Being self employed is not easy; being self employed the first time (or during the first few years) is even less easy. My own foray into entrepreneurship happened not too long ago and it would have helped me greatly, had I access to a resource or network that could lend out a helping hand during those formative days.
The National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) is a non-profit organisation and its mandate is to promote high-growth entrepreneurship in India. NEN was set up in 2004 as an initiative from the Wadhwani Foudation (led by a Silicon Valley based tech entrepreneur of Indian origin) and its co-founders include five of India’s premier academic institutions: IIT Bombay; IIM Ahmedabad; SP Jain Institute, Bombay; IBAB, Bangalore and BITS Pilani. NEN’s ultimate goal is to help launch thousands of new entrepreneurs, who in turn will create hundreds of thousands of much-needed valuable jobs for India.
NEN’s website is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs and I think it is specially relevant to first time entrepreneurs. NEN’s activities includes events, resources, people, investors- all of whom are important stakeholders in the tech ecosystem. You can join the discussion forums on their website, read up their collection of useful resources on business planning, raising funds, marketing etc or check out videos, audio, presentations etc. As a sample, check out this write-up that explains the business model of venture capitalists (yes, VCs also have to explain their business model to their investors). Or download some sample terms sheets here (login reqd). NEN has an active yearly calendar of activities, that spans across India in organizing various entrepreneurship focused lectures, talks, competitions etc. NEN is actively supported by some of the prominent VC firms operating in India. NEN’s testbed are educational institutions and it has memberships from 230 engg colleges, MBA institutes etc.
Overall level, NEN looks a great initiative and (let me say again at the risk of repeating myself) a very useful resource for first-time & future budding entrepreneurs. Make the best of it!
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And you need to register to view a sample term sheet.
Neeraj,
Thanks for pointing that out. I forgot to mention that; have added that since.
hi i enjoyed the read
i want to start my own business……its an idea which will definately work…..what should be my first step?
Dear Sir,
Greetings!
I am working as a Principal in Jeppiaar Engineering College, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai – 600 119. Recently I came to know about NEN and its various outstanding activities for the students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Our College also wishes to have collaboration with you to do many things for the students of our college and conduct many programmes for them, also students from other institutions and also for the industry personnels using our human and physical resources.
Our ultimate aim is to promote our students, faculties and industry personnels in the line of entrepreneurship start-up, growth and development.
In this aspect, we would like to be a member and sign MOU with you so that all the activities can be undertaken formally.
We will be grateful to you if you could send us a detailed report on this line so that we can proceed further at the earliest.
With regards,
Dr. N. Thangavel, Principal, Jeppiaar Engineering College, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai – 600 119.
Phone: (O) 044 – 24502819/ (R)044 – 22241137
Mobile: 9444200912
Fax: 044 – 24502820
I always wanted to become a very successful entrepreneur so i studied to become one.,~,
the best way to become a millionaire is to become an entrepreneur;:;
being an entrepreneur is one of the ways you can easily achieve financial freedom`*:
being an entrepreneur opened up lots of business leads on my line of work, i like to make money both online and offline ‘~*
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