Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP-1) – Enterprise Workshop

“To rekindle the spark of entrepreneurship amongst Zarathushti youth”, this one thought became the driving force behind the creation and initiation of the “Young Entrepreneurs Program” conducted by the Mumbai Chapter of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce India (WZCCI).

Spread over a period of seven days, the Enterprise Workshop included seminars, lectures and discussions all designed and aimed at nurturing the individual vision of each participant for their future enterprise and/or growth of a recently started enterprise. A well-designed focused agenda for each day made sure a wide range of topics were taken on by eminent and successful speakers from their respective areas of expertise.

From creating business plans, managing finances, taxation, bank finance options to planning, management, goal achievement, building teams and finally inspiring real life stories by entrepreneurs was all part of the program. According to participant Meher Modi, GM Miura Trading, “this program has allowed me to touch base with people who were most receptive to new ideas and gain management insights into running a successful business. This sharing process will further my objectives of becoming a better intrapreneur manager /entrepreneur.”

YEP-1 was brought into existence to provide a platform for dynamic young minds who wish to express their vision and to further help them in various areas through mentoring. Jamshed Masani, Team Coach - 3 Global Services revealed, “my experience at YEP-1 was an eye opener because it helped me gain a clearer perspective about my project bringing me closer to the reality of the market situation. The brainstorming sessions within the group were excellent.”

Valuable insights, group dynamics and enriching take homes kept participants motivated. Proprietor Z S Creations – Zenobia Davar feels, “having a dream is just a beginning, the next phase of putting your dreams into action - that’s tough. YEP-1 was great because it gave me direction and the knowledge that I have gained here will definitely help me in the future.”

The enthusiasm and energetic response at the workshop was electrifying. The original aim was to enthuse the participants, but the collective sparks of the participants enthused the speakers and the organizers as well. Never has there been such an engrossing, enjoyable and productive event filled workshop for a full seven day duration. There was such a great appetite and hunger to work towards their entrepreneurial goals, that the workshop extended way beyond the scheduled day end into late hours.

For Kaizad F Todywalla, currently employed in his family business of real estate and antiques, the most important fact that emerged during the course of this program was that for any Zarathushti youth who needed any assistance, all he/she needed to do was ask because standing in the wings are scores of dedicated senior professional Zarathushtis ready to extend support to fulfill their dreams.

During the course of seven days, several mentors and experts shared their experiences, and offered professional help and guidance, much beyond the workshop boundaries. There was a rich mix of experiences and information putting the young aspirants onto a push-start into building their own enterprises, and to run and grow it profitably.

The success of YEP-1 as a platform for young Zarathushti entrepreneurial talent and constant demand for another similar program has encouraged WZCC India to continue holding YEP on a regular, periodic basis.