GLOBAL ENTREPRENUERSHIP WEEK 2024

IBA-CED, one of the country’s leading entrepreneurship centers and a member of the broader Global Entrepreneurship Network, envisions empowering young people for a better tomorrow. In Pakistan, over 100 million people --- which is 60 per cent of the total population, are under the age of 30. Global Entrepreneurship Week serves as a platform to empower these young individuals to enlighten and empower them with inspiring, relatable success stories that enable the youth to think big, out of the box and provide exposure to creative and diverse ideas, people and networks.

[1] https://www.genglobal.org/events

ENTREPRENEURS CONNECT - 21ST NOV 2024

Connect, Inspire, Thrive - Join Us for the Entrepreneurs Connect Event!

Entrepreneurs Connect is designed to bring together aspiring and established entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to create a collaborative environment that promotes innovation, networking, and knowledge sharing.

Key highlights of the event include panel discussions, a Fireside Chat with a renowned entrepreneur, and the official launch of the IBA-CED Angel Investor Network. The objective is to address the unique entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities in Pakistan, while showcasing the journeys of successful entrepreneurs and exploring strategies for business scaling. With keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside chat, and dedicated networking sessions, participants will gain valuable insights and practical advice tailored for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey.

Key Discussion Points:

• Defining Sustainability: Key elements for creating social enterprises that balance financial sustainability with social impact in Pakistan.
• Building Resilience: Strategies for overcoming local challenges such as resource constraints, regulatory hurdles, and market volatility.
• Scalability Models: Exploring successful approaches to scaling social enterprises while maintaining their core mission and impact.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: The role of partnerships with government, NGOs, and private sector in driving long-term growth and sustainability.
• Innovative Funding: Identifying diverse funding sources like impact investing, grants, and crowdfunding for sustainable growth of social enterprises.

Proposed Panelists

• Social Entrepreneurs
• Impact Investors and Consultants Sustainability experts
• Government and NGO representatives Corporate and social responsibility specialist

Fireside chat

Building a Resilient Business: Strategies for Women-Led Startups

Key Discussion Points:

• Navigating Uncertainty and Risk Management: Discuss how women entrepreneurs can effectively manage business risks, adapt to uncertainty, and make calculated decisions to navigate challenging environments.
• Developing a Resilient Mindset: Explore the personal traits and mindset shifts necessary for women entrepreneurs to build resilience, including overcoming self-doubt, handling failure, and staying motivated through tough times.
• Overcoming Gender-Specific Barriers: Address the unique challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries, such as biases in funding, leadership roles, and networking opportunities, and how to push through them.
• Creating a Strong Support System: Talk about the importance of building a network of mentors, advisors, and peers to support resilience and how women entrepreneurs can seek out and leverage these relationships for long-term success.
• Sustaining Business Growth During Setbacks: Examine strategies to maintain business momentum and growth during periods of financial challenges, market shifts, or personal setbacks, with real-life examples from women-led startups.

Key Discussion Points:

• A Global Perspective: Explore successful university Angel Investor Network models worldwide and their impact on fostering innovation.
• Addressing the Funding Challenges for Early-Stage Startups: Discuss how university-based investor networks can mitigate funding gaps for investment ready startups by connecting them with investors.
• Universities as Incubators for Innovation: Highlight the role of universities in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and driving innovation through research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Engaging VCs, Angel Investors, and Entrepreneurs: Examine how the Angel Investor network can create a collaborative environment where investors and entrepreneurs can engage and support each other.
• Startup Screening and Investment Processes in a University based setup: Outline the process for startup screening, pitch submissions, and how the investment process is structured within the Angel Investment Network.
• Challenges and Opportunities for Early-Stage Startups in Pakistan: Address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by startups in Pakistan’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
• Sustainability and Future Growth of University VC Clubs: Discuss strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of university-based Angel investor network through partnerships and continuous engagement.

Proposed Panelists

• Leading Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors
• Successful Startup Founders
• IBA Alumni
• Industry Experts on Venture Investments
• Representatives from Government or Financial Regulatory Bodies

Target Audience for E-Connect

Aspiring and established entrepreneurs, angel investors and venture capitalists, industry leaders and experts, startup ecosystem players policymakers and government officials, academics, and students.

Expected Outcome

• Networking and Collaboration: Facilitate connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, leading to potential partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and business collaborations.
• Knowledge Sharing: Provide a platform to share best practices, success stories, and practical advice to help aspiring entrepreneurs overcome challenges and achieve business growth.
• Investment Opportunities: Create opportunities for startups to pitch their ideas to investors and secure funding to scale their businesses.
• Policy Insights: Generate valuable discussions on the entrepreneurial ecosystem's needs, informing policymakers and contributing to the development of supportive policies and initiatives.
• Regional Development: Highlight the unique entrepreneurial potential of Pakistan, encouraging investment and development in the region.