New Brand

each member today has an YI app where they have access to all the information of activities happening across all chapters. So there is massive exchange of ideas taking place and whatever is relevant chapter wise is taken up for implementation. The National Body conducts many learning and leadership webinars throughout the year for us to brainstorm innovative ideas.

What areas of focus are you planning to work on during this term? Our focus this year is entirely on rural youth and all our activities our inclined towards benefitting them. A decade ago, we Indians were complaining that because of enormous population India is lagging behind the world. Fortunately, the same enormous population adversity has turned into a blessing in disguise for India. Presently, India boasts of having the largest youth population in the world and the distribution ratio of Urban to Rural is 1:1. Consequently, 27 crores youth stay in Rural India and the same number stay in Urban India. The question we should ask ourselves is whether the rural youth has access to the same opportunities, education, conducive environment, etc. that the urban youth has. The answer is a big NO. Hence, this year Yi is trying to do their bit to uplift and provide access to the rural youth of India.

How has the ‘Talking Talukas’ initiative taken off? Young Indians is more than glad to collaborate with GDP foundation for the Talking Taluka initiative as its resonates with the Three Pillars philosophy of YI. We strongly believe that, The Talking talukas initiative being conducted in all 11 Talukas of Goa will be successful in discovering hidden talent which will be beneficial to the rural youth and their own community at large.

Young Indians is also glad to be associated with Xaxti Riders for their talent search initiative for their cyclist training program and have sponsored a road bike for the same. Discovering hidden talent from the rural landscape will bring about a ripple effect in terms of positivity and ‘can do’ attitude amongst the rural youth.

As an entrepreneur and association leader, where do you look for inspiration and ideas to make a difference? My father, Mohan Raikar is my inspiration. When times are tough and I complain about things not falling in place, I think about my father, his journey and hardships, and how he persevered and achieve success despite limited resources at his disposal. This gives me immense strength and belief to face any adversity coming my way. The amount of faith that he shows in me makes me push myself harder to experiment different things professionally. Having witnessed his transformation from a successful businessman to a social entrepreneur motivates me to get involved in community service. He being a philanthropist and always eager to help someone in need inspires me to do my bit for the society.

What is your mantra to fight the pandemic? What do you expect the government to do? The Government lockdown continues. The decision to allow industry to operate with strict protocols is something that I am in favour of. Without the industry functioning, the economy will be in doldrums. Also, in the industrial sector, there is more restricted movement and safety protocols can be implemented effectively. Again, some industries which can voluntarily lockdown must give it a thought. In my businesses, we have temporarily shut our manufacturing units catering to the non-essential goods and we are operating units that manufacture essential goods. All this, by strictly adhering to all safety protocols.

The Government decision this time to keep the industry open is a big relief for all industrialists because after a dreadful last year things were just getting back to normal in the first quarter of the calendar year, a second lockdown would have killed the spirit of budding, struggling but promising entrepreneurs. On the policy level, I believe there are discussions in the Government regarding increasing the electricity tariffs. This is a retrograde step and bad timing to levy any additional costs on industry. The Government, learning from such pandemics, should try to upgrade the facilities and equipments at primary health care centres, so that the patient load could be distributed rather than it being concentrated only on two major government hospitals. Visitors requiring a RTPCR test to enter Goa is an on and off debate. When in the neighboring States it is mandatory. So why not in Goa?

How do you balance the work of Yi and your business? Share your ideas on multi-tasking? The reason I could take up the Yi Chairmanship and devote time is because I have a strong and efficient team at my workplace. I do not have to run around for my daily operations. Hiring the right person is vital for any organization, then comes empowerment and delegation. Planning your day with the help of a to-do list and prioritizing the list as per importance helps me utilize my work hours efficiently. Also, allotting time slots or different days altogether for some special tasks or assignments makes me focus more effectively. How do you see Goa as a destination for business in a covidised world? When the entire nation was at standstill last year, Goa was open for tourism. In fact a new jargon ‘Staycation’ was coined, and Goa was number one on the preferred list. People booked long term accommodation and were happily enjoying their work from home period vacationing in Goa. I don’t see any reason why this would not continue on a long term, may be not for everyone but am sure it would work for many. Physical workspace boundaries will be diminished for companies who can manage getting their work done remotely and save a ton on physical infrastructure costs. Goa already tops the preferred list; this just might be another segment Goa has to watch out for.

