Solapur's Maha Business Baazigar

In association with local NGO Jai Jui (Founder/president - Ms Praniti Shinde), we organised the Solapur's Maha Business Baazigar contest in Solapur, the initial presentations being held on Sept 30, 07 and Oct 1, 07.

Against our expectation of about 50 entries, we received an exact number of 100 entries, including 140 individual participants, with some forming groups to present their business ideas. The finals were held on Oct 2, 07 - Gandhi Jayanti Day - to symbolise Gandhi's strong views on rural development.

Our entire effort was to kick-start entrepreneurial activity in smaller towns and rural areas, and receiving such a huge response was not just a coincidence, but a providence too, considering the fact that REECODE's original project idea envisages setting up of 100 business units in adopted 1000 talukas of the country.

As REECODE Institute of Social Entrepreneurship, we have taken up the onus of supporting / mentoring / hand-holding these would-be entrepreneurs and ensuring that their businesses get established and at least one business-cycle is completed within the next one year.

The bigger challenge starts now. I will be travelling to Solapur at least twice every month now on.

Wish me luck.