DARE - Because Entrepreneurs Do

The immediate focus should be on enterprises that will boost the economy. Fledgling entrepreneurs should be monitored and helped for longer than the two weeks as offered under current government schemes.

First, we must recognise that India is a better place than it ever was for first generation entrepreneurs.

Prof M S Rao Chairperson, Center for Entrepreneurship, SPJIMR

The non-community ecosystem is fast asserting itself, with both the corporates and consumers adopting the mantra of “faster, better, cheaper.” This is good for the creation of new ventures.

Organisations like NEN, TiE, HeadStart, MentorEdge and TEPP provide a platform for start ups, mentors and investors to convert ideas into viable businesses.

Even banks have started warming up to the idea of non-collateral lending.
However, this is essentially a Top Ten City phenomenon. India must now concentrate on expanding the boundaries of this exclusive enclave and equally to make it an even better place for enterprises to thrive.

This can be done by strengthening institutions that promote technology innovation, start-up incubation, mentoring and funding. We must work towards creating a dynamic public-private partnership that brings together centres of research, technical institutions, management schools and businesses for encouraging enterprise around the country.

Such an effort will shift public aspiration in these cities from employability to entrepreneur-ability.

Equally, India must focus on making the base of the income pyramid a better place by enabling the growth of grass-root level entrepreneurs. A blueprint for this exists in a plan that was crafted by George Fernandes during the Janata Party regime called the District Industries Centre master plan. This needs to be revisited, updated and implemented.

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