How Canada’s Tamil Diaspora Is Powering Women’s Entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka
On November 12 in Markham, WUSC and partners celebrated the launch of the GRIT Bootcamp, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of women entrepreneurs from the North of Sri Lanka with the mentorship, digital tools, and global networks they need to grow their businesses and thrive.
Hosted by Tamil Venture Zone (TVZ) in partnership with DMZ at the Tamil Chamber of Commerce , the event united mentors, founders, investors, and community leaders from the Canadian Tamil diaspora around one shared mission unlocking women’s economic potential through the power of cross-border collaboration.
The ripple effect of Diaspora support
Across Canada, diaspora communities are driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and global connection. Their networks, expertise, and lived experience make them natural bridges between markets and cultures.
By partnering with members of the diaspora that share our commitment to social impact our work is contributing to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties while advancing gender equality and sustainable development.
The GRIT project: A platform for women’s innovation in Sri Lanka
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Growth, Resilience, Investment and Training (GRIT) project is a six-year initiative supporting women-led and women-serving enterprises in Sri Lanka’s
As part of this work, WUSC has mobilized high-skilled and high-net-worth individuals from the Canadian Tamil diaspora to strengthen Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through mentorship and volunteer engagements, diaspora experts provide insights into navigating North American markets, global supply chains, digital transformation and investment landscapes— guidance that helps women entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers and compete internationally.
Launching in January 2026, the GRIT Bootcamp, is an intensive program designed to connect women entrepreneurs from the North with diaspora mentors, technology partners, and global market opportunities. Led by DMZ, the Virtual Bootcamp helps early-stage founders validate their business idea, establish a minimum viable product, and build a roadmap for implementation to launch a startup. Founders participate in Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sessions, expert-led workshops, and dedicated one-on-one support. Upon completing the program, startups are expected to be ready to launch within three months and generate revenue within six months.
In 2026, DMZ will deliver the program to nine Sri Lankan enterprises, equipping women founders with the skills, tools, and mentorship needed to scale their businesses with confidence.
Gobinath Brodie, Program Director at TVZ, delivers a presentation at the launch of the GRIT Bootcamp event.
A story of impact: Building confidence and global connections
For entrepreneurs like Nishanthy Sayanthan, founder of Ms. Mannequine in Jaffna, diaspora mentorship has been transformative.
Through GRIT and Yarl IT Hub, she completed a six-week accelerator focused on business planning and digital marketing. She was paired with a Canadian mentor, Tharshini Markandaier, whose continued guidance has helped her refine her business strategy, explore new sourcing channels, and secure financing.
“Before the training, I was just surviving. Now, I feel like a true businesswoman — confident, capable, and proud.” – Nishanthy – Entrepreneur in Sri Lanka.
Her experience illustrates how diaspora mentorship can unlock new possibilities for women entrepreneurs navigating structural and cultural barriers.“When the diaspora gives even an hour of their time, the impact at home can be life-changing. We may live far away, but our willingness to show up, mentor, and share what we know, even if we’re not experts, creates opportunities, lifts women, and strengthens communities. I gave so little, yet watched a one-woman shop grow into a business employing five women. That’s the power of the diaspora: when we stay connected, we help transform a country one person at a time”. Tharshini – Mentor
Tharshini, a mentor from the Canadian Tamil Diaspora, during the launch of the GRIT Bootcamp event in Markham.
A collective effort for women’s economic empowerment
The launch event, attended by representatives from WUSC, DMZ, and Tamil Venture Zone (TVZ), underscored the strength of a growing ecosystem of organizations committed to building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem— including Yarl IT Hub, Hatch Works, LIIN, and the Canadian Tamil Chamber of Commerce.
Together, we are creating a cross-border platform for innovation, one that not only strengthens Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial landscape but also reaffirms Canada’s role as a champion of gender equality and sustainable economic development.
Women from the Canadian Tamil Diaspora engaging during the launch of the GRIT Bootcamp event in Markham.
Paving the way for the future of women entrepreneurs
WUSC is proud to continue advancing inclusive economic growth by engaging diaspora communities. By leveraging Canadian expertise, networks, and mentorship, we are fostering meaningful, collaborative partnerships that expand opportunities for emerging women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.
The GRIT Bootcamp marks the next step in this journey—supporting women innovators to build, scale, and lead businesses both locally and on the global stage. Learn more about the Bootcamp in this video — and sign up as a mentor to support the next generation of women innovators.