WZCC - Mumbai Chapter Makes Successful Beginning with Business Cell Seminar It was a sultry morning in Mumbai when a band of 27 enthusiastic entrepreneurs arrived at the Nehru Science Center, each with a dream to pursue, fire in his/her belly and an inquiring mind. The WZCC’s one day Business Cell Seminar created commendable enthusiasm, backed by some very expert advice and opportunities for the participating entrepreneurs.
training franchise in four of the past six years, Crestcom is seeking distributors and franchisees worldwide. Master distributorships are also available in some countries. The USP here is that you run your own company and the franchisor gives you all the training and support needed. And, you are allowed to evaluate the opportunity at no cost and you would be bound only if you find the initial free training satisfying and suited to your needs and skills. The service is a unique blend of DVD training, produced by international experts, and follow-up sessions being conducted by the franchisee. More information on the Crestcom franchise opportunity is available on http://www.crestcom.com
The Zoroastrian business ethos was artfully articulated by Minoo Shroff, President of the WZCC’s India Chamber and Chair of the Advisory Body. What exactly does the WZCC stand for and how does it synergize entrepreneurial energy, skills, and networking within the community? This was the sum and substance of the introductory presentation made by Kersi Limathwalla, Vice-President of the International Board.
Then followed an interesting opportunity presented by Suresh Shastry from Reliance World – a unique offer to open up Reliance World outlets in Mumbai. The franchisor would invest in the property (or rent it out), the infrastructure and the training of staff, and the franchisee would have to man the outlet, which would be like a Cyber Cafe with several add-ons – global teleconferencing, sale of mobile phones, sale of the RIM CDMA service, financial services, etc. The initial investment would be in the form of a one-time franchise fee and a refundable, interest-bearing deposit, and the rest would be taken care of by the company. The contract would be for nine years, renewable every three years.
As the session briskly went underway, the panel was introduced by Prof. Faredoon Kapadia, Managing Committee Member and the main architect of the seminar. It was illuminating to have the concept of entrepreneurship ably explained by Dr. Atthreya, whose expertise was well appreciated at the WZCC’s week long Young Entrepreneur’s Programme (YEP), held in Mumbai last year.
Dolly Dhamodiwalla then presented the WZCCI’s plans for the ‘Own Your Business Programme’ at Ahmedabad. This would be a seven-day residential course being conducted by a premier institute – the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) – renowned for its entrepreneurship development courses The course would be held on the sprawling campus of the EDI and would cover all aspects of entrepreneurship – identifying a project, conceptualizing, marketing, production, finance, successful launch, etc. The EDI also runs a mentoring programme for up to six months after the end of the course, to help prospective entrepreneurs find their bearings. Most of the participants were upbeat about the course and were willing to participate. Other WZCC members who are desirous of joining are also welcome to indicate their interest as the dates for the programme are in the process of being finalized. The big issue that bugs most entrepreneurs is how to generate the finances in order to fuel their dreams. This important aspect was also addressed at the Seminar by Pheroze Patel, who handles the Venture Capital Fund of the Bombay Parsi Panchayat. Following which, there were presentations on the availability of finance and the terms and conditions to be complied with by Urvashi Dharadhar of Saraswat Co-operative Bank, GS Rao of the Central Bank of India and Aspi Katgara of the Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank. Charged by the concept of the Business Cell and eager to offer his expertise, Dr. Atthreya very kindly offered his services to the participants free of cost, with prior appointment. “Never a dull moment throughout the day,” was how Edil Katrak, Chapter Chair of the WZCC in Mimbai, described the Seminar! The participants were most effusive about their appreciation of the programme and wanted many more of this kind to rejuvenate the entrepreneurial spirit within the community. And, saving the best for last, the finale was the gracious vote of thanks by the WZCC’s International Corporate Secretary, Zarine Commissariat!
As the whole purpose behind the exercise was meaningful interaction, the participants introduced themselves and outlined their aspirations. Prof. Kapadia explained that the concept of the Business Cell of the WZCC was to put together a platform for getting opportunities and opportunity-seekers together. For a start, the Business Cell would meet on the first Saturday of every month, discussing and advising, one-on-one, interested entrepreneurs with prior appointment. The meetings would be held at Tardeo and Andheri to facilitate entrepreneurs across the city. The prime objective of the Business Cell is to fructify a smooth transition for a prospective business owner to jumpstart his/her business, or for galvanizing growth for an existing enterprise. At the Seminar, there was a special session on Business Opportunities, presented by three franchisors – each from a different product or service group and each from a reputed organisation. Pradeep Verma presented franchise opportunities from the house of Eureka Forbes. The opportunity was mainly for a new line of water purifiers, which the company would be launching and which, incidentally, would need neither electricity nor running water! With an investment of Rs. 2.5 lakhs, one could build an enterprise. Technical information and product knowledge would be the responsibility of the franchisor. The franchisee was just expected to gather and motivate sales teams and spur winners for himself and the organisation. Ramesh Padekar from Crestcom International Ltd. presented the franchise opportunities that his organization had to offer. The idea was to become the CEO of your own management training company. Entrepreneur Magazine’s No. 1 management/sales
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