Daffodil Polytechnic Insitute, a leading engineering institution in Bangladesh, recently hosted the “Future Engineers Carnival” for its 2023-24 session diploma engineering students. The carnival was attended by over 600 students and was organized in a unique manner.
The carnival was designed to help students set goals and develop their skills from the start of their diploma engineering journey. It featured a panel discussion with industry experts, two special master classes led by CEOs of leading Bangladeshi companies, and a variety of activities for students, including poster presentations, essay competitions, art exhibitions, and a rally.
The carnival was attended by Mr. Syed Sanowarul Hoque Group CEO, Unique Group, Mr. Engr. Md. Rakib Ullah, Director (Curriculum), Bangladesh Technical Education Board, Engr. Md. Abdul Awal, Managing Director, Structural Engineers Ltd., Mr. Shakil Ahmed Siddique, COO, Kalyar Replica Limited and Kalyar Packaging Limited, Engineer Md. Abdul Awal, Managing Director, Structural Engineers Limited. Mrs. Leena Parvin, Head of HR and Admin, Agora Limited, Mr. Md. Rashon Ali Bulbul, Deputy Operative Director – HRM, Walton Group, Mr. Gautam Biswas, General Manager, Beximco Textiles and Mr. Mohammad Shamsus Salehin, General Manager – Operations, BJIT Academy.
The carnival was a great success and helped to prepare students for their future careers. It provided them with valuable insights into the engineering industry and helped them to develop the skills they need to succeed.
Daffodil Polytechnic, a leading engineering institution in Bangladesh, recently visited the Nanyang Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore. The visit was led by Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, the Chairman of the Daffodil Family.
During the visit, the two institutions agreed to collaborate with Daffodil Polytechnic Institute on teacher and student development, as well as technical support. This collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for Daffodil Polytechnic students, especially those studying diploma engineering.
The collaboration will allow Daffodil Polytechnic students to experience Singapore’s world-class education system. It will also help to strengthen educational and research ties between the two institutions. In addition, the collaboration will create new opportunities for students to gain international skills and experience in Singapore, which will be valuable for their careers.
Daffodil Polytechnic has been working to produce skilled diploma engineers in Bangladesh since 2006. This collaboration with Singapore’s leading polytechnics is a significant step forward for the institution and its students.
On 16th December In a dazzling display of national pride and unwavering spirit, Daffodil Polytechnic Institute orchestrated a triumphant celebration on December 16th, marking the hallowed Victory Day in Bangladesh. This grand commemoration not only paid homage to the historic triumph of 1971 but also showcased the institute’s commitment to fostering creativity, reflection, and holistic well-being.
The decorated rally started from Academic Building 1 to Academic Building 2 and ended.The jubilation commenced with an exhilarating rally, a majestic procession that saw a united front of students, faculty, and staff, adorned in the resplendent colors of the national flag, marching with unparalleled enthusiasm across the institute grounds. The crescendo of this display was the heart-stirring Flag-Raising Ceremony, where the national flag ascended to the morning sky a poignant tribute to the hard-fought victory that birthed the sovereign nation of Bangladesh. During this time the students and teachers sing the national anthem and simultaneously the national flag is hoisted.
Highlighting the occasion were two luminaries—Freedom Fighter Nazir Ahmed (Sector No. 4, Beanibazar, Sylhet, Gazette 44), a living legend and eyewitness to the struggle for independence, and Eng. Azharul Islam, the esteemed former Principal of Dhaka Polytechnic and Daffodil Polytechnic Institute. Their inspirational keynote addresses seamlessly intertwined personal narratives with historical context, underscoring the pivotal role of education in preserving the spirit of liberation.The freedom fighter said that where your campus is standing today was not like that during the war of 1971,the days of that time were very horrible procession of corpses continued everyone was worried but we had courage in our hearts this confidence that our conviction was the attitude which drove us forward.