I am an optimistic person; In Goa, I see lot of scope for small and medium scale industries to scale to big heights. Many MNCs operating from Goa still have to depend for their requirements on vendors outside the State. At times, existing Goan suppliers lose out to out of State competitors due to lack of product quality, the reason being may still use obsolete technology. Out of State suppliers are technologically advanced and use sophisticated machinery which enable them to produce better quality products and at a cost effective price.

A huge opportunity lies ahead for the young Goan entrepreneur; however, the business model has to be sustainable and stand the test of time including the pandemic. Also, it is high time the Government realizes that it cannot depend only on the tourism industry. Yes, put in efforts to thrive tourism but do not turn a blind eye towards other industry sectors. We are also your taxpayers and deserve to be heard and pleased

BOTTLING SUNSHINE

Stilldistilling Spirits launches Maka Zai, White and Gold craft Rum proudly blended on Indian soil and nourished by the sweet waters of Goa

By SYBIL RODRIGUES

Stilldistilling Spirits is a small, homegrown and independent distillery that is confident in their ability to serve up ‘micro-marvels’small batch artisanal wonders that elevates one’s drinking experience. They want to take the finely-crafted taste of Maka Zai across the country to be shared by people nearest and dearest. Their ambition and dedication are represented by a tiny yet marvelous creature – the Olive Ridley turtle. Born on Goan soil, it begins its perilous journey and travels up to 9000km but makes its way back home.

Kasturi Banerjee is the founder and CEO of Stilldistilling Spirits. A banker who became a mixologist, she is now a blender of craft spirits in her own entrepreneurial venture. Prior to this, she has been the Director of Compliance at an MNC bank with 16 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Anurag Bhatnagar is the Business Head at Stilldistilling Spirits. He is a sales and distribution management professional with over 20 years of work experience under his belt, across industries and geographies. From Landmark Group (in the Middle East) and Adidas & USHA in India to Dixons Group and IKEA in the UK, he has spent significant amounts of time in consumer durables, sports, IT and aviation sectors. All of which has contributed to him becoming a result-oriented individual with a healthy track record of successful results for challenging projects.

Maka Zai translates to ‘I want’ in Konkani and

Kasturi Banerjee

represents what Stilldistilling Spirits wants for one to enjoy delicious, quality rum that’s worth one’s time and money. This stems from their ‘Drink Well’ philosophy where quality matters more than quantity. It might sound idealistic, but they strive to bottle perfection with their small batch craft spirits, carefully blended with fine molasses and wood-matured cane spirit. And led by a banker turned bartender, they understand the value of chasing one’s dreams and seeking truly rewarding experiences.

The true colours of Maka Zai

Maka Zai is available in two editions. The Bartender’s Edition which is a White Rum and the Tribute Edition which is a Gold Rum.

The White Rum is a clear colour, boasting creamy and elegant aromas, Maka Zai White Rum is made with sugarcane grown in and around the Panchaganga River in Maharashtra. As the fermentation and distillation take place in the region where the cane is grown, the rum picks up the influences of the red soil, making it floral, sweet, spicy and herbaceous. This crystal clear, complex, vibrant and medium-bodied white rum is packed with funky tropical characteristics in its every sip, paying homage to the unsung passion and talent of those bartenders who have enough stories for many a lifetime. Having toiled behind the bar for years to serve people delightful drinks, Stilldistilling Spirits wanted to return the favour with an entire bottle.

The Gold Rum, also called the Tribute Edition is Highquality and matured, blended on the Goan seashore. Hints of praline, dry dates, figs, caramel, cinnamon and honey create a symphony of notes. Together with a creamy mouth feel and a wellrounded vanilla accent.

