Over view of the Program
Bikalpa an Alternative, in association with Swiss contact, Step up project, and Aasman Nepal, hosted the “Ideation Boot Camp 2024” Program from 19th -20th July, 2024 at Hotel Shree Krishna in Biratnagar. The program’s aim to provide training for young aspiring entrepreneurs, help them refine their business ideas, and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as entrepreneurs.
- Identify potential young entrepreneurs from Koshi Province of Morang and Sunsari District.
- Educate the participants on business development, harness their ideas, and empower them to be entrepreneurs.
- Create a networking platform for like-minded aspiring young entrepreneurs to share their ideas and challenges regarding their business ventures.
The course is designed to offer a comprehensive learning experience through a combination of captivating lectures and interactive learning methods. These methods include guest lecture sessions, dynamic games, group work, and panel discussions. It helps to provide participants with a platform to explore and exchange ideas about entrepreneurship. The course also focuses on equipping participants with fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship, leadership management, start-up strategies, and marketing. This knowledge empowers them to effectively tackle business challenges and work on their innovative ideas.
The training covers a wide range of topics, including defining entrepreneurship and its significance, lean business canvas, entrepreneurship management and team building, Panel discussion with entrepreneurs, sharing experiences from previous ideation boot camp participants, and exploring green, social, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Additionally, the course includes sessions on registration and promotion of “Shramsansar” and idea preparation, as well as an exciting idea pitch competition.
During the recent idea boot camp held in Biratnagar, aspiring participants from diverse groups came together to take part in the workshop. The group was diverse, consisting of 17 male and 12 female participants, with representation from indigenous and marginalized groups. It was especially exciting to see that some attendees had previously participated in the Bikalpa Program, bringing valuable experience and contributing to engaging discussions throughout the workshop. The application process for the ideation boot camp was open to all, with a focus on aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals, and was facilitated through Bikalpa’s website. The selection of participants was based on their responses to the online registration form, ensuring a diverse and dynamic group for the workshop.
Among the distinguished speakers were, Mr. Anil Parajuli (Startup and Innovation Support Expert), Ms Trishna Singh Bhandari (Private Sector Engagement Manager Step Up Project) Ms Shruti Sharma (proprietor of kindergarten school), Mr (Saroj Karki, Director of OB Media Pvt ltd) Mr. Abhinayak Malla (Founder Wake cup Coffee, Biratnagar), and were the resource person and panelists in the event. Also, Mr. Basanta Adhikari (Executive Director of Bikalpa), Mr. Dr Sandesh Dass Shrestha (Associate Professor of Purbanchal University) and Mr. Ganesh Dahal (Project Coordinator Step- Up Project Aasaman Nepal) were invited as a Local resource person for training. It was a pleasure hearing from all of them.
Boot camp Activities details
The program started with an ice-breaking introduction round, ground rules setting, before the core sessions of the day. The sessions and learning of each day can be summarized below.
Day 1
Session I: What is Entrepreneurship and Importance of entrepreneurship:
Mr Basanta Adhikari
The resource person for the first session of Day 1 was Basanta Adhikari. Basanta Adhikari facilitated the session on Entrepreneurship and its Importance. Participants were divided into five groups during the session with a presentation assignment. Through the assignment, the participants dealt with the five core questions on Entrepreneurship, i.e., What is entrepreneurship? Why is entrepreneurship important to society? Why should I be an entrepreneur? How are entrepreneurs perceived in our society? What are the conditions that promote entrepreneurship? What are the challenges of entrepreneurship?
After 30 minutes of group work, each group presented their opinion in a 5-minute pitch. The best group was selected through a popular vote and rewarded accordingly. Basanta Adhikari provided brief feedback on the presentations and further explored the definition of an entrepreneur, their perception of Nepali society, and how they evolved.
During his presentation, he illustrated different examples of why some countries were rich, and others were forced to remain poor. He also stressed that prosperity and poverty could be achieved through good and bad policies. Those sessions also covered sound economic policies and how they facilitated entrepreneurial activities and created an environment that could uplift the common masses’ economic status. The session on Beauty of Market educated students on how markets help to solve problems and ease the life of ordinary people through its service and products. Besides this, the session highlighted how markets fulfilled the need gap between demand and supply, offered choices, and helped in prospering society through the cooperation of self-interested individuals.
