top of page

Search Results

3402 results found with an empty search

  • Priya Ajbani : Winner of the 2025 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award

    Name: Priya Ajbani Business Name:  Monsher India Safety Equipment’s Pvt Ltd Location:  Mumbai , India Category:   Fire & Security Services Website: www.monsher.com Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyaajbani/ Company Detail: Monsher India is one of India’s leading fire and safety solutions providers, with over 50 years of legacy and five operational offices across metro cities. They specialize in supplying advanced fire safety equipment—including sprinkler systems, fire alarm panels, hose reels, and fire rescue kits—to commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. As a women-led enterprise, they are committed to excellence, safety innovation, and social impact, notably through inclusive hiring practices that create opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Monsher India stands out for blending legacy, innovation, and impact. Their USP lies in delivering globally certified fire safety products tailored for Indian infrastructure, backed by a robust supply chain and strong client relationships across top builders, corporates, and public institutions. As pioneers of India’s first home-use FireRescue Kit, and with a team that’s 80% women, they lead not just in safety—but in redefining industry standards through purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Entering the male-dominated fire safety industry came with its share of resistance. It took over 15 years of consistent effort for Priya Ajbani to be recognized and respected in the field. She had to push beyond traditional office boundaries attending trade fairs, networking relentlessly, and proving her expertise in every room she entered. Breaking through these barriers meant constantly challenging stereotypes, staying persistent, and believing in her value even when others didn’t. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: As a woman entrepreneur, Priya Ajbani has faced numerous challenges, from navigating a male-dominated industry to overcoming societal expectations. Yet, each obstacle has only strengthened her resolve. She has learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships but about transforming them into stepping stones for growth. By staying focused on her vision and refusing to let patriarchal norms dictate her path, she has built a business that stands as a testament to perseverance and passion. To all the incredible women out there: your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your potential is limitless. Keep pushing boundaries and redefining success on your own terms.

  • Shruti Kapadia: Winner of the 2025 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award

    Name: Shruti Kapadia Business Name:  Ornate Location:  Mumbai , India Category:   Diamond Jewelry Manufacturer Website: www.ornatebyshruti.com Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/theornatebyshruti/ Company Detail: Ornate is a distinguished diamond jewelry manufacturer committed to innovation and forward-thinking design. They collaborate with both jewelers and direct customers, offering unique solutions tailored to their needs. For jewelers, they continuously develop innovative products that enhance product rotation and drive sales. For direct customers, they provide personalized design services, ensuring each piece reflects their individuality while staying within their budget. At Ornate, they strive to create jewelry that stands out, helping their clients make a lasting impression. Shruti Kapadia is a first-generation jeweler who started in 2012 with no clients or staff but with a strong belief in her ability to create and make magic. Through dedication and innovation, she built a loyal clientele and grew the business, now proudly leading a team of 10 employees and having association with many top-tier factories to ensure the exceptional finesse and craftsmanship that define the products. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: At Ornate, they are constantly innovating and creating unique collections that captivate and inspire. Recently, they introduced an exclusive line of wrap-around jewelry, incorporating titanium springs within gold. This innovation not only enhances the design but also makes the pieces incredibly low-maintenance—perfect for today’s generation. These creations are truly one-of-a-kind, striking a balance between elaborate elegance and minimalist appeal. As a result, they have quickly become a coveted choice among women seeking both style and convenience. Their commitment to unique and finely crafted designs has earned them the trust of international jewelers. They are proud to create exquisite jewelry for esteemed clients in London, Switzerland, and Germany. Challenges Faced During the Journey: There were two biggest challenges that Shruti faced initially. Being in a business that involves high value transactions and is majorly based on trust, picking the right combination team was stressful. Business time management was the other challenge for her. As a new establishment, she had to take up many roles and donned as many hats as she could. She wished to accomplish a lot in a limited amount of time and thus was always running from pillar to post to take care of things. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: A lesson that continues to inspire Shruti is Priyanka Chopra’s wise words: “ The only thing you need to wear well is your confidence. ” To the younger generation—confidence is your greatest strength. Believe in yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and carry yourself with pride. Skills and appearances may evolve, but true success comes from the self-assurance you wear every day.

