KATHMANDU

The 4^th National Social Business Challenge-2019 concluded successfully in Kathmandu on Thursday. Supported by UNDP and jointly organized by National Youth Council (NYC), Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON) and King’s College, the Social Business Challenge aims at encouraging young entrepreneurs to come up with innovative social business ideas for the sustainable development of the country.

According to a press release issued by the organizers, this year a total of 154 innovative social business ideas contributing toward the sustainable development goals from young aspirants from 12 different cities of the country were shortlisted out of which the top 10 ideas presented their ideas to the jury that comprised of eminent personalities in the sector of social entrepreneurship.

“The best idea will be awarded a cash prize of Rs100,000 and the opportunity to pitch their idea at the World Innovation Forum, Switzerland,” says Coordinator of Yunus Social Business Center, Nanda Kishor Mandal adding that four runner-up teams will each receive Rs 50,000.

Ashutosh Tiwari, the Managing Director of Safal Partners said that young entrepreneurs in Nepal should be ready to take risks and think globally, not just locally. “They need to have a bigger vision and stay intact as it is a slow and gradual process”, he added.

Minister for Youths and Sports, Jagat Bahadur Sunar concluded the ceremony by congratulating the organizers and remarked that the development of Nepali Society is possible through the innovativeness of such motivated young entrepreneurs.

Team Duluwa, won the challenge while SMBP Diapers, Awas, Impact Seed and Digital Sathi were the runner-ups of the challenge.