As a token of gratitude, the institute bestowed flowers and crests upon these distinguished speakers, symbolizing profound appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the collective memory of Victory Day.
Taking the celebration beyond symbolism, Career Launchpad organized a free health check-up campaign, embodying the institute’s unwavering commitment to the holistic well-being of its vibrant community. Medical professionals and volunteers rendered essential health services, turning the celebration into a tangible demonstration of care and compassion. On 14th & 16th December, Career Launchpad specifically organized a free health checkup for students and teachers, extending their benevolence to emphasize a lot for poor people as well.
The campus pulsated with creative energy as students participated in an exhilarating art and essay competition, challenging their intellectual and artistic prowess. The themes centered around the profound essence of Victory Day, promoting a deeper understanding of historical significance while fostering a culture of creativity and expression.
Echoing the spirit of Victory Day, the Students of DPI adorned its walls with a powerful testament – a tapestry of red-green handprints symbolizing unity and national pride.
The cultural extravaganza that followed was nothing short of a visual and auditory feast, featuring poetry recitations, musical performances, and dance routines that transcended the boundaries of artistic expression. Students showcased their talents, painting an evocative picture of patriotism through the rhythmic flow of words, harmonies of songs, and graceful movements of dance.
The day reached its zenith with a dazzling prize-giving ceremony, an opulent affair that recognized and celebrated the outstanding contributions of participants in the art and essay competition. Certificates of appreciation were distributed, serving as tangible symbols of the institute’s recognition of the dedication and effort put forth by every participant.
At the event’s conclusion, the air resonated with the echoes of victory songs, composed with heartfelt fervor, creating a powerful ambiance. The dual environment of patriotic self-development talks and instilling compassion among students to love their country added an enriching layer to the festivities, underscoring Daffodil Polytechnic Institute’s dedication to nurturing a generation that not only celebrates its history but actively contributes to the flourishing future of the nation.
As the sun gracefully set on the Victory Day celebrations at Daffodil Polytechnic Institute, the echoes of patriotic expressions, the vibrant hues of the national flag, and the creative fervor lingered in the air. This monumental day was not merely a commemoration; it was a resounding promise to honor the sacrifices of the past, nurture the talents of the present, and inspire a future generation that carries the torch of liberation and progress.
On 14th December 2023 Daffodil Polytechnic Institute, a beacon of academic excellence, observed the solemn occasion of Shaheed Buddhijibi Dibosh on December 14th, focusing on humanizing students and fostering knowledge, in line with its commitment to holistic education. The institute acknowledges the profound importance of Martyred Intellectuals Day in the life of the nation, a day that carries immense historical and cultural significance.
Shaheed Buddhijibi Dibosh pays tribute to the 1,111 intellectuals who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, embodying the enduring spirit of Bangladesh’s pursuit of knowledge and freedom. Daffodil Polytechnic Institute recognizes the crucial role intellectuals play in shaping the destiny of a nation and celebrates this day every year with great dignity.
This year’s commemoration featured various activities designed to deepen student’s understanding of the sacrifices made by intellectuals during the war. In addition to academic pursuits, the institute’s commemorative event aimed to instill a deep sense of humanity in its students, emphasizing the importance of character development and social responsibility.
Amidst the activities, it is crucial to reflect on the profound importance of Martyred Intellectuals Day. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals who laid down their lives for the ideals of knowledge, freedom, and national sovereignty. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of intellectualism that continues to shape the nation.
Daffodil Polytechnic Institute proudly hosted all activities dedicated to National Intellectual Day, further reinforcing its commitment to acknowledging and honoring the sacrifices made by intellectuals during the Liberation War of 1971. By being the venue for these significant activities, the institute played a pivotal role in creating an environment for reflection and remembrance.
In conjunction with the commemorative event, Daffodil Polytechnic Institute organized various programs to deepen students’ understanding of the role of intellectuals in society. An impromptu essay writing competition engaged students in exploring the documentation of the self-sacrifice of intellectuals, fostering a thoughtful and introspective atmosphere.
