Entrepreneurs for Nepal

Entrepreneurs for Nepal is a support group for new, upcoming entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, network, and mingle with like-minded folks. Founded by four friends (Ashutosh Tiwari, CEO of Himalmedia, Bal K. Joshi, founder of Thamel.com, Sagar Onta, civil engineer, and Ujwal Thapa, founder of Shangrila Coffee) who saw a lack of such a group in Nepal, Entrepreneurs for Nepal gained popularity on Facebook before launching its first off-line meeting this year with a gathering of 15 in Durbar Marg. V.E.N.T! Magazine talked to Sagar Onta, co-founder, about the challenges and the future of entrepreneurship in Nepal.

Entrepreneurs for Nepal is a support group for new, upcoming entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, network, and mingle with like-minded folks. Founded by four friends (Ashutosh Tiwari, CEO of Himalmedia, Bal K. Joshi, founder of Thamel.com, Sagar Onta, civil engineer, and Ujwal Thapa, founder of Shangrila Coffee) who saw a lack of such a group in Nepal, Entrepreneurs for Nepal gained popularity on Facebook before launching its first off-line meeting this year with a gathering of 15 in Durbar Marg. V.E.N.T! Magazine talked to Sagar Onta, co-founder, about the challenges and the future of entrepreneurship in Nepal.

What inspired you to start Entrepreneurs for Nepal and what are its goals?

The inspiration for the group came from our mutual experience of the lack of such support group in Nepal. It started when few of us gathered and shared our experiences. We saw a need for such a platform. The goal is to inspire new entrepreneurs and help them succeed in their ventures.

You did your graduate studies in the US and came back to Nepal. Why?

To give it a shot and try my luck. I believe Nepal is my land of opportunities and it will be foolish not to.

Many youths are now leaving Nepal because of the lack of opportunities and good education here. What do you think about this?

We should be able to create opportunities for them. The group aims to help those who are trying to create opportunities.

Do you think that youths who get an education abroad should come back to Nepal and do something for their country?

Everybody should do what they feel is best for their future. But if anyone is thinking about coming back, then we want to inspire them and tell them that we’re here to support them.

Where do you see Nepal heading from here and how can your group help?

Nepal is in a transitional phase and it could go either way. We should do our best to make sure it does not go the wrong way. Our group is to help individuals realize their dreams, and play our small part in taking Nepal to the right direction.

With the numerous problems facing this country, what are the challenges and your suggestions for people trying to start a business in Nepal?

Challenges are many in Nepal. But if there’s a will, there’s a way. Entrepreneurs for Nepal is one of the platforms to find ways to succeed amidst all the bureaucracy and stifling syndicated business atmosphere in the country. You have to learn to roll with the punches and be patience.

How important is a support group like yours in bringing out the much needed change in Nepal?

I believe it is very important to inspire and be inspired. No one has succeeded just by themselves. Genuine support for the new upcoming entrepreneurs is vital for their success. Nepal lacks such a support group because the society has traditionally been full of insecure business people who take competition as negative. That’s because they don’t have confidence in their own capabilities. This group aims to break such traditional handicaps and inspire new entrepreneurs.

Any testimonials to how your group has helped?

We helped organize a gathering of bankers and IT professionals for a young Nepali working in IIT Madra’s innovation center on use of cheap ATMs in November 2007. We have provided information on Nepali markets to young Nepali entrepreneurs from abroad about wind energy prospect, real estate, etc.

What do you think are the tools needed to become successful in business in this day and age?

New ideas, patience, good business plan and support.

You have a link on your Facebook group for non-resident Nepali (NRN) Youth Forum. Are you affiliated with them in anyway?

The link to NRN Youth Forum is because the overall philosophy of the gathering is closely linked to the goal of the NRN Youth Forum of non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA), in which I am the Youth Representative. It’s another means to expand the network.

What’s next for the group?

There will be regular gathering on the last Thursdays of the month for people to come, chill, and exchange ideas and be inspired. We look forward to meet new entrepreneurs and make new friends. I believe we should focus on one thing and do it good rather than do many things and don’t do well at any. For now, the group is focused on this project and hopes to make it successful.

For more information, find Entrepreneurs for Nepal here (on Facebook) or at www.nrnyouthforum.com, or inquire at devsalon@nrnyouthforum.com.

- Interview by Yuko Maskay and photography by Shreyans Tamang, V.E.N.T! Magazine.