for everyone. It’s a reminder that every small step, every grant, and every act of support can make a world of difference.