Students, as part of their engagement, carefully watched the documentary related to National Martyrs Intellectual Day on December 14th and wrote summaries from their own intellectual thoughts, adding a layer of personal reflection to the commemorative activities.
The institute’s belief in humanizing students extends to their overall well-being. Understanding the importance of health in the life of an intellectual, free health checkups were arranged on December 14th and 16th through the Career Launchpad initiative.
More than 700 students, teachers, and underserved individuals participated in the health checkups, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to the holistic development of its community.
Daffodil Polytechnic Institute remains steadfast in its mission to produce intellectually sound and socially responsible individuals who contribute positively to society and the nation. By commemorating Martyred Intellectuals Day, the institute reinforces its dedication to creating an environment where knowledge is not only gained for the students but also ensures the betterment of humanity.
Over the past several years, there has been a notable movement in the aspiration of Bangladeshi youth to become entrepreneurs or company founders. In a nation with an approximate population of 180 million and an average age of 27.1 years (according to Worldometer), the increasing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship is a positive indication of economic progress.
The lack of full-time-paid job prospects is not only restricted to Bangladesh but also affects the worldwide environment. In 2023, In a survey of over 30 universities and polytechnics, we discovered that, on average, 30% of students in a class expressed a preference for pursuing entrepreneurship instead of choosing conventional jobs
The remarkable change in perspective is deserving of recognition, and the government and other stakeholders should be credited for their relentless efforts in inspiring young people to engage into entrepreneurship. International funding agencies are actively contributing to the promotion of entrepreneurship development in their programs.
However, despite the prevailing enthusiasm, it is an undeniable fact that a significant proportion of businesses encounter failure, with over 70% failing to survive beyond the initial year (according to CB insights).
Daffodil Polytechnic Institute adds a new dimension to this entrepreneurial world, where students can now take initiative toward their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs at an early age. Daffodil Polytechnic creates a role model for all educational institutions in that an additional push can change many students’ futures.
They have created an innovative and interactive module of acceleration boot camp for students. The boot camp included 4 sessions and 2 workshops. The sessions started on August 28, 2023, with 250 aspiring polytechnic students. The result was more exciting: 24 new startups started their journey, 5 startups started their first sale, and 2 startups raised a $1000 fund and connected with many partners.
After completing a successful acceleration boot camp, Daffodil Polytechnic Institute organized a fantastic “Uddokta Utshab” on October 8, 2023, with a total of 50 startups. The partners of the event were GEN Bangladesh, Bangladesh Venture Capital Ltd., knowledgevale, Dept. of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Daffodil International University. In this event, there were many exciting features for new startups. They are Startup market, startup showcase, Startup Hurdle, Idea Preaching, Master classes and Panel discussion.
The master class was taken by the Honorable Chairman of Daffodil Group and GEN Bangladesh, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan. In this event some of the guests are Md Yousup Faruqu, Managing Director of Microsoft Bangladesh, Dr. Mohammad NuruzZaman, Advisor, Bangladesh Venture capital Ltd, Iqbal Bahar Zahid, Founder, Nijer Bolar Moto Ekta Golpo, Dr. Rubina Husain, SVP, SIYB Bangladesh, Biplob Ghosh Rahul, Founder and CEO, eCourier Ltd, Saraban Tahura Turin, CEO, Turtle Venture, Rathindra Nath Das, Executive Director & Principal, Daffodil Technical Institute, Mr. Muhymin Chowdhury, Director, Impact partner, Partnerships and Communications, SAJIDA Foundation, Mr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Assistant Professor and Head Dept. of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Daffodil International University, Antara Raisa Khan, Analyst-Impact Investment & Partnership, SAJIDA Foundation, K M Hasan Ripon, Executive Director, Bangladesh Skill Development Institute.
