Cargills Village to Home, a unique program initiated by Cargills to support small businesses by connecting them directly to the market, held its 32nd edition on March 22 and 23 at the Pelawatte branch.
Several SME entrepreneurs showcased a wide array of products, ranging from handicrafts to traditional homemade sweets. It also featured Avurudu games and activities, creating a lively atmosphere for customers.
A key feature of the Village to Home program is the opportunity it provides for small local businesses to set up monthly trade stalls at Cargills Food City outlets free. Cargills covers all associated event expenses, including transport and logistics, allowing entrepreneurs to retain all income earned through the program.
SMEs that demonstrate significant growth are given the opportunity to become listed suppliers at Cargills Food City, gaining access to 540 locations. Cargills Bank plays a vital role in supporting these entrepreneurs by offering banking services such as accounts, loans, card services, and financial literacy training. Another inspiring aspect of the program is that it has brought a diverse group of entrepreneurs to market, including female entrepreneurs, youth-led businesses, and those with special abilities. Cargills has expanded the program to the Northern Province, enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs there.
Deputy Chairman of Cargills (Ceylon) PLC Ranjit Page reflected on the significance of the program: “When markets were shut down during the pandemic, we thought about how best to support those who were most affected, especially small businesses. Cargills reached out to SMEs from different parts of the country and created the Village to Home program to connect small entrepreneurs with our customer base. We created space for them to earn an income, with no additional cost to the SME, and Cargills does not earn any income from this program.
“Building entrepreneurs was the need of the hour in August 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, and it continues to be the need of the hour today, because as we all know, SMEs are the engine of our economy. We share our expertise and know-how with these entrepreneurs, helping to launch their businesses.