Lean Business Canvas Mr Anil Parajuli : Startup and Innovation Support Expert
The session began with Resource Person Mr Anil Parajuli providing a clear overview of the Lean Business Canvas and its distinctions from the Business Model Canvas. He said that The Lean Business Canvas is a simplified and visual tool used by entrepreneurs and startups to help them plan, refine, and communicate their business models. It’s a straightforward problem-solving strategy that allows the entrepreneur to progress in small steps. While Business Model Generation Canvas, on the other hand, is solely focused on new and existing businesses, with a strong emphasis on client categories, channels, and customer connections. It promotes open communication, innovation, debate, and constructive analysis.
The primary focus of the Lean Business Canvas Model is to streamline the business development process. It encourages entrepreneurs to take small, calculated steps while fostering open communication, innovation, debate, and constructive analysis. This approach is instrumental in reducing waste, minimizing risks, and increasing the likelihood of building a successful and sustainable business. During the session, Mr. Parajuli highlighted the nine most essential aspects of a business model of the Lean Business Canvas, where he divided it into two segments, Product and Market, which include:
Problem & Existing Alternatives:
Describe the top 3 problems you see for customers that need to be solved. List existing alternatives. What are people/companies already doing to solve the problem?
Customer Segments: Defining the specific customer segments, including their demographics, needs, and behaviors.
Unique Value Proposition: Single, clear, compelling message that states why you are different and worth paying attention.
Solution: Outlining the product or service that addresses the identified problem. For each of your 3 problems, define a solution,Top 3 features addressing your problems
Channels: Planning the channels through which the business will reach and acquire customers, such as online advertising or partnerships.
Cost Structure: Analyzing the cost components of the business, encompassing fixed and variable costs.
Revenue Streams: Identifying how the business will generate revenue, such as sales, subscriptions, or advertising.
Key Metrics: Determining the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be tracked to measure business success and progress. The numbers that tell you how you are performing! Find the key number that tells you how your business is doing in real-time
Unfair Advantage: Recognizing any unique advantages or assets that make it challenging for competitors to replicate.
He introduced the participant’s example of his Startup company business model during his presentation to explain the Lean canvas model. Also, to reinforce learning and application, each participant was assigned the task of applying the Lean Business Canvas Model to their own business ideas or projects. This hands-on exercise allowed participants to gain valuable insights into understanding and refining their business models. He also shared the pitch idea to the participants, telling them to focus on their idea, identifying a problem, solution, and impact. Overall, the interactive nature of the session, combined with practical examples, made it a highly informative and engaging event. :
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Team Building : Dr Sandesh Dass Shrestha
Dr. Sandesh Dass Shrestha’s session on “Entrepreneurial Leadership and Team Building” at the Ideation Boot Camp 2024 was both inspiring and enlightening. He emphasized the importance of leadership traits that are not just beneficial but essential in the entrepreneurial journey. He began with a powerful quote by Jerry Rice, “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t,” emphasizing the importance of diligence and dedication in entrepreneurship. This was complemented by Farrah Gray’s quote, “Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs,” which highlighted the necessity for entrepreneurs to pursue their own visions.
Dr. Shrestha explored the essential leadership qualities entrepreneurs need, posing reflective questions such as, “What type of leadership qualities do you think entrepreneurs need to have?” and “What are your top ten skills?” He encouraged participants to take a minute to reflect on their most valuable strengths as leaders and consider what would benefit their future business or team the most. He emphasized that everyone has something unique to offer, urging participants to identify the capabilities or traits they possess that most others don’t.
He outlined the top 10 leadership traits crucial for entrepreneurial success:
- Confidence – Belief in oneself and the idea.
- Vision – A long-term vision with clear steps.
- Communication – Keeping the team cohesive.
- Openness – Building trust.
- Transparency – Keeping expectations clear.
- Delegation – Understanding that you can’t do it all yourself.
- Patience – Allowing the team time to grow.
- Decisiveness – Making the tough calls.
- Persistence – Overcoming all hurdles.
- Integrity – Inspiring good work and high-quality service.
According to Dr. Shrestha, effective leaders set direction, align people, and motivate and inspire their teams. He stressed that entrepreneurial leadership is more than just a leadership style; it is a mindset. Entrepreneurial leaders are change-makers who act proactively, have a vision, and take bold steps to turn it into reality.
Dr. Shrestha also discussed the key areas entrepreneurs must manage:
- The strategy – Searching to find and meet customer needs to create a sustainable business.