The guests discussed many topics about the present conditions of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and gave some potential solutions. They said there are many entrepreneurs in Bangladesh now who have taken good initiatives, but most of the entrepreneurs go to one place and flop. Because they don’t want to maintain sustainability, they want to clear the market.
If students of Polytechnics in Bangladesh become entrepreneurs, no one can stop the development of Bangladesh. So we need to nurse them. To achieve this goal, The Entrepreneurship Development Cell of Daffodil Polytechnic Institute takes some innovative steps which starts from Boot Camp Triumphs to a Dazzling Entrepreneurs Festival!
There are a total of 7 startups joining the startup market. They sell a significant amount of their product and get a chance to promote their product in front of customers and stockholders. Total 10 startups joined the Startup Hurdle. They find some of their critical problem’s solutions from the honorable guests and the audience. Total 300 students joined the interactive master class of Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Honorable Chairman of Daffodil Group & GEN Bangladesh. In this master class, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan discussed common mistakes of entrepreneurs, the solution of time management problems and many important lessons. The panel discussion was the last but not least event in the Uddokta Utshab. The guests and students discussed many topics. They share each other’s story.
In the closing ceremony, all guests and students celebrated GEN Week and students got a huge opportunity of networking with the top level business men.
Launching an aspiring entrepreneur into the business world demands more than just an idea; it requires hands-on experience and guidance. At the Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC), our commitment is to cultivate innovation, business ideas, skills, and brainstorming in the minds of young individuals aspiring to be entrepreneurs. This commitment is exemplified in our flagship event, the “Entrepreneurs Acceleration Boot Camp.” In this blog post, we take you behind the scenes, providing insights gained during the planning and execution phases of this impactful event.
Setting the Stage:
The journey begins with a clear vision to empower students with the entrepreneurial skills and mindset needed to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape. Our boot camp aims to provide a dynamic learning environment where participants can transform ideas into actionable business plans.
Program Design:
Crafting an enriching experience involves careful consideration of program elements. Workshops, mentor sessions, and interactive activities are meticulously chosen to cover the entire spectrum of entrepreneurship, from ideation to business development.
The whole boot camp is planned by K M Hassan Ripon, Principal, Daffodil Polytechnic Institute. Md. Mostafizur Rahman was the trainer of the boot camp. The mentors are, K. M. Parvez Boby, S. M. Jahirul Islam Farhad, Md. Abdul Hakim, Imran Hossain Nayem, Md. Abir Ul Islam, Md. Jahangir Alam.
We divided our bootcamp into 4 individual sessions and 2 workshops. These sessions are;
Session 1: “Develop Your Business Idea”- August 30, 2023
The Objective of the session was to Introduce participants to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and ignite their passion for innovation.The topic of the session waswhat is Entrepreneurship? Importance of an Entrepreneurial Mindset, Identifying Opportunities etc. Some of the activities areIdeation Workshop, SWOT Analysis and pitching , Group Discussions about creating ideas based on trainers given clueless etc.
Session 2: “Crafting Your Business Blueprint”–September 04, 2023
The Objective of the session was to Guide participants in developing a solid business plan and understanding the key components of a successful venture. The topic of the session were elements of a business plan, market research and analysis, financial Planning. Some of the activities are hands-on Business Plan Development, mentorship Sessions with Industry Experts, case Studies of Successful Business Models etc.
Session 3: “From Pitch to Prototype”–September 11, 2023
The Objective of the session was to equip participants with the skills to effectively pitch their business ideas and understand the importance of prototyping. The topic of the session were crafting an Elevator Pitch, prototyping and Minimum Viable Product (MVP), pitching Techniques ect. Some of the activities are elevator Pitch Practice Sessions, prototyping Workshop, peer Feedback Sessions etc.
