Introduction

In India, entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful engine of economic growth, fostering innovation, generating employment, and addressing socio-economic challenges. Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) has played a pivotal role in this transformation by offering mentorship benefits to budding entrepreneurs. With its focus on youth entrepreneurship, BYST has been at the forefront of guiding young minds through structured entrepreneurship programmes. These initiatives are particularly essential for young entrepreneurs from underprivileged backgrounds who face unique challenges as they step into the dynamic world of business. 

Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust’s Mentor Development Programme (MDP) offers a distinctive two-day training course, designed to prepare industrialists, senior corporate executives, bank managers, and educators to become business mentors. Accredited globally, the course certifies participants as trained mentors, with credentials awarded by City & Guilds, United Kingdom, a renowned leader in skills development and apprenticeship programmes.

Mentoring is the distinctive fulcrum of the BYST support system for young, first-generation entrepreneurs. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Guru–Shishya tradition, BYST aims at creating a “mentoring for the masses” movement – for Grampreneurs® who are at the core of the system – thereby democratising wealth generation for youth at the grassroots, across communities and geographies, especially in small towns and rural areas. BYST has trained and accredited over 18,000 mentors who have mentored over 47,000 entrepreneurs.

Role of BYST Mentors

BYST mentors are the backbone of the Trust’s mission to empower young entrepreneurs. These seasoned professionals volunteer their time and expertise to provide invaluable guidance and support. Here’s how BYST mentors are making a difference:

1. One-on-one mentoring: Every young entrepreneur receives tailored advice, helping them navigate their specific challenges and build sustainable businesses.
2. Skill Enhancement: Mentors focus on upskilling mentees, ensuring they are equipped to handle the complexities of running a business.
3. Networking Opportunities: BYST mentors leverage their professional networks to connect youth with resources, clients, and investors.
4. Confidence Building: Through regular interaction, mentors help youth build confidence, an attribute that is essential for young entrepreneurs as they tackle market uncertainties.

BYST’s Entrepreneurship Development Programmes: A Gateway to Success

The carefully designed entrepreneurship development programmes at BYST cater to the diverse needs of young entrepreneurs. These programmes combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering mentorship as a core component. Some key highlights include:

• Workshops and Training: Focused on critical business skills such as financial management, marketing strategies, and operational efficiency.
• Access to Funding: BYST collaborates with public banks  to facilitate  business loans without collaterals .
• Two-years handholding support: The programmes are designed to foster personal and professional growth of the entrepreneurs through a two-year handholding programme, where the mentor provides all-round support to the mentee. 

Such entrepreneurship programmes are integral to addressing the specific needs of youth and preparing them for the challenges of a competitive marketplace.

Why Mentorship is Crucial for Youth Entrepreneurship

Mentorship stands out as a game-changer for young business owners. The mentorship benefits provided by BYST extend far beyond just business advice. Here’s why mentorship is indispensable for youth entrepreneurship to thrive:

1. Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Many young entrepreneurs lack formal business education. Mentors fill these gaps by sharing practical insights and expertise.
2. Encouraging Innovation: Mentors inspire mentees to think creatively and innovate, a key aspect of thriving in today’s market.
3. Navigating Challenges: From regulatory hurdles to market dynamics, mentors provide guidance to overcome obstacles.
4. Sustainable Growth: Mentors ensure that startups are not just successful but also sustainable in the long run.

BYST mentor Subhash Shejwal’s Mentoring Journey and Impact
Subhash Shejwal, a seasoned entrepreneur and mentor with the BYST Pune cluster, channels over three decades of business experience into nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs. His mentoring journey began in 1996 when he volunteered with BYST. Through personalised guidance, he has supported many mentees, helping them navigate hurdles like funding constraints and market adaptation. His impactful advice, such as building a basket of emergency funds and diversifying product lines, has enabled mentees to sustain and grow, even during crises like the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Subhash’s mentees have created hundreds of jobs and won prestigious awards, reflecting the transformative power of his mentorship. Beyond mentoring, he serves as a ‘Buddy Mentor’ for new BYST mentors, ensuring quality guidance for the next generation. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Youth Business International’s Mentor of the Year for Asia award in 2021.

The Future of Indian Youth Entrepreneurship

India’s entrepreneurial landscape is poised for exponential growth, and youth entrepreneurship is at its core. With initiatives like BYST’s entrepreneurship development programme, that effectively nurtures and turns job seekers into job creators and wealth generators, the future looks promising. However, continued support in the form of mentorship, funding, and skill-building will be essential for young entrepreneurs to thrive.

The journey of a young entrepreneur is fraught with challenges, but with the right mentorship and support, these hurdles can be transformed into stepping-stones. BYST mentors, through their dedication and expertise, are not only shaping businesses but also building the future of Indian youth entrepreneurship. Their efforts underscore the profound mentorship benefits that are critical for nurturing innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth among the youth-led micro and small businesses.

As India progresses towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, fostering youth entrepreneurship through structured entrepreneurship development programmes will remain a cornerstone of its success story.