Cultivating Mind Power
- Employment
- Economic development
- Education
- Poverty alleviation
- Mentorship
- Social enterprise
- Volunteerism
Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.
Marketplace: Who else is addressing the problem outlined here? How does the proposed project differ from these approaches?
Founding Story
Karma
Phuntsho
The Loden Foundation
, THI, Thimphu
, XX
Over 34
Male
More than 5 years
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Operating for 1‐5 years
Access to financing, Access to talent, Access to technology, Access to economic opportunity, Policy change/advocacy.
Many of over 400 aspiring entrepreneurs who received our training are running businesses having started with funding from us or other sources. The businesses include some very innovative projects. They have learnt how to think of out the box, discern opportunities and take initiatives. The programme, with wide coverage in local media, has also a substantial impact in raising the awareness of entrepreneurship and encouraging the youth to become self-employed rather than seek a job in the government or another organisation as is the wont.
The 39 businesses we have funded have created an average of 5 jobs each and made good contribution to reducing unemployment and Bhutan's economic self-sufficiency. The financial success of a few entrepreneurs make a great difference to the living condition of many more people in a society where extended family culture is still strong. The programme has certainly stimulated both the government and other NGOs to rethink their strategies.
We plan to continue the biannual training and train over 300 people in the next three years and fund around 15 projects each year to reach a total of 100 business by 2015. In addition, we plan to host annually the Global Entrepreneurship Week and World Entrepreneurship Day to spread the awareness of entrepreneurial thinking among the general public and in particular plan to sow the idea of entrepreneurial thinking in the minds of young children.
We also aim to develop a different and unique brand of entrepreneurial culture by imbibing, as universal human values, the Buddhist principles of right action and right livelihood, honesty and integrity, and business as an altruistic social venture.
By February 2012, train 500 persons, fund 50 businesses and promote entrepreneurship among at least 10000 people.
Conduct one training session for aspiring entrepreneurs and two advanced trainings for our entrepreneurs
Fund 15 business projects
Organize 5 public events, discussions and debates on mass media and 10 talks and lectures at educational institutions.
By August 2013, train 50 new persons, start to process 15 new projects and promote entrepreneurship among 5,000 more people.
Train at least 50 entrepreneurs including basic and advanced training
Start the competition for 15 new businesses.
Organize at least 5 events for the public on mass media and in educational institutions.
Our partners include Bhutan Foundation, Hinman Foundation, Global Fund for Children in the US, Rigdang Education Trust, Youth Business International and Maitri Trust in the UK, Amis du Boutan in France, Magyar-Bhutan Society in Hungary, the Education Ministry, the CSO Authority, Institute of Management Studies, Read Bhutan and Hotel Uma Paro in Bhutan.
In addition to raising and channeling funds for us, these organisations share their expertise and educational resources with us. They also provide opportunities for building our human capacity.
We aim to promote social volunteerism and earnestly seek experts to act as pro-bono trainers, mentors and judges. We are also grooming our staff and entrepreneurs to take an active role as trustees, trainers and mentors.
As an educational programme focusing on the internal power of the mind, we strive to foster innovation and creativity in the communities.