ORIGIN: The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), said to be one of the largest not-for-profit global outfits to promote entrepreneurship, was born in India in 2003. Spread over 17 countries with a network of 61 chapters, TiE has come a long way from its modest beginnings. Currently, apart from 42 charter members, it has around 500 members and also includes entrepreneurs from a wide spectrum of business domains. They meet on the last Wednesday of every month to interact, discuss and listen to experts from varied sectors.
ACTIVITIES: With an eye on its vision, right from its inception, TiE Kerala has been focusing on regularly conducting distinct programmes such as seminars and workshops for its members. Over the years, TiE Kerala has been organised programmes on family-run businesses, women entrepreneurship, agro-based industries etc.
Of late, TiE Kerala has also started sanctioning financial grant to promising young entrepreneurs. Titled ‘Seed Fund’, the project has already extended support to a couple of deserving youngsters with promising business ideas. From the year 2012, they have been organising TiECon, a conference on entrepreneurship. Its second edition will be held in December 2013 at Kochi.
The TiE Kerala has also formed a special task force called Special Interest Groups (SIGs) which will cover 12 different business segments with a view to mentor target groups in respective fields. A monthly newsletter, ‘Business TiE’, keeps members updated about its activities.
Besides, TiE Kerala has instituted a rolling trophy and a cash award for its ‘B-Plan Competition’ which is held annually. The competition is held in collaboration with IIM Kozhikode.
TiE also has partnerships with three major business incubators in the State.
This month, TiE Kerala won the ‘TiE Global Chairman's Award’ for the best overall performance among its 61 chapters spread across the world.
It also bagged two certificates for the ‘Best Chapter’ and in the ‘Best Growth Category’.
“The Kerala Chapter of TiE has transformed entrepreneurial attitude of the people in this part of the world and we have more ambitious plans for fostering business growth in Kerala” says John K. Paul, chapter president.
IMPACT: Through its efficient and effective approach, TiE Kerala has been able to bring about a drastic change in the mindsets of businesses/businessmen in Kerala “infusing professionalism is, perhaps, the biggest impact that TiE Kerala could bring about in a short span of the past one decade,” remarks Wg Cdr K. Chandrasekhar, executive director of the organisation. Through constant education, continuous networking and meaningful mentoring TiE Kerala has rewritten the fortunes of many.
GETTING IN TOUCH: To know more about TiE Kerala and its diverse programmes call 0484-3248735 or email them at tiekerala@yahoo.com Website: www.kerala.tie.org
