Zarin Tasnim, Founder of Shonkhcil, and Waziha Islam Taaseen, Founder of Sasthya Seba Limited, two Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, have been selected as finalists for the Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the social entrepreneurship category by UK-based Youth Business International (YBI).
As part of the process, both entrepreneurs will attend a five-day bootcamp organized by Youth Business International (YBI) along with 30 other participants from around the world. The bootcamp is scheduled to be held in June this year in London, UK.
The bootcamp, the first step in selecting a winner for the award, promises to offer unparalleled access to impact entrepreneurship experts and collaboration opportunities with international peers. Nine finalists will be chosen at the end of the Bootcamp and travel to YBI's Global Summit taking place in Nairobi in October 2024, where one entrepreneur will be chosen as YBI's Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Getting shortlisted for the bootcamp was a challenging task. Out of over 400 applicants, only 30 individuals supported by YBI member organizations around the world have secured coveted spots in the Bootcamp.
Bangladesh Youth Enterprise and Helpcentre (BYEAH), the sole member organization of YBI representing Bangladesh, afforded its entrepreneurs the chance to apply for this bootcamp earlier this year. The two selected female founders received support from BYEAH through a range of incubation and mentoring programs over the past few years.
Manzoor Hasan OBE, Chairperson of BYEAH, expressed his enthusiasm, "The selection of Zarin Tasnim and Waziha Islam Taaseen as finalists reflects the exceptional entrepreneurial spirit thriving within Bangladesh. Their journey exemplifies the power of mentorship and support in nurturing innovative ventures. We are immensely proud of their achievements and optimistic about the impact they will continue to make on society."
