By Soumyashree Mohanty, ImpactLens
When we think about a business summit, we often imagine entrepreneurs who have studied in reputed business schools. They are usually seen as people with strong knowledge, exposure, and access to opportunities. They present innovative ideas and receive platforms that help them expand their businesses. However, this reflects only a small section of society. A large section of people never receives formal business education. Many do not even get an opportunity to share their ideas. Then what about them?
Inclusive Participation and Representation
The Young Entrepreneurs Summit provides an important solution to this gap. It is specifically designed for grassroots entrepreneurs from socially and economically disadvantaged communities who often remain excluded from mainstream business opportunities. YouthAid Foundation conceptualised YESummit to provide equal opportunities and improve livelihoods. The summit brings experts and mentors from around the world onto one platform. They guide, mentor, and support emerging grassroots entrepreneurs to help them establish their own enterprises and strengthen their confidence.
The 9th YESummit was organised in collaboration with Telangana Innovation Cell at ni msme, Hyderabad, from 5 February to 7 February 2026. The summit stood out because of its inclusive participation. Out of nearly 600 participants, the majority were women and girls. Many of them came from the interior and remote regions of India. Their traditional attire reflected their cultural identity. At the same time, they displayed strong confidence and innovative thinking. Many participants lacked exposure, opportunity, and continuous support. YESummit helped bridge this gap by providing structured mentoring and learning opportunities.
Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth
An inclusive economic system is essential for national development. Many women aspire to financial independence but lack adequate opportunities or support systems. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face social rejection, which limits their access to employment and business opportunities. Young people also face challenges because their ideas are often ignored and considered immature.
But YESummit creates an inclusive space where everyone is welcomed. The platform encourages individuals with business ideas to participate and supports them in converting their ideas into viable business models through mentoring, technical guidance, and exposure.
Blending Traditional Skills with Modern Technology
Women entrepreneurs from tribal districts showcased their traditional products and presented their business ideas through presentations. Many of them were trained during the summit on how to prepare presentations and use digital platforms to expand their business reach. This created a strong fusion of traditional knowledge and modern technology. The summit also helped participants understand market linkages, branding, and digital promotion. By supporting traditional crafts through modern innovation, the summit contributed towards preserving cultural heritage while strengthening livelihood opportunities.
Innovation Driving Sustainable Livelihoods
Innovation remained a core highlight of the summit. One entrepreneur presented an innovative, eco-friendly diya that contains twelve types of seeds, each suited to seasonal growth patterns. The idea behind including different seeds is that if one seed does not grow in one season, another may grow in another season. This initiative supports environmental conservation and promotes sustainable livelihood generation. Such innovations demonstrated how grassroots entrepreneurs are contributing towards both economic development and environmental protection.
Creating a Discrimination Free Entrepreneurial Space
The summit reflected inclusivity in practice. During a series of panel discussions, it was observed that members of the LGBTQIA+ community were sitting in the last row of the auditorium even though seats were available in the front. When they were invited to sit in the front rows, they initially hesitated. They shared that they were used to sitting at the back because society often excludes them from mainstream spaces. YESummit challenged this social barrier by creating a discrimination free environment. The summit promoted dignity, respect, and equal participation. It encouraged participants to build confidence and claim their space in the business ecosystem.
Celebrating Local Identity and Cultural Roots
Another unique aspect of the summit was that grassroots entrepreneurs confidently presented their business ideas in their regional languages with the support of presentations. This created a comfortable learning environment and encouraged participants to express their ideas freely. One of the strongest messages shared during YESummit was that entrepreneurs should remain connected with their roots while expanding their businesses. The summit highlighted that local knowledge and cultural identity can become strong business strengths.
Building Hope and Confidence for Future Entrepreneurs
One of the most striking aspects of the summit was the participation of school and college students who presented their business ideas. The platform provided them with opportunities to showcase their innovative ideas and strengthened their confidence.The summit concluded with a strong message to continue dreaming and believing in possibilities. YESummit created hope and confidence among aspiring entrepreneurs. A homemaker who runs a small spice business shared her experience and stated that the summit inspired her to think beyond her current scale of business. The summit once again demonstrated that entrepreneurship is not limited to educational background or social status. With proper guidance, exposure, and support, grassroots entrepreneurs can transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises and contribute to inclusive economic development.
