YESummit 2025: Igniting the Spirit of Grassroots Entrepreneurship

In the heart of every entrepreneur lies the fire to create, innovate, and uplift communities. This fire is what the Young Entrepreneurs Summit (YESummit) has been fueling since its inception. A flagship initiative of YouthAid Foundation, YESummit is more than just an event—it is a movement, a launchpad for grassroots entrepreneurs striving to transform their ideas into impactful businesses.

As YESummit 2025 gears up for its 8th edition in Bengaluru in collaboration with Christ University, it carries forward a bold vision: empowering 250+ micro-entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, including green entrepreneurship, agri-tech, fashion, social impact ventures, and hospitality. It is a summit where dreams take shape, where young minds engage with industry leaders, investors, and mentors to carve a path toward success.

Building an Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

At its core, entrepreneurship is about resilience—the ability to see opportunity in challenges, to create something from nothing. YouthAid Foundation, a Section 8 nonprofit, has been fostering this resilience since 2017, particularly among youth from marginalized, tribal, and underserved communities. Through interactive training, mentorship, and funding support, the foundation aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 10, promoting economic growth and reducing inequalities.

YESummit is the pinnacle of this effort. Over the years, it has grown into a transformative knowledge-sharing and networking platform, giving grassroots entrepreneurs access to the right guidance, funding avenues, and collaborative opportunities.

YESummit 2025: Bigger, Bolder, and More Impactful

This year, YESummit 2025 is set to be a game-changer. With a focus on actionable outcomes, the summit is designed to provide:

• Hands-on mentorship – Entrepreneurs will present their ideas, receive expert feedback, and refine their business models.
• Recognition & funding – The top 10 most impactful business ideas will receive seed funding, mentorship, and market linkages to fast-track their success.
• Growth pathways – With structured follow-ups, at least 30% of participants will receive continuous support to scale their businesses within a year.
• Networking & collaboration – Over 20+ partnering organizations, 10 international guest speakers, CSR leaders, and government officials will help build cross-border opportunities.

Prepping for Success: The Road to YESummit 2025

Recognizing that preparation is key, the Pre-YESummit events commenced across seven states in India in January 2025, featuring:

 Workshops & mentoring sessions – Focused on market research, business modeling, and financial literacy.

 8-day online boot camp – Equipping entrepreneurs with skills to refine their pitches, understand investor expectations, and build sustainable business strategies.

The summit itself will be  held , 2.5-day immersive experience ( 20-22 Feb 25), ensuring maximum accessibility and participation. Entrepreneurs with an annual turnover of ₹10 lakhs or more will have the chance to enter the Accelerator Program, connecting with investors to scale their ventures.

A Power-Packed Agenda

Day 1: Inauguration, networking, cultural programs, and an exhibition of emerging entrepreneurs.
Day 2: Masterclasses on business scalability, market needs, and sustainable entrepreneurship, alongside mentorship circles.
 Day 3: Focus on integrating technology into grassroots businesses, followed by a grand closing ceremony showcasing success stories.

The event will host 40-50 exhibition stalls, allowing entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and connect with industry stakeholders.

Driving the Future of Grassroots Entrepreneurship

YESummit 2025 is not just about starting businesses—it’s about transforming lives. It offers:

🔹 Access to funding & mentorship
🔹 Legal & regulatory guidance
🔹 Structured incubation & acceleration
🔹 Cross-sector collaborations

For every Padmavati Shinde designing sustainable handbags, for every Vidya Thakur breaking barriers to create impact, YESummit is a stepping stone towards economic independence and community development.

With YESummit 2025, YouthAid Foundation is rewriting the narrative of grassroots entrepreneurship—one empowered entrepreneur at a time. Are you ready to be part of this revolution?  Join the movement. Build your future. Transform your world. ( More information log in www.yesummitindia.org ) This article is contributed by Jyotsna  Bahirat, COO, YouthAid Foundation