The Toru Institute of Inclusive Innovation has launched the ‘Impactor’ program for entrepreneurs in the early stages of projects.
The Impactor program is an eight-month business incubation program for entrepreneurs who want to transform the early stages of their idea, product or business into a successful enterprise with a social impact.
The launch of the program was announced at a press conference at the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan on Monday.
Toru founder Saif Kamal delivered the welcome speech at the event, which was followed by a video presentation on the Impactor program.
Other attendees included Annisul Huq Foundation Chair Rubana Huq; Standard Chartered Bank Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Dean of School of Business and Economics, NSU, Dr Mohammad Mahboob Rahman and IPDC Finance Limited Managing Director and CEO Mominul Islam.
Addressing the event, Rubana Huq said: “Talented young people in our country are scattered. We have been unable to stand beside them and develop their talent. We have failed to show the youngsters our dreams. But where we have failed, the young people will succeed.”
Recalling late DNCC mayor Annisul Haque, she added that she could see his reflection in the youths of the country. “Many more people like him (Annisul) have to come forward to bring about social change,” she said.
Bitopi Das Chowdhury said Standard Chartered is always there for new entrepreneurs. “We have cooperated with them to help with their ideas and give advice, and not just provided financing,” he said.
Saif Kamal said the program will be the first of its kind in Bangladesh.
“We have always had accelerator programs or competitions, but ideas need extensive and long-term support in order to become impactful enterprises,” he said.
“With the Impactor program, we will provide individually tailored roadmaps and milestones for entrepreneurs, which will be supported by experts and mentors. Our assistance will range from help with product design to business, legal and investment support.”
The application period for the Impactor program opened on Monday and will run until October 31. Prospective applicants can apply online at http://impactor.toruinstitute.com/apply/.
After a rigorous selection process, 10 “Impactors” will be selected to take part in the eight-month incubation program, to develop their product, business and leadership skills.
The selected participants will receive mentoring, up to Tk10lakh in seed funding, and a workspace from Startup Bangladesh, at the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Bangladesh.
The program is supported by Standard Chartered Bank, Microsoft Bangladesh, IPDC, the Annisul Huq Foundation, Startup Bangladesh and North South University.
