IC²’s South Asia Connect program, working with the Nexus Startup Hub @ American Center in New Delhi, conducted an intensive week-long training program for 20 entrepreneurs from five South Asian countries in early December. The entrepreneurs from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are founders of traditional or technology-driven enterprises, many solving local problems and serving their fellow citizens.
The focus of the training was to build market-fitted strategies and connect the entrepreneurs to Nexus networks and resources.
IC² and Nexus staff leading the training were joined by mentors from the South Asia Connect Leader Network, a group of ten leaders of entrepreneurial support organizations in the region.
Both the Nexus and South Asia Connect programs are sponsored by the US Department of State and carried out by the IC² Institute. The event was the second Entrepreneur Week held by the programs.
Participating leaders and entrepreneurs were selected through an extensive outreach program in the fall of 2018 with US Embassies and American Spaces throughout the region.
In an initial phase, SAC country leaders mentored a large cohort of entrepreneurs through IC²’s online course and selected the best-suited four entrepreneurs from their respective countries to join the SAC Entrepreneur Week activities in Delhi.
Training during the week focused on market research, value propositions, sustainable revenue models, conducting stakeholder interviews and preparing pitches. Advanced training sessions for entrepreneurial leaders were provided by Nexus and IC² leadership.
As a final phase in the SAC program, five entrepreneurs who exhibit high growth potential were selected to join an eight-week immersive training experience as part of Nexus’ sixth pre-incubation cohort beginning in January 2019.
