CTA launched the Tibetan Entrepreneurship Development (TED) in 2013. The initiative aims to build a supportive ecosystem of interlinked nonfinancial business development services and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs aspiring to start or grow their businesses. TED’s strategy in India begins with pre-incubation training and mentoring for potentially scalable businesses (PSB), through which they validate their initial business ideas, develop and refine business plans, and bridge knowledge and resource gaps relevant to their business ideas. After completing business plans PSBs receive continuing mentorship and business development support during a period of virtual incubation during which TED links them with experienced mentors, marketing specialists, and technical advisors. New and aspiring PSBs are invited to enter TED’s annual business plan competition, through which they are eligible to receive seed funding for their businesses.
TED also supports micro and small-medium enterprises (MSMEs), including informal sector family businesses that have limited potential to scale up but have scope to increase their competitiveness and profitability. TED organizes annual entrepreneurship conferences and establishes entrepreneur hubs to increase information sharing and networking opportunities for PSBs and MSMEs.
In Nepal, the program offers a similar set of services to new and aspiring PSBs including an intensive three-week training courses and support for research, business idea testing, business plan development, seed funds, free office space, and mentorship support for selected start-ups. Those who complete business plans will participate in a business plan competition similar to the one held in India, at which they will make presentations to panels of experienced judges. Entrepreneurs with promising business plans will receive seed fund awards for start-up investment or early stage expansion and will be given access to physical office space from which to launch their business plans. Existing MSMEs receive case-specific services such as market research and legal support, identified through consultations with business development consultants.