A perfect dessert and sipping rum, its silky, elegant but approachable charm gives a feeling of a sunny, late afternoon. One will want a bottle for all the people and moments worth celebrating.

Stilldistilling Spirits hope people enjoy their rum as much as they have enjoyed making it. They wish to remind people that wonders are truly possible when one keeps on chasing whatever it is one is chasing

Fomento Resorts & Hotels court controversy over construction of retaining wall at Vainguinim Beach

By BUSINESS GOA NEWSDESK

Amidst the surge in Covid-19 cases and ongoing curfew, a beach in Goa has managed to make waves, with the construction of a ‘retaining wall’.

The construction of a retaining wall along North Goa’s Vainguinim beach by the promoters of an adjoining five-star resort has angered locals all over, which has called the wall illegal; even as the hospitality group, Fomento Resorts and Hotels Limited, has maintained that the wall is being built in its own property and with permissions from the State government’s Water Resources department.

The issue erupted after a local resident uploaded photos of a JCB being used on the beach for the construction of the wall last month. While officials of the local village and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) have inspected the construction site, local residents as well as green activists have questioned the inability of the Government in Goa to stop the construction of the wall, calling it a violation and encroachment of public property, even as the Authority has issued a show cause notice to the hotel management.

When asked, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the GCZMA was ‘examining the matter’. Reacting to the criticism, Fomento Resorts and Hotels Limited has issued a public statement claiming that the construction work was being carried out after consulting a government agency. “Fomento Resorts and Hotels Limited has undertaken only repair work on the retaining wall in thier own property to prevent further erosion of the beach and restore damage from heavy rains over the past two years,” the statement said.

The coastal body had restoration of the beach to its original condition, stating that the excavated beach area also needs nourishment.

GCZMA had issued a showcause notice recently to the party, stating that the entire zone is designated as a no-development zone, being within 100m and hence no construction is permissible.

Social activists move court for Vainguinim wall demolition

A group of social activists have moved the District & Sessions Court seeking demolition of the concrete barricade on Vainguinim beach, work which was completed, amidst opposition from the locals.

Activists Kashnath Shetye, Inacio Domnick Pereira and others have filed a plea in the court seeking demolition of the structure; stating that it is an illegal activity committed on the High Tide Line and a violation of an order by Supreme Court in January 2009; and also rights of the people visiting the public beach.

The Vainguinim locals had stated that they will move the authorities seeking a demolition order claiming that it violates the conditions of the permissions granted by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) for repair work as well as the CRZ notification.

Numerous posts on social media continue berating the construction work and the use of concrete on the beach, which is not permitted in the CRZ no development zone. Heritage activist Prajal Sakhardande and environment focused NGO Goa Foundation have also termed it as destruction of the Vainguinim beach

The construction of a retaining wall along North Goa’s Vainguinim beach by the promoters of an adjoining five-star resort has angered locals all over, which has called the wall illegal; even as the hospitality group, Fomento Resorts and Hotels Limited, has maintained that the wall is being built in its own property and with permissions from the State government

The alleged construction of a ‘retaining wall’ / Pic: @savevainguinim (Twitter) deputed two expert members Sujeetkumar Dongre and Savio Correia to carry out a site inspection at the beach.

The committee’s report concluded that the party had violated the conditions, as cement concrete was used instead of eco-friendly material.

Cement concrete structures are prohibited on the beach and within intertidal Coastal Regulation Zone (IB) – a highly ecological area, the report stated.

Further, the report stated that the construction of the linear wall along the beach is new work and not repairs under no-objection certificate obtained by the party.

The expert members had recommended issuance of stop work order to prevent further damage to the ecologically fragile inter tidal zone. They suggested

WAMAN PRABHU PENS BOOK ON MANOHAR PARRIKAR

The book is available in three languages and shares a freewheeling account on the political and social impact of Goa’s former Chief Minister

Manohar Parrikar’s impact on Goa’s political landscape has been indelible. After his demise a number of biographies dedicated to him came out, many of them written by journalists who had the experience of working during the political tenure of Parrikar and therefore, being first hand witnesses of his career and personal life.