Session 4: “Navigating the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”– September 14, 2023
The Objective of the session was to provide insights into the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, including funding, networking, and sustaining a startup. The topic of the session werefunding Opportunities for Startups, building a Supportive Network, challenges and Opportunities in Entrepreneurship etc. Some of the activities werepanel Discussion with Investors and Entrepreneurs, networking Session with Industry Professionals, group Reflection and Action Planning etc.
Workshops: We organize 2 workshops for developing students’ business materials.
Workshop on “Crafting Your Business Profile and Visiting Card”
Objective: Guide participants in creating a professional business profile and visiting card to effectively represent their startup or business.
Agenda:
Understanding the Importance of a Business Profile:
Discuss the significance of a compelling business profile in conveying the essence of a startup.
Showcase examples of impactful business profiles.
Elements of an Effective Business Profile:
Break down the key components, including mission statement, product/service description, team overview, and achievements.
Provide templates and guidelines for each section.
Hands-on Business Profile Creation:
Participants work on drafting their business profiles with guidance and support.
Peer review and feedback session.
Designing a Professional Visiting Card:
Importance of a well-designed visiting card in networking.
Introduction to simple design tools and principles.
Practical Session: Creating Visiting Cards:
Participants design their own visiting cards.
Tips on choosing the right information to include.
Workshop on “Customer-Centric Marketing Materials Workshop”
Objective: Empower participants to develop marketing materials that resonate with their target audience and effectively communicate their brand.
Agenda:
Understanding Your Target Audience:
Importance of knowing your target market.
Developing customer personas to guide marketing materials.
Creating Compelling Brochures and Flyers:
Discuss the role of brochures and flyers in marketing.
Design principles and content strategies for effective promotional materials.
Visual Branding:
Basics of visual branding and consistency across materials.
Choosing colors, fonts, and imagery that align with the brand.
Practical Session: Designing Marketing Materials:
Hands-on session where participants create a draft of their brochures or flyers.
Peer collaboration and feedback.
Pitching with Impact:
Tips for delivering a compelling pitch using marketing materials.
Practicing elevator pitches and presentations.
Logistics and Coordination:
The Entrepreneurship Boot Camp, hosted at Daffodil Polytechnic Institute, unfolded in the Entrepreneurship Development Hall room graciously provided by the institute. The boot camp was scheduled during students’ free time and it offered an immersive experience for aspiring entrepreneurs. The mentors dedicated their efforts to effectively mentor students, ensuring the best possible impact of the boot camp. Their commitment contributed to the overall success of the program by guiding and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the sessions. Notably, the Honorable Principal of Daffodil Polytechnic Institute actively participated, providing keen oversight and observation, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship. This collaborative effort resulted in a successful boot camp, where students engaged in valuable workshops and activities under the watchful eye of dedicated mentors and the institute’s leadership.
Challenges Faced:
No venture is without its challenges. As we launched into the execution phase, unexpected hurdles tested our adaptability. Resource constraints and unforeseen logistical issues required quick thinking and agile decision-making. Some challenges we faced, are given below:
Challenges and Solutions:
Unfamiliarity with Business Terminology:
Challenge: Students lacked familiarity with business jargon.
Solution: Conducted specialized workshops and interactive sessions to simplify and introduce essential business vocabulary.
Difficulty in Crafting Business Plans:
Challenge: Some students struggled to convert their excellent plans into comprehensive business strategies.
Solution: Provided targeted guidance through workshops, offering step-by-step assistance in transforming ideas into well-structured business plans.
Weak Business Ideas with Energetic Students:
Challenge: Students with energetic personalities had less developed business ideas.
Solution: Introduced personalized mentorship sessions, focusing on refining and strengthening business concepts while leveraging the enthusiasm of the students.
Aspiring Entrepreneurs with No Business Ideas:
Challenge: Some students expressed the desire to be entrepreneurs but lacked concrete business ideas.
Solution: Facilitated group working sessions and workshops led by trainers to help students discover and refine their business concepts.
Job-Seeking Tradition Limitation:
Challenge: The existing job-seeking tradition posed a limitation to the boot camp.
