What a journey it has been.

Just over a year ago, in July 2024, the vision of Aspire was a seed—an idea we could just begin to see. And now, one year later, that seed has begun to grow, take root, and even bear fruit — because of you.

When we look back, we remember those first conversations, filled with excitement and uncertainty. We dreamed of spaces in cities where entrepreneurs — especially those overlooked and underserved — could be seen, heard, and supported. Today, in Dehradun, Kochi, and Patna that dream has unfolded right before our eyes.

In Dehradun, six entrepreneurs, led by Sarah, our facilitator, completed their journey in July, culminating in six powerful pitches. The top prize was awarded to an idea that seeks to help assess and mitigate natural disasters by providing powerful drones — a reminder that this generation is fearless in protecting both people and the planet.

In Kochi, September marked a beautiful close to our cohort, championed by Stephy, our facilitator and the Kochi Transformational Network. Five entrepreneurs took the stage to pitch their ideas, sharing not just business plans, but personal visions for change. The top award was given to a countercultural idea—one that seeks to give parents an audio tool that replaces today’s visual media content with something more meaningful, intentional, and family-centred. It’s not just an idea; it’s a quiet revolution.

In Patna, the cohort of twelve entrepreneurs finished strong, facilitated by Daniel and the Bihar Startup Club. The top award went to a determined pitch to transform Patna’s garbage disposal system—turning recycled plastic into affordable goods for everyday people. A cleaner city and a dignified future, led by someone who saw potential where others saw a problem. And now, we look to what’s emerging.

Each city carries its own story —and together, they are shaping a movement.We’re hearing incredible things:

In Kochi, entrepreneurs spoke of finding a safe space, a kind of family, where they can be honest and supported. 

In Dehradun, the youngest cohort we’ve ever had is dreaming big—building not just businesses, but places of belonging and hope. 

And in Patna, the team translated the curriculum into Hindi so that everyone could participate, including one inspiring entrepreneur who cannot yet read or write, but whose passion is lighting the way for others.

We are realising that these are not just programs—they are divine spaces where courage is cultivated, community is formed, and futures are being revealed.

Entrepreneurs were staying longer than expected, arriving early, refusing to take breaks—because they were hungry to learn, to grow, to build. Aspire is living up to its name. And you, our partners, are a vital part of this unfolding story.

We can’t thank you enough for envisioning with us, standing beside us, and continuing to cheer this journey on.

We’re also thrilled to share that we launched in Delhi NCR just last week (September 26) — with ten entrepreneurs stepping into Aspire, each one eager to use business not just for profit, but as a tool to support themselves while serving their communities in poverty.

We launch in Mumbai in just two weeks (October 16), and the anticipation is high. We’re preparing, we’re praying, and we’re filled with expectation for what is to come.

We had planned to launch in Nepal this September—in a shorter, city-specific format we’re calling Aspire Ignite. It is now delayed, for the right reasons. When the cohort was set to begin, our local partners and entrepreneurs collectively made the choice to first respond to the needs around them — the healing, restoration, and support of their communities across our country took priority.That, too, for us, is Aspire. We hope to begin the cohort in a few months.

New cities, new stories - same heartbeat.

Though we launch in new cities, we are finding ways to build lasting communities among this powerful alumni of 22 people across 3 cities. As a team, our hearts are drawn to nurturing these ecosystems, and we hope to share more in our next update.

As we look ahead, our hearts are full - with gratitude for the road we've travelled, and with hope for all that is to come.

We’re so glad to be on this journey with you.