Mentoring programs are very important for the development of startups. The Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) Project of BCC under the ICT Division is actively working to build a startup ecosystem in Bangladesh. To increase the skills and knowledge of entrepreneurs, iDEA project is initiating different activities in divisional level of Bangladesh using diverse strategies, among which Mentoring is one of them. In the light of this, iDEA is organizing an international standard mentoring program for startups in Khulna. The inaugural ceremony of Khulna Startup Mentoring Program “Learn from the Mentors” was held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 in the auditorium of Khulna District Shilpakala Academy.
Khulna City Corporation Mayor Mr. Talukder Abdul Khaleque inaugurated the program as the chief guest. The Senior Secretary of ICT Division Mr. N M Zeaul Alam PAA was the guest of honor of the event. The Project Director (Joint Secretary) of iDEA Project Mr. Md. Altaf Hossain was present as the special guest at the program. Besides, Khulna Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md. Moniruzzaman Talukder presided over the function.
Khulna City Corporation Mayor Mr. Talukder Abdul Khaleque said that none can be an entrepreneur by reading books only. Startups need to have an idea and acquire knowledge about creative business and innovation including office-factory reviews regularly to gain real experience while reading books. Only then will students be able to develop as world-class entrepreneurs. He further said that by experiencing this mentoring program, the participants will be able to use their trained knowledge to achieve their success as well as take the country and the nation forward.
As a guest of honor Mr. N M Zeaul Alam said that the idea of the entrepreneur should not just be kept in mind but should be taken to maturity through proper planning. He encouraged the entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by any failure but to work hard and move towards success. He said that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has directed that one Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Center should be set up in every district of Bangladesh and accordingly we the ICT Division are moving ahead successfully.
Speaking as the special guest, the Project Director of iDEA Project Mr. Md. Altaf Hossain said that Bangladesh is in the process of developing into a developed economy by 2041. The ICT division’s iDEA project is being implemented as part of the government’s Digital Bangladesh agenda. He added that the iDEA project initially started with the aim of providing grants to 400 startups and has so far provided grants to about 250 entrepreneurs. Finally, he said that more mentoring programs will be organized in the future to support startups.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md. Moniruzzaman Talukder said that we are enjoying the benefits of Digital Bangladesh in almost all aspects of our daily life. At the same time, it has changed our lifestyle and made our work easier. Finally, he thanked organizers for arranging this mentoring program for the youth and entrepreneurs of Khulna.
In this day-long mentoring program, senior officials of reputed organizations of the country discuss different challenges and solutions of startups. In this event, these experienced mentors share their real experiences on different topics including marketing, sales, finance, legal. More than two hundred entrepreneurs and talented innovators from Khulna, Jessore, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Kushtia and other districts took part in this mentoring program for free. “Startup Khulna” was in collaboration with this mentoring program organized by iDEA Project. Startup Khulna and iDEA Project are hopeful that the purpose of this mentoring program is to impart quality knowledge on the Startup Culture & Entrepreneurship to the entrepreneurs of Khulna region and to make them efficient through which a quality startup ecosystem will be developed in Khulna region. It is to be noted that such mentoring program of iDEA project will be continued for the development of startups, said iDEA authorities.
Startups interested in any ICT-based innovative idea should visit www.idea.gov.bd to apply for a grant of up to BDT 10 lakh at the pre-seed stage.