Waman Prabhu, who has completed more than five decades in the field of journalism in Goa, not only followed the life and times of Parrikar, but was also a close friend of the popular politician.

Prabhu’s book, Manohar Parrikar: Off the Record is based on his close association with the former Defence Minister of India and former Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar, for more than 26 years, having witnessed his political journey before getting elected as an MLA right up to his last days.

Prabhu elaborates on the idea behind writing the book. “There were a few things which led me to writing this book. I had played a crucial role in the MGP- BJP alliance in 1994 and Parrikar used to tell me that I will mention it in my book. Unfortunately he could not do that. Secondly I always wanted to write a book on different topics which I had in mind but somehow I was never able to pen it down. Last year, lockdown happened and I utilised that time to jot down my memories of Parrikar and some instances which have never come out in public domain and also some unseen sides of Parrikar which I had the privilege to observe during my association with him.”

Off the Record is a trilingual biography written in Marathi, Konkani and Hindi and when Prabhu began writing it, it was never his plan to print the book in three languages. “I wrote the book initially in Marathi and released it in January this year. The response was overwhelming and within the first month I had to go for a second edition. Many of my friends from Delhi and other parts of Northern India asked me whether the book is available in Hindi after seeing my posts on social media. Manohar Parrikar was a national leader and had many admirers throughout India. Also, he represented

Waman Prabhu

Lucknow as member of Rajya Sabha. There was no book on Manohar Parrikar in Hindi – that’s the reason I chose to publish a Hindi edition, which is now available globally.”

As for writing in Konkani, Prabhu considered writing in a language that Goans speak every day. “Though the size of the market is not big but emotionally I felt the need to write about a great son of Goa and not to have it in Konkani would be unfair. Incidentally, this is a first book in Konkani on Parrikar.”

Prabhu also has had enquiries for a book in English and is currently thinking of publishing it in a digital format, but plans on that are still firming up.

It took Prabhu around four months to write his first Marathi book. “I consider it my first baby as getting the book rolled out was quite a task and included a lot of hassles. By the time the book was released, it was already nine months and hence it’s fair to call it a baby.”

Marathi edition

Konkani edition

Hindi edition

The Hindi edition wasn’t much of a problem as it was translated by Kishore Arjun and the publisher was Notion Press, who were very professional. This book was released worldwide online on 17th March 2021, the second death anniversary of Parrikar.

The Konkani edition was an easy exercise, as Prabhu himself was doing it and the book was available on the stands on 1st May 2021.

Prabhu shared a close rapport with Parrikar and explains why the former chief minister’s legacy will continue to live on in Goa. “Parrikar was one of the sharpest political minds that I have come across in my entire journalistic career spanning over five decades. His performance in the Goa Legislative Assembly, both as Chief Minister and as Leader of Opposition was exemplary. There may be some flaws but his commitment to Goa was unquestionable.

Parrikar's legacy will live on in the different projects completed during his tenure. Parrikar loved getting things done and get it completed before deadlines. Be it Inox, New Patto bridges, numerous bridges across Goa and other numerous projects. The Atal Setu was one of his dream projects which he inaugurated before his death. He was also instrumental in getting the new Zuari Bridge sanctioned.”

As a senior journalist and pioneer of local TV, Prabhu is a busy man. “With the COVID 19 refusing to go, I am writing my next book which is about my 51 year journey in journalism – right from 1969 when I joined daily Gomantak to present times. How things were then and how they have changed now, coupled with some of my experiences in print and electronic media. I plan to release this book in July in English and Marathi”

Goa Shipyard Ltd hosts ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’

Commemorating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, GSL organised series of webinars and virtual exhibitions from 30.04.2021 to 06.05.2021. The week long program saw active participation from vendors, sub-contractors, apprentices, ITI instructors, GSL employees as well as officials from NSDC/NSQF and GeM.