  • Aishwarya Sanjay Narawade: Winner of the 2025 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award

    Name: Aishwarya Sanjay Narawade Business Name:  Maniifesst B2B Marketing Agency Pvt. Ltd. Location:  Pune , India Establishment (Year): 2025 Category:   Branding and Marketing Website: https://maniifesst.com/ Social Media: Profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-narawade-846275348/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/maniifesst/ Company Detail: Maniifesst Pvt. Ltd. is a branding and digital marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses scale with strategy, creativity, and clarity. They specialize in creating tailored marketing solutions that align with brand goals and drive measurable growth. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Maniifesst Pvt. Ltd. isn’t just another marketing agency—they’re a strategic growth partner. What makes them unique is the balance they strike between creativity and performance. While others focus only on aesthetics or short-term metrics, they dive deep into a brand’s purpose, audience behavior, and long-term goals. Challenges Faced During the Journey: At Maniifesst Pvt. Ltd., they don’t just post content—they build marketing ecosystems. What sets them apart is their strategic, end-to-end approach that combines branding, performance marketing, and funnel optimization under one roof. They go beyond vanity metrics to focus on real results: leads, conversions, and growth. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Start before feeling ready. Confidence doesn’t come first—action does. There is no need to have it all figured out to begin. Build as the journey progresses. Every voice, perspective, and idea matters in the business world, even if it challenges the status quo. Surrounding oneself with people who believe in the vision, even when it’s just a sketch on paper, is crucial. Take up space, own the story, and don’t shrink to fit into rooms that were never built for you. Also, never be afraid to ask for help—collaboration is not a weakness, it’s a strength. And finally, be kind to oneself. Success isn’t linear, and neither is growth. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Every woman belongs here.

  • An Interview with Isha Taneja, Co-Founder & CEO of Complere Infosystem (OPC) PVT LTD

    Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Isha Taneja: I identified that small and mid-sized companies were struggling to utilize data for informed decision-making. Many weren’t using data-based insights to drive growth, and that was a missed opportunity. So in 2017, I founded Complere Infosystem to help these businesses harness the power of their data. What began as a mission to empower small and mid-sized firms quickly expanded to supporting enterprise-level organizations. Today, Complere has grown into a 100+ member team, each one contributing to our shared vision. Beyond just business growth, we’re creating employment, building meaningful careers, and transforming industries through data-driven decisions. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Complere Infosystem (OPC) PVT LTD? Isha Taneja: Complere is a complete data solution provider . Our services span: Data Engineering AI & Machine Learning Cloud Migration Data Lake Consulting Real-Time Analytics Data Governance & Strategy Consulting Custom Web & App Development AI Integration  for smarter business operations We’ve worked with Fortune 500 companies and delivered real transformation. For example, we helped a global fast-food chain modernize its data infrastructure by migrating from Netezza to AWS Redshift. The results? ✅ 30% cost savings ✅ 10% reduction in resource usage ✅ 35% improvement in reporting and analytics We also worked with a leading healthcare agency, implementing Microsoft Power BI  for real-time analytics. This led to: ✅ 25% faster ticket closures ✅ 20% reduction in call handling time ✅ 30% cost savings These successes reflect our strength in delivering performance through data . Great Companies: What makes Complere Infosystem (OPC) PVT LTD different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Isha Taneja: At Complere, we don’t just deliver services—we become partners in progress . We deeply understand our clients’ challenges and turn them into scalable opportunities. What sets us apart? Relentless focus on quality Speed and responsiveness Unmatched transparency and ownership We treat every client’s problem as our own. Integrity, timely delivery, and a true commitment to our clients’ success are at the heart of everything we do. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Isha Taneja: The post-COVID period brought rapid growth—and with it, chaos. Our existing systems and team structures couldn’t handle the scale. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I saw it as a chance to strengthen our foundation . We invested in leadership development, realigned teams, and fostered a culture of collaboration, agility, and learning. Today, our team is resilient, empowered , and ready to lead through change and complexity. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Complere Infosystem (OPC) PVT LTD? Isha Taneja: Our growth will be innovation-led. In the next five years, we aim to double our team to 200+ experts  focused on cutting-edge AI and analytics . Our goal is to become the go-to partner  for businesses looking to unlock new opportunities through data and emerging technology. We’ll continue to solve complex problems and deliver solutions that create unmatched value  for our clients and the industries we serve. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Isha Taneja: Focus on creating value—not just profit. Success doesn’t come from chasing numbers. It comes from genuinely caring  about the people you serve—your customers, your team, your community. When you lead with purpose, success will follow . Every challenge is a stepping stone—embrace the journey, trust the process, and never stop learning. Website: Complereinfosystem.com

