Saiful Islam, a perpetual optimist with an ever-present smile, firmly believes that this time he’s on the path to business success. His journey has been a rollercoaster of experiences and ventures, but the training courses provided by BYEAH (Bangladesh Youth Enterprise Advice & Helpcenter) have breathed new life into his entrepreneurial spirit.
“I dabbled in numerous businesses, but couldn’t find stability until now. BYEAH’s training courses have been my guiding light, helping me chart a course to success at the age of 34. I’ve come to understand that specific goals and meticulous planning are the keys to achieving anything. I’m now steering my business towards new horizons,” says Saiful Islam, the owner of Vertex, as he relentlessly strives to promote and market jute products.
Saiful’s entrepreneurial journey began after he completed his SSC examination. With little more than a sense of adventure, he visited the bustling port of Chittagong, where he impulsively purchased electronic goods for resale. This marked the inception of his entrepreneurial endeavors while he was still a student. For three years, he and a friend operated a business together, but when his friend left for a foreign land, the business came to a halt.
Saiful then ventured into the IT sector through a partnership, primarily because of the industry’s potential to make a positive social impact, especially for underprivileged street children. It was this connection with a voluntary organization working towards the education and mental development of street children that introduced him to the world of social enterprise.
In early 2018, Saiful’s life took a significant turn as he reached out to BYEAH. Through BYEAH, he received two types of training, and it was the aspect of business planning that particularly piqued his interest. BYEAH connected him with a mentor who opened his eyes to the critical role of a well-structured business plan, a concept he had neglected for the past three years.
As he reflects on the transformation, Saiful remarks, “I could see the potential of my business. I had undertaken various training programs before, but when it came to actually drafting a business plan, I was ignorant about market analysis and demand. If only I had prioritized my business in this manner a few years ago, my company would be firmly established today. Since the training, I’ve placed my business at the forefront of my priorities. I’m actively participating in various trade fairs, focusing on factory development, and honing my marketing strategies.”
Beyond just training, Saiful benefited from mentoring and access to an extensive network of fellow entrepreneurs provided by BYEAH. He remarks, “BYEAH assigned me a business consultant, a mentor who has been a valuable source of business advice. I’ve also become part of the BYEAH entrepreneurs’ network. With these resources at my disposal, I’m resolute in my pursuit to bring my entrepreneurial vision to life. My business partners are also thrilled with the transformation. I owe a debt of gratitude to BYEAH for this.” Saiful’s entrepreneurial spirit is now channeled into promoting and expanding the reach of jute products through Vertex. His organization, which had only 8 employees a year ago, now proudly employs 18 individuals.
Hailing from Mailbag, Dhaka, Saiful Islam aspires to instill the spirit of entrepreneurship in his children. He firmly believes that entrepreneurs are not only job creators but also job providers, a perspective that aligns with his active role as an activist on BYEAH’s Young Entrepreneur platform. Saiful’s journey has not only set him on the right path but has also ignited a desire to inspire thousands of children to embrace entrepreneurship. He is dedicated to paving the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and opportunity.