Cmde B B Nagpal, CMD, GSL virtually flagged off the program focussing on India’s 75 year long journey as a nation and to recommit to achieve the goals set by our leadership. This series of webinars/digital exhibitions focused on skill development initiatives, apprentice training and quality improvement in supply Chain. Senior surveyors from classification societies like Indian Registrar of Shipping (IRS) & American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) highlighted various aspects of quality requirements in defence shipbuilding to the vendors. Further, during the week, a virtual exhibition of equipment developed inhouse by GSL apprentices was organised, which was widely appreciated.

A specialized program for on-boarding of Vendors on GeM portal was also organised, during which around 75 vendors were taken through live on-boarding exercise by GeM Facilitator for Goa-Karnataka region.

The Government of India has launched Bharat ka Amrit Mahotsav, the countdown to India’s 75th year of Independence with programs to commemorate India’s achievement in last 75 years and the way ahead to become ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

GCCI interaction with officials of Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre - Chennai

President of GCCI, Manoj Caculo welcomes the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre delegates A delegation of officials from the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), Chennai visited Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry to meet with the Chamber’s office bearers and members of trade from Goa.

The ITPC Chennai delegation consisted of Kumara Jati, Director; Aji Cahyadi, Deputy Director; and Jestin Mathew, Sr Marketing & Trade Development Specialist.

The ITPC delegation was welcomed by GCCI President Manoj M Caculo. The other representatives who participated in the deliberations included Ralph De Sousa, Senior Vice President; Chandrakant Gawas, Hon Treasurer; Joseph D’souza, Ashutosh Kharangate, and Dr Jennifer Lewis e Kamat, all members of the Managing Committee of GCCI. Chamber officials R S Kamat, Director General; Kishore Shah, Director General Designate; and Sanjay Amonkar, Director Designate, were also present. The ITPC Chennai delegation said that the purpose of this exploratory visit was to understand how they can develop a close business and trade relationship between Indonesian business stakeholders and Indian business stakeholders in the Goa Region. They explained how Goa can be a good market for several products grown or manufactured in Indonesia and how Goa can channelize certain Indian exports to Indonesia. The delegation also discussed how there can be synergy between the Bali area which is famous as the spa capital of the world and Goa which is a tourist paradise. The delegation agreed to remain in regular touch with Goa Chamber and exchange trade-related information for the benefit of business communities in Indonesia and Goa

Molbio Diagnostics’ TruneNat TB bags BioSpectrum award

Molbio Diagnostics has won the BioSpectrum product of the year award for its TrueNat TB molecular test that can diagnose tuberculosis in an hour.

The molecular diagnostics company was also one of the first to develop and test for COVID-19 through its TrueNat COVID-19 test that is currently being widely used across the country.

Verna-based Molbio was awarded the BioSpectrum Product of the Year Award 2020 for its TrueNat TB, a molecular test that can diagnose TB in one hour as well as test for resistance to the drug Rifampicin. Chief Executive Officer of Molbio Diagnostics, Goa, Sriram Natarajan received the award at a virtual ceremony that was held recently.

In his acceptance speech, Natarajan said, “TrueNat started as a dream 15 years ago to see how high quality molecular diagnostics can be reached across the country right up to the first point of contact at the primary level. Today, TrueNat globally is the only point of care real-time PCP platform that is completely laboratory independent, portable battery operated with room temperature stability, ready to use reagents. TrueNat for TB has been validated and endorsed by ICMR and WHO as a frontline test for TB as a replacement for smear microscopy.”

Speaking further, about the COVID 19 testing, Natarajan added, “TrueNat for COVID 19 was amongst the first real time PCR tests to be approved by ICMR and since then has been at the forefront of COVID testing in India. Today, there are 3,000 TrueNat users in India and there are 35 countries in which TrueNat is being used for TB. In the coming years, TrueNat is expected to play a very significant, dominant role in the global molecular diagnostic segment.”

