As part of the Maldives' inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, the Kickstart Weekend Boot Camp was successfully conducted by VIgnite from 22nd to 23rd November. This transformative program brought together nearly 50 students from Villa International High School (VIHS) and Villa College (VC), offering a platform to develop, validate, and refine innovative business ideas under the guidance of seasoned experts and successful entrepreneurs.

A Comprehensive Programme Facilitated by Industry Leaders

The Kickstart Weekend Boot Camp emphasized hands-on learning and mentorship, providing participants with practical skills and insights for their entrepreneurial journey.

Facilitated by Kanishka Weeramunda and Chamathkaa Jayasekera:

The programme was led by Kanishka Weeramunda and Chamathkaa Jayasekera from SquareHub Sri Lanka, who guided participants through key aspects of entrepreneurship such as business model canvas, design thinking, market validation, business idea pitching.

Inspiring Stories from Prominent Entrepreneurs:
The event featured inspiring discussions moderated by Dulanjana Kumaratunga, Vice President of PayMedia, with three distinguished entrepreneurs:

• Nurain Janah: Founder/Director of Reghindhi Consulting, Chair of Kandufa Foundation, and Group Vice Chair at HARIM, shared her journey in driving impactful initiatives across diverse sectors.

• Ismail Kaleem: Managing Director of Oxiqa, highlighted his experiences in creating innovative solutions and scaling businesses.

• Yumna Rasheed: Founder of Gift Basket Maldives, discussed his entrepreneurial story and the importance of customer-centricity in building a successful business.

• Shinau Abdul Gadhir: Manager, B2B Products Business Solutions, Dhiraagu, shared his experiences working in a large organization that prioritizes customer-centric needs as a foundational principle.

Mentorship from Villa College Faculty:

Faculty mentors from Villa College supported the participants throughout the programme, providing personalized guidance and feedback as they worked on their business ideas.

Empowering Future Entrepreneurs

The Boot Camp fostered a collaborative environment, allowing students to brainstorm, refine, and pitch their business ideas. It built participants’ confidence and equipped them with the skills needed to navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem effectively.

Shaping the Entrepreneurial Landscape

The Kickstart Weekend Boot Camp marked a key milestone in Villa College’s mission to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students. This initiative is a testament to VIgnite’s commitment to fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of leaders in the Maldives.