Solution: Created an entrepreneurial environment through active involvement and motivation from the honorable principal, trainers, and mentors.
Lack of Entrepreneurial Skills:
Challenge: Many students lacked essential entrepreneurial skills.
Solution: Implemented a comprehensive program consisting of a 4-session boot camp and 2 workshops focused on building and enhancing entrepreneurial skills.
Actively learned from challenges and consistently improved the boot camp module to better cater to the needs and experiences of the students.
Student Engagement:
The heart of any successful boot camp lies in the engagement of its participants. Total 150 students joined the boot camp. Through interactive sessions, group activities, and mentorship opportunities, students were not just passive attendees but active contributors to the vibrant learning atmosphere.
Interactive sessions: Our trainer always tries to make the session more interactive by participating the students with different activities and discussion.
Group Activities: Our mentors keep the students busy by creating various group activities. Such as local market research, making SWOT analysis, creating different business ideas, Business problem solving ect.
Individual Homework: Students study about business activities and gain knowledge after completing the homework provided by their trainer and mentors.
Feedback and Evaluation:
The feedback from students and their guardians is quite impressive. Many guardians see their children as future leaders, and the students have proven themselves to their parents by demonstrating increased responsibility.
Impact Assessment:
Measuring the impact of the boot camp goes beyond immediate feedback. A total of 50-plus students have started their own startups after creating their business plans, and 100 students have independently learned various entrepreneurial skills. Five startups, including notable ones such as “Piceazy,” “Smart Krishi,” “QSolution,” “Daffodil Friends Laundry,” and “FutureGen Media Agency,” have developed enough strength to face investor boards.
Conclusion:
Organizing a successful boot camp is a collective effort that involves passion, dedication, and the ability to adapt. As we reflect on the behind-the-scenes journey, we extend our gratitude to everyone involved – participants, mentors, and organizers. The success of the Entrepreneurship Boot Camp fuels our excitement for future initiatives, as we continue to sow the seeds of entrepreneurship among the next generation of innovators.
Over the past several years, there has been a notable surge in the aspiration of Bangladeshi youth to become entrepreneurs or company founders. In a nation with an approximate population of 180 million and an average age of 27.1 years (according to Worldometer), the increasing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship is a positive indication of economic progress.
The lack of full-time paid job prospects is not only restricted to Bangladesh, but also affects the worldwide environment. In 2023, I undertook a journey to over 30 universities and polytechnics, where I provided mentorship, delivered talks, and facilitated workshops. Through these encounters, I discovered that, on average, 30% of students in a class expressed a preference for pursuing entrepreneurship instead of choosing conventional job.
The remarkable change in perspective is deserving of recognition, and the government and other stakeholders should be credited for their relentless efforts in inspiring young people to engage into entrepreneurship. International funding agencies are actively contributing to the promotion of entrepreneurship development in their programs.
However, despite the prevailing enthusiasm, it is an undeniable fact that a significant proportion of businesses encounter failure, with over 70% failing to survive beyond the initial year (according to CB insights).
The Common Challenges
Being extensively engaged in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, I have made deliberate attempts to comprehend the causes of these failures and have successfully recognized common pitfalls.
An ongoing obstacle is the mistaken belief that commencing a business requires a significant amount of initial funds. A multitude of ambitious entrepreneurs, particularly those coming from rural regions and beyond the city center, are overflowing with creative ideas. However, individuals frequently yield to a rigid attitude, believing that they are unable to start a startup without substantial cash or waiting for grants. As a result, promising ideas diminish.
Another significant observation is the absence of adequate market research and networking. Many ambitious entrepreneurs encounter failure in establishing connections with established businesses or in seeking solutions due to their poor questioning. Concepts may ignite, but without effective research and collaboration, they have difficulty in gaining momentum.