The TrueNat TB molecular diagnostic test uses only about 0.5ml sample of sputum taken from each patient. The entire setup being battery operated and portable can be easily used in the most basic parts of the healthcare system

Chief Executive Officer of Molbio Diagnostics, Goa, Sriram Natarajan with the award

Crawfort Market hopes to disrupt the wholesale space

Crawfort Market is a project promoted by Red Square Ventures LLP, through its founders Rajesh Anand and Rajiv Chandan.

Crawfort Market is pegged to be a first of its kind wholesale market and spaces for commercial activities, situated in Porvorim.

This location is the perfect place designed for a wholesale market where vendors have an option for wholesaling as well as retailing. The unit size ranges from 200 to 2000 sq. ft.

Crawfort Market can house supermarkets, departmental, medical and garment stores

The food courts, entertainment centre, play area for kids, salon, health and beauty sections are located on the second floor.

If you are looking to do business where shopkeepers from all parts of North and South Goa and nearby districts of Maharashtra and

Rajesh Anand Rajiv Chandan

Karnataka, would be coming in to purchase goods for their stores, this is a perfect platform for them.

The concept of Crawfort

Market was born after a thorough survey with the shop owners and retailers in and around Goa, considering their travelling and hardships related to purchases from outside Goa.

Crawfort Market also houses a 24x7 medical store and a 24x7 coffee shop, supporting the surrounding population.

Importers related to supply of kitchen equipment for the hospitality industry, is the star attraction along with wholesale material required for wedding décor.

The founders of Crawfort Market have initiated a ‘startup business program’ for young entrepreneurs of Goa in association with EDC and nationalised banks promoting 40 categories. An instant loan is provided through the above funding entities.

The lower ground floor consists of a 220 car-park. The top floor is a column-less structure, designed to support institutional and educational purpose, supporting the local youth

GCCI supports Govt in its fight against Covid

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant being handed over oxygen concentrators by Associate Vice

President, Persistent Systems Ltd. Girish Bharne and President of GCCI, Manoj Caculo As part of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s support to the Goa Government , in its fight against Covid, Persistent Systems Ltd., a member of GCCI, through Persistent Foundation, donated 20 Oxygen Concentrators to the Chief Minister. 8 oxygen concentrators were donated by GCCI to the ‘Breath of Life’ project of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid Town. Director General of GCCI, Kishore Shah handed them over to Rtn Sachin Bhandare of RCPMT. This was facilitated by President, GCCI, Manoj Caculo

The Westin Goa opens at Anjuna

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announced the opening of The Westin Goa, marking the brand’s debut in the State. Committed to delivering on the brand’s foundational pillars of ‘Sleep Well, Move Well, and Eat Well,’ the new hotel features signature brand programs that enable guests to maintain and enhance their well-being while traveling.

“We are excited to open The Westin Goa in one of India’s premier leisure destinations expanding the brand’s signature well-being offering to more locals and travelers.” said Neeraj Govil, Senior Vice President, Operations APEC, Marriott International.

Located at D’mello Vaddo, Anjuna, within easy access of the main tourist attractions, The Westin Goa is perfect for beachgoers who enjoy a healthy dose of pampering, matched with holistic wellbeing offerings and access to a funfilled nightlife. The new hotel boasts 171 spacious guestrooms and suites, as well as deluxe patio rooms where guests can relax over a dip in the outdoor pool accessible directly from the rooms.

The Market, the property’s all-day dining restaurant, offers guests a variety of health-conscious culinary adventures with live stations serving nourishing local and global favourites and healthy small bites.

Anjuna Coffee and Co. a deli and patisserie, welcomes every guest to the atrium lobby with a whiff of freshly brewed coffee, paired with wholesome delights like sandwiches, pastries and revitalising drinks, including the Westin Fresh by the Juicery program.