- The result – Achieving the desired outcomes.
- The team – Managing all relationships within the team.
- Yourself – Self-management and personal growth.
During the session, Dr. Shrestha also explored the pivotal role of team building in entrepreneurship. He highlighted that team building enhances productivity, boosts employee motivation, encourages collaboration, and fosters trust and respect among team members. Team building is an essential aspect of entrepreneurship, as it can enhance the startup team’s performance, innovation, and satisfaction.
He stressed that Team building is creating a team cohesively working together towards a common goal. He said that teams are the engine that drives entrepreneurial success. So, to build the brand value of your product, you need a team. You need to hire professional people, no matter how talented the leader; without the right team, an entrepreneurial effort is bound to fail. Throughout the session, participants engaged actively by asking questions and participating in discussions. Dr. Shrestha provided practical examples and case studies to illustrate the principles of entrepreneurial leadership and team building. Throughout the session, Dr. Shrestha engaged the audience with thought-provoking inquiries, challenging them to introspect on their leadership capabilities and skill sets. His approach was not merely theoretical but interactive, fostering an environment where participants could actively evaluate their unique qualities and how these could translate into effective leadership and team-building strategies.
Day-2
Experience Sharing with Previous ideation Boot camp participants
Ayush Shrestha , Kavita Karki and Ganesh Niroula
At the panel discussion, Anuraj Niroula, the founder of Brand Wave, talk about his social media company and discussed its growth. He credited an ideation boot camp for providing crucial knowledge about legal aspects of running a startup, while also enabling him to register his business through seed funding. Brand Wave specializes in offering social media marketing services to businesses in Biratnagar and has established partnerships with reputable clients such as Wakecup Coffee, Royal Biryani, Paarijjat, Nanglo Momo, and others. The company’s strategic social media campaigns have consistently yielded impactful results, contributing to its success within the community.
Kavita Karki, owner of Siya Food Udhyog. shared her remarkable growth of her homemade pickle business, which has seen substantial expansion since its establishment in 2080 B.S. at Durga Chowk, Biratnagar. She said a significant turning point in Karki’s entrepreneurial journey was her participation in a boot camp organized by Bikalpa. She candidly shared that before the boot camp, her understanding of the registration process and legal taxation systems was limited. The boot camp proved to be a cornerstone experience, equipping her with vital knowledge in these areas. Furthermore, the seed funding provided by the program played a crucial role in elevating her business, allowing for increased production capacity and business scalability. Her experience effectively highlights how such support mechanisms are essential in transforming nascent ventures into successful, flourishing businesses.
Ayush Shrestha shared his inspiring journey during the panel discussion. Upon returning to Biratnagar from Kathmandu, Ayush discovered a flourishing market for traditional Laping and Keema Noodles. This potential inspired him to embark on a culinary journey, where he experimented with unique recipes and flavors. Through numerous trials and adjustments, Ayush perfected his Laping recipe, which eventually earned widespread acclaim across Biratnagar. Reflecting on his journey, Ayush credited a business ideation boot camp for his success. He emphasized that the boot camp was instrumental in helping him network with other entrepreneurs and providing support during the initial phase of his startup. The opportunity to explore his business idea at the boot camp also helped him secure seed funding. Ayush further elaborated on the importance of branding, stating, “You need to be closer to the customer.” He highlighted how navigating the business landscape has become more complex and emphasized the need to find sustainable ways to grow.
Green, Social, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship : Ms. Trishna Singh Bhandari
Ms. Trishna Singh Bhandari delivered an insightful session on the theme of Green, Social, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship at the Ideation Boot Camp 2024. Her talk emphasized the profound impact of integrating social and environmental consciousness into entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting the interconnectedness of these elements for long-term business sustainability. Ms. Bhandari began by defining social entrepreneurship as a venture aimed at the greater social good, beyond mere profit-making. She illustrated this with examples such as Sabha Nepal, an association of home-based workers, demonstrating how such enterprises benefit entire communities. The adaptability and adoption of these ventures by the local community ensure their sustainability. By partnering with other businesses and corporate houses for the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSRs), social entrepreneurs can access various funding opportunities through grants from donors, supporting community livelihoods. Ms. Bhandari stressed the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria for socially conscious investors who screen potential new investments. This approach not only drives social impact but also opens numerous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Ms. Bhandari linked the session to global frameworks like the United Nations’ Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She discussed climate-resilient actions and climate-smart entrepreneurship, focusing on ventures that aim for growth while fostering a greener, more sustainable ecosystem. Highlighting areas such as waste management, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, forest management, and the circular economy, she presented a comprehensive view of the opportunities available for entrepreneurs committed to sustainability. In addressing environmental sustainability, Ms. Bhandari highlighted the importance of adopting environmentally sound business ethics and practices. She discussed the benefits of eco-friendly packaging, promoting sustainable products, and using raw materials that are less harmful to the environment. Additionally, she spotlighted businesses providing alternative solutions, such as bioplastics, bamboo products, banana fiber products, and other natural fibers. She also noted the rise of thrift stores that encourage the reuse of clothing, countering the fast fashion trend. Ms. Bhandari outlined a broad spectrum of prospects for entrepreneurs dedicated to sustainability, particularly in the environmental domain.
