Women's Chamber pivots focus to scaling established businesses

The Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) is recalibrating its strategic priorities to support women entrepreneurs in scaling established ventures rather than focusing solely on business creation, according to outgoing Chairperson Gayani de Alwis.

The chamber's renewed approach reflects a growing recognition that women-owned enterprises require targeted support to transition from startup phase to sustainable, long-term growth. By concentrating efforts on scaling pathways, the WCIC aims to address challenges women business owners face when seeking to expand operations and increase market reach.

The shift in focus coincides with the chamber's expansion of its membership networks and strategic partnerships. De Alwis, concluding her second tenure leading the organisation, noted that the chamber's advocacy work has intensified as it builds connections across broader business ecosystems in South and Southeast Asia.

The WCIC's enhanced focus on business scaling reflects broader regional trends toward supporting women's economic participation and entrepreneurial success. Industry analysts suggest that targeted support for growth-stage businesses can significantly impact employment creation and economic development outcomes across the region.