Background
Bangalore is our proud location for the first official BDC licensee site.
After operating a successful BDC in Rwanda since August 2010, RCE decided to expand by licensing the model. RCE has been working with Versys Consultants and Services in Bangalore, India since Fall 2011 to develop the license agreement and materials, to train four facilitators, and to coach the Bangalore team through the start up. John Mulford, RCE Director, traveled to Bangalore for the launch. While there, he conducted information sessions, spoke to the class, and trained three local facilitators.
It was a journey of divine connection and extreme faithfulness. The Bangalore team is excited, driven, and passionate about training entrepreneurs in India. RCE is proud to be walking alongside them on this exciting journey.
Their first cohort of 18 entrepreneurs graduated in September of 2012. The winner of the business presentation competition was Asha Sangster, a female entrepreneur, who started a stall-fed goats business. In a reflection of her experience, she said:
“I was always scared to start a business, but the BDC has helped me a lot to gain confidence and a great passion for entrepreneurship.” – Asha Sangster, BDC Bangalore, Cohort 1
VOLUNTEER WITH THE BDC
BDC Bangalore is supported by the Regent Center for Entrepreneurship (RCE), and its donors and supporters. We have a big vision for transforming Bangalore and need help from those of like mind and vision. There are a number of ways you can volunteer to serve in a Business Development Center:
- Donate – We are in need of financial partners willing to support this project through a tax-deductible financial gift. We will send you updates and stories about the lives, families, and communities that are changed because of the program in Rwanda.
- Be a facilitator – Facilitators are trainer/instructors who help our students learn by leading a two-week module of our 14-week training.
- Be a Visiting Executive – VEs are typically business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs who travel to a Business Development Center where they meet with our learners and graduates to provide them with counsel, coaching and mentoring. The second role for VEs is to consult with government policy makers and to teach seminars aimed at various business sectors where they have expertise.
- Become a Distance Consultant – Our students appreciate the assistance of an online mentor as they continue their business ventures post graduation. You can help them succeed without a passport.
Contact us if you would like to volunteer to serve or get involved with a Business Development Center!
Stay up to date on BDC Bangalore‘s website and Facebook page.