  • An Interview with Namrata Dhasmana , Founding Director of AONE EvoluTioon Strategic Consulting Private Limited

    Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Namrata Dhasmana: The industry is evolving rapidly, shaped by geopolitical shifts and global trends. However, Indian organizations and startups often still lack strategic leadership . Even when financially successful, they struggle with attrition and overlook the importance of long-term competitive advantage. That’s where we found our calling—to create value through niche consulting  and targeted interventions . We focus on Governance  as a core pillar of sustainable business, helping organizations align with modern demands while building resilience from within. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by EvoluTioon Strategic Consulting Private Limited? Namrata Dhasmana: Evolutioon Strategic Consulting is a one-stop People and Business Solutions  firm. We support organizations from strategy to execution , ensuring growth, alignment, and lasting impact. Our services include: 1. Strategic Consulting Geopolitical and compliance advisory for startups and established organizations Market intelligence, project management, OD, and HR execution Institutional consulting for education sectors to align with global industry needs Investor alignment support for entrepreneurs 2. Training & Coaching Leadership Development Programs  for all management levels Executive Coaching  for high-stakes clarity and performance Workshops on Strategic Thinking , Crisis Management , and Geoeconomics Behavioral trainings based on Gallup , StrengthsFinder , and expert-led modules in Power BI , Excel , and PMP-certified project management 3. Branding & Strategic Positioning Crafting powerful narratives and visuals—2D and animated—for strong market presence 4. Public Relations (PR) Full-spectrum PR including media outreach , print coverage , digital placements , and brand amplification  across traditional and emerging platforms Great Companies: What makes EvoluTioon Strategic Consulting Private Limited different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Namrata Dhasmana: Thank you—a brilliant question. What sets us apart is our global experience  combined with geopolitical insight  and industry-specific strategy pillars . Every engagement is tailored, whether it’s with corporates or educational institutions. Our core values  guide everything we do: Customer Focus. Excellence. Relationship. Trust. Respect. We are not transaction-driven. “At Evolutioon, we don’t close a deal—we open a relationship.”  That’s the foundation of our long-term success. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Namrata Dhasmana: We don’t see them as struggles—we call them gateways to growth . At Evolutioon, we embrace each challenge as an opportunity. We’ve developed a strategic mindset to remain mentally resilient, adaptable, and proactive in navigating obstacles. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for EvoluTioon Strategic Consulting Private Limited? Namrata Dhasmana: Over the next five years, Evolutioon will scale by: Aligning with emerging global trends Deepening strategic partnerships Expanding into high-impact domains  like sustainable business, future governance, and capability building We’ll continue leading through innovation, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership , always centered on our clients’ evolving needs. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Namrata Dhasmana: Know your WHY.  Discover your purpose before you begin. That purpose will be your compass through uncertainty, change, and growth. Website: www.evolutioonconsulting.com

