Active learning ideas
Resource mobilisation is about gathering the 'fuel' for a business: financial capital, human talent, and physical assets. This topic explores the diverse funding landscape in India, from traditional bank loans and family savings to modern options like angel investors, venture capital, and crowdfunding. Students also learn about government schemes like MUDRA and Startup India, which aim to make funding more accessible to diverse groups, including women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.
Activity 01
Half the class acts as 'investors' (Banks, Angel Investors, Government Officers) and the other half as 'entrepreneurs.' Entrepreneurs must visit different investors to find the best 'deal' for their specific business type.
What are the primary sources of startup funding?
Activity 02
Students are given a scenario where they need 10 Lakhs. They discuss with a partner whether they would rather take a bank loan (debt) or give away 20% of their company (equity), listing the pros and cons of each.
How do government initiatives support new ventures?
Activity 03
Groups are assigned a specific demographic (e.g., a rural woman entrepreneur or a tech graduate). They must find one specific Indian government scheme that would help this person get started and present its benefits.
What is the difference between equity and debt financing?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Venture Capital is the only way to fund a startup.
In reality, most Indian businesses are funded through 'bootstrapping' (self-funding) or bank loans. The 'Funding Fair' simulation helps students see that different businesses require different types of capital.
Investors only care about the idea.
Investors invest in the 'team' as much as the idea. Collaborative investigations into successful funding rounds show students that the entrepreneur's background and competencies are key factors.
Methods used in this brief
Idea Generation and Opportunity Assessment
Teaches techniques for brainstorming and generating viable business ideas. Students will learn how to evaluate opportunities based on market needs and feasibility.
8 methodologies
Business Planning
Covers the components of a basic business plan, including the executive summary, marketing plan, and financial projections. Emphasizes the importance of planning in securing funding.
8 methodologies