Collaboration is an essential element of entrepreneurship, but, certain entrepreneurs have a tendency to excessively depend on the abilities of others. For example, individuals who want to develop technology-based businesses may collaborate with friends who are knowledgeable in technology. However, when these coworkers leave for any cause, startups become vulnerable to failure.
There is a noticeable gap in financial literacy. A lot of entrepreneurs have a lack in understanding product costing, initial investments, fixed and variable expenditures, as well as the complexities of annual planning that includes marketing, hiring, sales, and accounting.
Based on my personal observations, the primary factors contributing to the failure of startups are typically legal obstacles, cash misallocation, insufficient market analysis, and a lack of financial expertise. Tackling these difficulties requires a comprehensive approach.
Although the government has made praiseworthy endeavors to promote an entrepreneurial ecosystem, there continue to be legal complications. Enhanced and entrepreneur-friendly rules and regulations can greatly promote an environment that is favorable for innovation and the expansion of businesses.
Piloting Solution
Within the domain of entrepreneurship, conversations frequently center around obstacles, although it is the solutions that genuinely create the path to achievement. As a passionate supporter of promoting entrepreneurship among youths, We have developed a comprehensive solution. The solution is presented as a structured course module name InnoBiz which is consisted of Three essential components:
Idea Development and
Business Plan Development with Pitching Strategies
Compiling of all Legal documentation with Access to Funding Support
The implementation phase entailed validating the module’s correctness with stakeholders. In order to execute the program, we have chosen Daffodil Polytechnic as the model institution and are in the process of establishing an Entrepreneurship Development Club to foster an entrepreneurial culture and mindset. An individual was selected to supervise club operations with the assistance of a committed team of five members. Six individuals were prepared with the requisite abilities through a training of trainers program.
A rigorous selection procedure was developed to find prospective entrepreneurs, which included administering a questionnaire to 200 candidates. Following rigorous workshops and seminars, a total of 25 students were chosen based on their objectives and dedication. The participation of reputable startup founders and mentors, who shared significant insights and experiences, further increased the program’s effectiveness.
In order to get investments, strategic alliances were established with Bangladesh Venture Capital Limited and KnowledgeVale, a provider of co-working spaces. After the logistical and resource developments, the group of 25 students participated in a vigorous 8-week program focused on developing entrepreneurial skills. This program included two weeks of classroom-based activities and six weeks of practical work both in the field and at a desk. The 25 trainees and 6 mentors maintained constant communication using WhatsApp and Google Meet. Various forms, tools, and research data were exchanged and discussed online and offline during desk jobs.
After finishing the program, the students acquired expertise in several areas, such as financial literacy, product/service costing, team building, branding and promotion, investment strategies, market research, sales strategies, cost analysis, profit forecasting, cash flow management, funding sources for startups, legal documentation, human-centered problem-solving, prototype development, and idea presentation and pitching.
Outcomes Piloting Solutions
The Entrepreneurship Festival marked the summit of this undertaking, during which the 25 students exhibited their prototypes aimed at addressing the specific challenges described in their business ideas. Prominent startup founders offered significant insights derived from their experiences. Bangladesh Venture Capital examined and authorized the business’s ideas, resulting in immediate financing for two students, while others launched the businesses using their own funds. These 25 students are now getting mentorship support through entrepreneurship development club.
Program highlights
This model emphasizes the significance of not only motivation but also the necessity for a comprehensive approach including multiple stakeholders. By implementing comparable entrepreneurial models, universities, colleges, and institutions globally may facilitate the transformation of our skilled young individuals from passive job seekers to active job creators. This, in turn, will cultivate a climate of innovation and economic empowerment.
Conclusion
To sum up, promoting entrepreneurship in Bangladesh needs an in-depth approach that includes improved networking opportunities, financial literacy, and regulatory reforms. By tackling these obstacles, we can enable the ambitious entrepreneurs of Bangladesh to transform their innovative ideas into thriving enterprises, ultimately boosting the country’s economic fulfillment.