  • An Interview with Avaneesh Dash, Founder of QUELA.IO

    Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Avaneesh Dash: Honestly, the idea isn't anything revolutionary. My cofounder and I were already experienced in coding and entrepreneurship. Coming from a family with a strong corporate software background gave me deep insights into the industry's workings. That foundation helped shape our vision—to transform digital spaces and create meaningful impact through technology. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by QUELA.IO ? Avaneesh Dash: At Quela.io , we offer comprehensive custom software solutions while also helping businesses transition into the digital world. This includes: Setting up digital payment systems Marketing, branding, and identity design Professional email and communication tools Web and UI/UX design We’re also excited to announce that we’re expanding into AI consultation services  and cybersecurity solutions . Great Companies: What makes QUELA.IO different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Avaneesh Dash: Our biggest differentiator is our human-first approach . We're not just a tech agency—we’re partners in impact. Every project is built on research, empathy, and a deep understanding of our clients’ missions. We specialize in working with purpose-driven organizations —NGOs, founders, educators, and creators. Our builds blend strategy with storytelling, and the results are not just aesthetically pleasing—they’re functional, scalable, and built to last. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Avaneesh Dash: One of the biggest challenges was building trust  in a saturated market, especially as a young founder. It was tough convincing clients to choose a small, passionate team over established agencies. We overcame this by going above and beyond on every early project and letting our work speak for itself. Personally, networking  was another big hurdle. I used to be extremely introverted, so stepping out of my comfort zone was hard. I began attending niche events, developer conferences, and slowly moved from listening to speaking and eventually leading sessions. That shift helped me grow, and I built a solid network of supporters and collaborators who continue to play a role in our journey. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for QUELA.IO ? Avaneesh Dash: In the next five years, our goal is to make Quela.io the go-to digital partner for high-impact ventures globally . We’re planning to: Transition from service-based work to product development Launch community-led digital tools Build a scalable digital toolkit for NGOs, educators, and civic groups Deepen our presence in AI and cybersecurity spaces We want to empower mission-driven organizations with tech that genuinely moves the needle. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Avaneesh Dash: My advice? "Just do it."  (Yes, that famous Nike tagline). Waiting for the perfect idea, the perfect moment—it rarely comes. As someone who grew up around business owners and experts, I’ve learned that execution matters more than perfection . You may not create massive impact on day one—but progress only begins when you start. So, start now. Website: https://quela.io

  • An Interview with Daniel Thompson, Co-Founder of Salt Water Digital

    Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Daniel Thompson: My partner and I started in 2011 by building niche websites. We would rank them on search engines, place affiliate links, and earn commissions. By 2014, we pivoted to working with local businesses. Initially, we focused on SEO, but quickly realized that effective SEO required a strong web development team. At the same time, clients began asking about Google Ads, so we naturally evolved to include that as a core offering. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Salt Water Digital? Daniel Thompson: We specialize in three main areas: Web Design & Web Management Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Google Ads We occasionally take on Facebook advertising projects, but our primary expertise lies in the above three. Most local businesses we work with need at least two of those services to thrive online. Great Companies: What makes Salt Water Digital different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Daniel Thompson: I believe our company’s size is a key advantage. We’re small enough to offer personalized service and great value, but experienced enough to deliver excellent results. My business partner and I have over a decade of hands-on experience with SEO and Google Ads. Our lead web designer has been with us for over eight years and brings exceptional talent to the table. Unlike larger agencies, where junior staff often handle campaigns, we remain personally involved in every project. We also strike a balance that most freelancers struggle with. Our team of 12 works closely together, so clients don’t have to worry about reliability or inflated costs. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Daniel Thompson: Two main challenges stand out: Getting Clients:  In the early days, building our client base from scratch was tough. Today, most of our leads come from SEO and referrals—both of which took time and consistent effort to develop. SEO is a long-term game. It’s improved year over year as we’ve refined our strategy. Referrals come from delivering real value, offering competitive pricing, and building long-term relationships. Maintaining Quality at Scale: As agencies grow, the quality often drops when owners step away from day-to-day work. We avoided this by deliberately not  trying to become a massive agency. We prefer sustainable, quality-focused growth. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does five years down the line look like for Salt Water Digital? Daniel Thompson: Over the last two years, we doubled in size each year. Now, our focus has shifted from aggressive growth to building a lean, efficient, and client-focused business. We aim to be a company that consistently delivers great results and fosters a healthy, collaborative culture for our team. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Daniel Thompson: Salt Water Digital began as a side hustle. We were experimenting with affiliate marketing when we landed our first client. Honestly, I never expected it to turn into my full-time career. My advice? Just get started . Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Dive in, stay curious, and keep learning. The rest will follow. Website : saltwaterdigital.com