Ms. Bhandari introduced the Six P’s framework for social entrepreneurship:
- People: Identifying the community or individuals benefiting from the enterprise.
- Problem: Clearly defining the social issue the enterprise aims to address.
- Plan: Developing a strategic approach to tackle the problem.
- Prioritize: Setting priorities to ensure effective use of resources.
- Prototype: Creating and testing models to refine solutions.
- Pursue: Implementing and scaling successful prototypes.
During her talk she also presented her own entrepreneurial story as a case story where she shared how her venture Mithila artwork promotes and supports Mithila artists from marginalized communities, primarily dalit and musahar communities. Mithila House collaborates with other enterprises and startups, providing platforms and market linkages to artists. It also raises awareness and promotes Mithila culture through art outlets and sessions, offering a socio-cultural approach to social entrepreneurship.
Ms. Bhandari elaborated on Nepal’s GRID (Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development) approach, which stresses the need for both public and private sector-led development to be driven by sustainability. She highlighted key aspects of the GRID approach:
- GREEN (GR): Emphasizing the necessity for sustainable development to secure current and future growth, mitigating risks such as climate change, natural disasters, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
- RESILIENCE (R): Preparing for and recovering from various risks and uncertainties, including economic recessions, financial shocks, conflicts, natural hazards, and pandemics.
- INCLUSIVE (I): Addressing rising inequality and exclusion, ensuring that recovery efforts leave no one behind, reducing disparities, and unlocking human capital potential for resilient green growth.
Ms. Bhandari’s session provided a comprehensive overview of the strategies and practices essential for Green, Social, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship. Her expert insights into the subject matter have undoubtedly equipped attendees with the knowledge to drive their ventures towards a more sustainable and socially responsible future.
Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion Session
Three entrepreneurs from Biratnagar were invited as panelists for the panel discussion session on entrepreneurship. The 1:30-hour session was divided into a closed session, where the panelist were provided 1o minutes each to share about their entrepreneurial journey, and explain about their business, constraints, challenges and opportunities encountered during their journey as an entrepreneur. The second session was an open session where the participants were allowed to ask questions to the panelists. The panelist included Mr Saroj Karki Bhagat, (Founder of Youth for blood and currently executive director of OB media Pvt Ltd.). Another panelist was Ms. Shruti Sharma, (Director Kinder Pillar Academy ,Convenor Morang Udhyog Byapar Sangh WEC) and Mr. Abhinayak Malla (Founder Wakecup Coffee, Biratnagar)
During the session He said After completing my master’s degree in Switzerland, I returned to Nepal with a determination to make a meaningful contribution. My journey has been deeply intertwined with Bikalpa, where I have actively engaged in various events as both a speaker and participant. Bikalpa’s programs have played a significant role in shaping my personality and thought process, providing me with a robust foundation for my entrepreneurial ventures. Mr. Malla then delved into the challenges and opportunities he encountered during his entrepreneurial journey. He discussed the initial struggles of Wakecup coffee, which faced losses in its first year due to the absence of a coffee trend in Biratnagar. He emphasized the international market’s preference for Nepali coffee and the initial challenge of gaining farmers’ trust due to past market deficiencies. To build trust, he ventured to Ilam and initiated his own coffee farming, ultimately leading to the flourishing coffee production in the region
Mr. Malla acknowledged the challenges of entrepreneurship but stressed the significance of mindset, dedication, and persistence in achieving success. He discussed his vision for entrepreneurship, focusing on impacting lives through boosting local employment and contributing to the country’s economic prosperity. According to Mr. Malla, the primary objective of business should not solely be profit, but rather sustainable and responsible practices that lead to profitability through operational efficiency.
