Who would have thought a group of women who were victims of domestic violence, trafficking and presently engaged in making handicrafts, would sell their products as well as connect with a social entrepreneurship organisation in the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore?
A number of success stories were scripted at the IIMB’s annual entrepreneurship summit, Eximius’14 that took place on Saturday and Sunday, in the City.
Rajamma (name changed) from Mandya was 15 when her parents died in a road accident. She soon reached Mumbai for a job but was caught in a trafficking ring. Now a part of Vidyaranya, an organisation that rehabilitates such women, she is happy. “Though I have completed my Class 10, I do not want to study further. I prefer to stand on my own feet,” she said.
The summit that served as a platform for networking for these women, also helped a number of budding entrepreneurs from various colleges put their business and startup ideas forward to the best in the business.
A flagship B-plan that provided entrepreneurs with a chance to pitch in their ideas for the next big startup to an elite panel of judges and Disrupt-it, a launch-pad that gave an opportunity for technology startups to look for industry validation, mentors and some seed capital.