The Westin Goa boasts over 14,000 sq. ft. of event spaces and features a Grand Ballroom with separate breakout spaces “We are excited to open The Westin Goa, offering a holistic wellbeing experience,” says Sunil Kumar, General Manager of the property

Sunil Kumar

BUSINESS LENS / RAJULA GUPTA 5 Reasons Not to Start-Up!

The writer lists out some home truths for youngsters waiting to jump on the start-up bandwagon

Launching a start-up is not for the faint hearted and the chances of you failing far exceed the chances of you achieving any kind of success. The reality is that 90% of all start-ups fail within the first three years of their existence. If you are reading this and thinking of starting up, let me give you 5 good reasons NOT to start-up.

1. Not Able to Deal with Failure: If you are like most people who hate to fail or someone who thinks that failure is not an option or someone who has never failed in their life so far, dealing with constant failure and rejection is a good reason not to start-up. A start-up founder deals with failure every single day in every aspect of their operation. Not only do you need to embrace failure and deal with its fallout, but you also need to constantly reinvent yourself and overcome failure and move forward. If this does not sound like you, it is best to stay out of the start-up world.

2. Dependent on Government Schemes:

If you are someone who believe in all the announcements made by the government and their representatives about how much support is available from the government and why Goa is the ideal place to launch your start-up, think again! More than thinking, just do some research about how many start-ups have succeeded using the the government’s help. Please do not mistake that receiving grant money or funding from the government as a mark of success, rather the opposite is true. Most start-ups who have received this grant money have spent it all with no accountability and have quietly shut shop when the money has run out. The chances of you succeeding with no outside funding are far better than if you received external funding too early in your start-up and that too from the government.

3. Support from a Start-up Incubation

Center: Today’s incubation centers have become their own business as the grant funding they receive is not enough for them to sustain their own operations and hence they have started charging a variety of user fees to any new start-up who wants to incubate from their center. They give you the impression that by launching training programs, bringing in “experts” to mentor you and organising pitching competitions, they are trying to help you. The reality is that 90% of all incubation center employees have no start-up experience of their own and have never run their own business so how can you expect them to understand the needs and struggles of a start-up founder, let alone provide them with effective guidance to succeed. Just like government funds, incubation centers have a dismal track record when to comes to showcasing start-ups that have succeeded from their centers. If you honestly believe in your idea, you can launch it from your own home, garage or backyard, you don’t really need a room in an incubation center.

4. Dependent on External Funding: If you think you have a great idea and think it will be a success IF ONLY you had some money to start-up, then I suggest you put that idea in cold storage until you have some savings to launch your startup. Research has proven time and again that start-up founders who launched using their own money have acted with a lot more wisdom and restraint when it comes to spending that money and have focused on achieving an operational profit as soon as possible, which gives them the best chance of success. Your only source of funding apart from your own savings should be your friends and family and only borrow a small amount from them that they would not mind losing if you were to fail. Please do not waste your time in pitching competitions and funding events or even chasing angel investors. If you used the same time and energy in making your start-up a success, all these angels will come knocking on your door and you will have the last laugh by simply saying NO to them.

5. Not Being the Subject Expert: I have a simple question for you – are you the subject matter expert in the field of your start-up idea? If the answer is no, then I strongly suggest you drop the idea of launching this start-up. No matter how good a team you think you have or have your best friend as your co-founder who is the “Technical Expert”, such arrangements never work for long as only you may have that burning desire and passion to make your start-up a success at all costs and only you might be willing to sacrifice everything in order to achieve success and that desire may not be truly shared by your co-founders and team members. The Bansal team is a rare exception in a world where the single start-up founder has the best chance of success.

The start-up world may seem extremely attractive with the media promoting its success stories but look beyond the headlines and you will notice something interesting – big announcements are being made about getting funding or being bought over and these announcements are not about achieving profits, which in my opinion, remains the only true measure of business success. Business exists to make a profit and if don’t think your start-up can make a profit in it’s very first year of existence, then I have just given you 5 very good reasons not to start-up!