Crossed Twelve Hundred Projects through Social Business Design Lab
The investments into six Nobin Udyokta businesses were announced today at the 92nd Social Business Design Lab. The six young entrepreneurs, who are children of Grameen Bank borrowers, are seen in the photo with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The 92nd Social Business Design Lab took place today 11 July 2015 at the Grameen Bank Auditorium. About 150 participants and observers, from national and international organizations with diverse background attended the program, including a large number of international participants.
The Design Lab was chaired by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. He opened the lab with welcoming remarks to the audience including those tuning in via live stream. Professor Yunus explained the process of the Lab, to review and assess social business plans of entrepreneurs. He reported that to date since January 2013, a total of 1260 projects have been presented during last 92 Design Labs of which 1235 projects were approved for investment, and most of these already in operation.
At today's Lab, six new social business plans were presented, all of which were Nobin Udyokta businesses presented by young entrepreneurs coming from Grameen Bank borrowers families. It includes a range of interesting businesses with colorful products including Borsha Handi craft producing ladies clothing and decoration products by Mst. Bithi Begum, Bibiyana Beauty Parlor providing skin care by Sharifa Khatun, Sohani Fashion Tailors producing ladies clothing by Mrs. Sohani Akter Jhumur, Rojoni Gondha Layer Farm Producing poultry meat and eggs by Md. Riazul Islam, Mahim Enterprise selling Grocery items by Md. Kamruzzaman Milon and Rajib Bansh House by Md. Rajib Hossain.
Mst. Bithi Begum, a 26 year old Nobin Udyakta (New Entrepreneur) and daughter of Grameen Bank borrower of 11 years, presenting her plan on setting up handicraft business at the 92nd Social Business Design Lab. Her proposal to set up her business with an investment of Tk 80,000 from Grameen Telecom Trust has been approved.
These business plans were presented by each of the young entrepreneurs including all details of project plan, marketing plan, and sustainability plan. There were several rounds of discussions on how each social business could be improved and strengthened during the main session as well as in breakout sessions. All six of the social business projects were approved for funding from various social business funds. These projects would be reviewed in the upcoming Labs, and through regular reports on Social Business Pedia.
Professor Yunus thanked the participants for the innovative social businesses and noted that it was exciting that so many ideas were now a reality and how impressive it was that entrepreneurs coming from so far away could present their business plans and defend them in front of distinguished international audience.
Professor Yunus also invited participants to join next Social Business Design Lab, to be held on 29th August 2015.
