February 2025

While older generations often viewed entrepreneurship as a risky career choice, Gen Z sees it as an opportunity for freedom, creativity, and financial independence. This generation is redefining what it means to build a career, with many young people launching businesses before they even finish high school. From tech-savvy startups to innovative service-based ventures, Gen Z is proving that age is no barrier to success. Why Gen Z is Choosing Entrepreneurship Several factors are driving Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit: These values highlight Gen Z’s commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable future. The Rise of Young Employers Gen Z isn’t just starting businesses—they’re also creating jobs. Nearly 39% of Gen Z business owners employ five or more people, contributing to local economies and providing opportunities for others. This generation’s ability to balance innovation with social responsibility sets them apart as leaders in the modern business landscape. What Older Generations Can Learn from Gen Z Gen Z’s approach to entrepreneurship offers valuable lessons for older generations: Conclusion Gen Z is rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship, proving that age and experience are no longer prerequisites for success. With their tech-savvy mindset, resilience, and commitment to social impact, this generation is paving the way for a new era of business innovation. As they continue to break barriers and challenge norms, Gen Z is inspiring us all to rethink what’s possible.

The World Economic Forum’s Schwab Foundation has once again spotlighted the transformative power of social entrepreneurship by honoring 18 visionary leaders from 15 organizations across 13 countries. Among the awardees are inspiring changemakers from India and beyond, recognized for their groundbreaking work in driving social and environmental progress. These awards, announced during the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, mark the beginning of a three-year empowerment journey for the recipients, who are shaping a more equitable and sustainable future. Celebrating Global Changemakers The Schwab Foundation Awards, in partnership with the Motsepe Foundation, celebrate values-driven entrepreneurs who are redefining business and social models to address pressing global challenges. This year’s awardees include: These innovators have demonstrated exceptional leadership in creating scalable solutions that uplift vulnerable communities and drive systemic change. A Focus on Equity and Sustainability The Schwab Foundation Awards highlight the critical role of social entrepreneurship in addressing global inequities and environmental challenges. The awardees’ work spans diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, gender equality, and climate action. Their innovative approaches serve as a blueprint for building resilient and inclusive societies. For instance, Akshay Saxena’s Avanti Fellows has transformed the lives of thousands of students in India by providing access to quality education and mentorship. Similarly, Vineet Singal’s CareMessage has revolutionized healthcare delivery for low-income communities in the U.S., showcasing the power of technology in driving social impact. Recognizing Collective Impact In the Collective Social Innovators category, the awards honor leaders who have mobilized communities and resources to address systemic challenges. Ved Arya, Poonam Muttreja, and Apoorva Oza have been instrumental in supporting marginalized groups in India, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their initiatives have provided critical relief, from healthcare services to livelihood support, ensuring that no one is left behind. The Road Ahead: A Three-Year Empowerment Journey The Schwab Foundation Awards are more than just recognition—they are a launchpad for sustained impact. Over the next three years, the awardees will receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to global platforms to amplify their work. This support will enable them to scale their initiatives, collaborate with like-minded leaders, and drive even greater change. Why This Matters In a world grappling with inequality, climate change, and health crises, social entrepreneurs are at the forefront of creating solutions that matter. The Schwab Foundation Awards not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to take action. By highlighting these stories of resilience and innovation, the awards underscore the importance of collective efforts in building a better future. Conclusion The Schwab Foundation Awards are a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship in driving meaningful change. From India to the U.S., these awardees are proving that business and social impact can go hand in hand. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also commit to supporting their mission of creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

The Union Budget 2025-26 has placed a strong focus on women’s welfare and entrepreneurship in India, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiling key initiatives to drive empowerment. A significant boost of ₹21,960 crore has been allocated to the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 schemes, aiming to improve nutrition for 8 crore children, 1 crore pregnant and lactating women, and 20 lakh adolescent girls, particularly in aspirational districts and the northeastern region. In a move to foster economic independence, a new scheme will provide term loans up to ₹2 crore and skill-building programs to support 5 lakh first-time women entrepreneurs, with special emphasis on SC/ST communities. Additionally, the government plans to set up 200 daycare cancer centres in district hospitals across India in 2025-26, enhancing healthcare access for women. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to empowering Indian women through nutrition, entrepreneurship, and healthcare, paving the way for inclusive growth and development.

Startups often fail due to a lack of entrepreneurial insight, but a new approach is changing the game. By combining mentorship, community involvement, and a scientific methodology, entrepreneurs can significantly improve their chances of success. This strategy emphasizes rigorous testing of ideas, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on “investability readiness” to secure funding. Here’s how aspiring founders can build a strong foundation for lasting success. The Scientific Approach to Entrepreneurship Just like scientific methods, entrepreneurship thrives on experimentation and validation. Entrepreneurs should treat their business ideas as hypotheses, using data to test assumptions and refine strategies. This approach minimizes risks and ensures that decisions are grounded in evidence rather than intuition. Key steps include: The Role of Mentorship and Community Mentorship is a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success. Experienced mentors provide invaluable guidance, helping founders navigate challenges and avoid common pitfalls. Additionally, being actively involved in entrepreneurial communities fosters collaboration, networking, and access to resources. Key benefits include: Investability Readiness: Preparing for Funding Securing funding is a critical milestone for startups, but many fail because they’re not adequately prepared. “Investability readiness” ensures that your startup is attractive to investors. This involves: Managing Feedback and Filtering Insights Feedback is essential for growth, but not all feedback is created equal. Entrepreneurs must learn to distinguish between valuable insights and distractions. Tips for managing feedback include: The Future of Entrepreneurship Education The future of entrepreneurship education lies in instilling fundamental principles that prepare founders for the challenges ahead. By integrating scientific methodology with experiential knowledge, aspiring entrepreneurs can develop a comprehensive understanding of business. Key areas of focus include: Conclusion Entrepreneurship is both an art and a science. By adopting a data-driven approach, leveraging mentorship, and ensuring investability readiness, startups can overcome common pitfalls and achieve lasting success. The future of entrepreneurship education must focus on equipping founders with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. By embracing these principles, aspiring entrepreneurs can turn their visions into reality and build businesses that stand the test of time.