Saroj Karki, a dynamic social entrepreneur, is renowned for his impactful initiatives, notably as the founder of Youth for Blood and the executive director of OB Media Pvt Ltd. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2011 with the establishment of the OB Media online news platform. During that period, the allure of online media was significantly lacking, which posed substantial challenges in securing advertisements and generating revenue. This financial strain marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, underscored by perseverance and innovation despite the absence of immediate monetary rewards. Karki’s dedication to social causes is evident in his work with Youth for Blood, an organization committed to facilitating blood donations and addressing urgent healthcare needs. In addition to his contributions to media and healthcare, Karki has recently ventured into the digital content space with his new YouTube channel, “Project ka Kura.” This channel focuses on creating explainer videos, aiming to educate and inform viewers on various topics, further showcasing his commitment to leveraging media for social good. Through his diverse ventures, Saroj Karki exemplifies the spirit of social entrepreneurship, continually seeking to make a positive impact on society.
During her speech, Shruti focused on women’s empowerment and her personal experience as an entrepreneur. She discussed how she started her entrepreneurial journey as a single mother, emphasizing the challenges she faced. Shruti’s “don’t give up” attitude and belief that failure is a valuable teacher were key themes in her speech. She highlighted that not every business is suitable for everyone and shared anecdotes of starting with minimal resources and overcoming setbacks. Shruti emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability, strong leadership, and collaboration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her story serves as a testament to personal triumph and the impact of shared knowledge and experience in the entrepreneurial journey.
Ganesh Dahal
Project Coordinator / Step- Up Project/ Aasaman Nepal
The session commenced by focusing on the presentation of Shramsansar Apps, which can be accessed at shramsansar.koshi.gov.np/. Mr. Ganesh Dahal, the presenter, introduced the audience to the aim and purpose behind the development of Shramsansar Apps. He emphasized that the platform is designed as an information system to provide quick and relevant information.
According to Mr. Dahal highlighted the intrinsic value of the Shramsansar Apps, particularly for those navigating the job market and for entities providing employment services. He pointed out that the platform serves as a nexus for critical labor market intelligence, offering an array of information on employment prospects, skill enhancement opportunities, and prevailing labor market dynamics. With a user-centric design, the system promotes an effective flow of information, thereby streamlining the process of information exchange. He also practically showed the participants the registration process of their data information regarding the Shramsansar Apps. Mr. Ganesh Dahal further elaborated on the objectives of the Stepup Project, shedding light on the project’s mission and strategies for achieving its goals. He shared how they are working with three Local government municipalities to support entrepreneurship development through various means of support. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing participants to seek clarification and further information.
Idea Preparation, Idea Pitch Competition
In this session, each Participant was assigned to Pitch their business idea. The participants were provided with a basic guideline for their assignment, which included an introduction, clarity of idea, solution, and call for action. During the session, each Participant presented their business idea to all three judges, who were sector enthusiasts with relevant expertise. Each Participant was provided with two minutes of time duration to present their business idea.
The judges for the Participant’s evaluation were.
- Mr. Sagar Chapagain
- Mr. Sarwagya Raj Pandey
- Mr. Danesh Dahal
- Ms Trishna Singh Bhandari
After the idea pitch session, one of the judges, Ms Trishna Singh Bhandari, provided participants with insightful comments and feedback after apprehending their presentations. Also, the top eight winners were selected after the pitch session, for whom Bikalpa will organize further engagement training in the coming days. Overall, this session was a valuable learning experience for participants and organizers. Participants gained practical skills in presenting their business ideas and presentation and communication skills. The judges’ feedback provided participants with constructive criticism and insights into improving their analytical and presentation skills in the future.
Concluding Remarks
Despite a few challenges, the training was well organized and helped enrich participants’ knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship, Business Startup, and idea values. Questions were taken from a participant during the session’s hour, and participants were open enough to share their queries regarding the topic. All the participants ended with a note that they had good experience and connections with the Network. Various interactive learning methods, such as dynamic games, panel discussions and group work, were included during the training hour. These contents helped participants with opportunities to explore and share ideas. Altogether, the event was summed up by distributing the certificate at the end of the program on 18th July 2024.
