It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the Global Entrepreneurs Development Council (GEDC) — a platform created with a vision to inspire entrepreneurship, strengthen MSMEs, nurture young entrepreneurs, and connect enterprises with opportunities across the world.
We are living through a period of extraordinary transformation. Artificial intelligence, digital technologies, automation, changing global markets and new business models are redefining the way we learn, work and create wealth. In this changing environment, entrepreneurship has become more important than ever.
At GEDC, we strongly believe that entrepreneurs are not merely business owners; they are innovators, problem-solvers, wealth creators and employment generators.
Our young generation should be encouraged not only to prepare themselves for employment, but also to develop the confidence, creativity and capabilities required to create enterprises and generate employment for others. Entrepreneurship education and practical exposure therefore need to begin early.
At the same time, millions of micro and small enterprises possess enormous potential but often face challenges relating to finance, technology, market access, professional guidance, skilled manpower and global connectivity.
GEDC seeks to create a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs can access knowledge, mentorship, networks, technology, finance and markets. We will work towards bringing together entrepreneurs, startups, MSMEs, students, educational institutions, financial institutions, investors, professionals, technology providers, governments and industry organisations on a common platform.
Our outlook is global, but our approach begins at the grassroots. We want a promising idea from a student, a first-generation entrepreneur, a micro enterprise or a small business to have the opportunity to grow beyond geographical and economic barriers.
GEDC invites entrepreneurs, young people, institutions and all those who believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship to join us in building an ecosystem where ideas become enterprises, enterprises create employment, and entrepreneurship contributes to a more prosperous and sustainable world.
Together, let us create opportunities beyond barriers and build a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of competing globally.
Dream Bigger. Start Smaller. Learn Faster. Build Stronger. Connect Globally.
Jeo John Chalakkal
President, Global Entrepreneurs Development Council