What advice would you give to anyone aspiring or starting out in social entrepreneurship?
1. Be on the lookout for opportunities in the industry.
2. That said, do some research.
3. Be passionate. Being an entrepreneur isn’t the easiest nor simplest way to go about things. It means long hours, a lot of trial and errors, frustrations, and it’s passion and dedication that will get you through the tough times and keep you going. Statistically speaking, most businesses fail. And it’s really people with vision and firm with core values that really persevere. Being in a socio-ecological business, it’s great and encouraging to find that there is an increasing support for this kind of enterprise, that there are more groups that want to support social enterprise to help eradicate poverty. There is a lot of support out there, it helps to stay focused and stay passionate enough to be on the look out.
4. Stay excited. I think that going into something and not being really excited about something is quite sad. Because for me work isn’t really “work”, it’s more of lifestyle. I don’t have set office hours per say. My work is a lifestyle, it’s a commitment to a greater cause. When I wake up and before I sleep, it’s what’s on my mind, I’m thinking how to move forward. For some that’s not great, that there should be a separation. Maybe it’s a little crazy, maybe I’m a little crazy, but I wouldn’t have it other way. There’s a lot of work to be done in the country. I feel that social entrepreneurship here in Asia is ripe, it’s a right time. The country needs a lot of help. There’s more than 30 million people below the poverty line and a market place of over 100 million people. And in the Philippines alone, there’s just so much world-class innovation.
At present, Bambike runs its retail and product operations online through its website. Stay posted for updates and appearances in expos and trade-shows through their Facebook page. If you’re keen on owning your very own custom-built Bambike, get in touch to learn more.∗