  • An Interview with Gaurav Mittal, Director of Antarctica Equipment

    Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Gaurav Mittal: Antarctica Equipment was born out of necessity and vision. Back in 1989, importing display refrigeration equipment into India was not only expensive due to high duties but also time-consuming. During a trip to Italy, my father, Mr. Vinod Mittal, saw advanced food display cabinets and recognized a pressing need for locally manufactured, high-quality refrigeration solutions in India. This vision led to the foundation of our company—focused on innovation, customization, and reliability. Over 36 years, we’ve evolved into India’s No. 1 choice for temperature-controlled food display equipment, serving ice cream parlors, bakeries, cafes, and more. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Antarctica Equipment? Gaurav Mittal: Our core mission is to extend the shelf life of perishable food items while preserving their quality and appeal. We provide a blend of world-class technology and local expertise to ensure every bite served is as fresh as it should be. We are proud partners with globally renowned brands: Future Products Group (FPG), New Zealand  – Known for premium temperature-controlled food and drink displays. Ifi S.p.A., Italy  – The most awarded display brand globally, offering artistic and functional refrigeration for gelato, pastry, and food retail. VALMAR GLOBAL, Slovenia  – A leader in artisan gelato production machinery, offering pasteurizers, batch freezers, and emulsifiers. Under Antarctica Equipment , we offer: Custom-built temperature-controlled displays Innovative, high-end refrigeration units Tailored solutions for cafés, bakeries, and QSRsWith our service-first philosophy, we ensure every solution is reliable, attractive, and designed to meet the specific needs of Indian businesses. Great Companies: What makes Antarctica Equipment different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Gaurav Mittal: Three things make us stand out: superior service , technical excellence , and uncompromising quality . We provide industry-best maintenance and service support to ensure our equipment performs optimally throughout its lifecycle. Whether for a boutique patisserie or a large-format supermarket, we customize refrigeration solutions with precision. We also maintain strong ethical practices, timely deliveries, and consistent product innovation. Our team doesn't just deliver machines—we deliver peace of mind, ensuring maximum uptime and energy efficiency. Ultimately, we don't just follow industry trends—we set them. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Gaurav Mittal: Scaling our operations without compromising quality was our biggest challenge. Sourcing high-grade components was tough since many of them had to be imported. On top of that, creating products that met international standards—while staying cost-effective for Indian markets—was a tightrope walk. To tackle this, we formed strategic alliances with global leaders like FPG, Ifi, and Valmar. This gave us access to the best technology and know-how. We invested heavily in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which allowed us to control quality and production speed simultaneously. Another key focus was building a skilled, adaptable team capable of handling technological upgrades and changing customer demands. Innovation remains central to our approach—and it’s helped us stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Antarctica Equipment? Gaurav Mittal: Our vision is clear— grow the company tenfold in the next five years . To achieve this, we will: Expand our product line with cutting-edge, user-friendly innovations Introduce India to even more international food-tech solutions Strengthen customer relationships with enhanced after-sales service Build strategic partnerships in new global markets We’re also focusing on R&D and digital transformation to make our systems smarter and more sustainable. With relentless focus and adaptability, we aim to lead the Indian refrigeration sector into a new era. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Gaurav Mittal: Dream it. Believe it. Create it. Entrepreneurship begins with a dream—but belief is the fuel that turns vision into reality. Obstacles are inevitable, but what separates winners is persistence. Too many give up just before breakthrough. My advice? Stay the course. Trust yourself. Be consistent. Give it your 100%, and success will follow. Keep innovating and keep moving forward—and your dream will shape into something impactful. Website : https://antarcticaequipments.com/

  • An Interview with Pruthviraj Zala, Founder of AONE SEO Service

    Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Pruthviraj Zala: The idea for AONE SEO Service was born in 2013, inspired by the shift from traditional to digital marketing. I observed that businesses—especially small and medium enterprises—were struggling to adapt to the rapidly evolving online landscape. I wanted to build a company that not only understood SEO and digital tools but could also deliver meaningful, long-term growth. That’s how AONE SEO Service came into existence, to guide businesses into the digital future. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by AONE SEO Service? Pruthviraj Zala: We provide a comprehensive range of digital marketing services tailored to the needs of modern businesses: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)  – Boosting website visibility through strategic keyword and content optimization. Social Media Optimization (SMO)  – Strengthening brand presence through creative and targeted social engagement. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)  – Running data-driven ad campaigns that deliver high ROI. Online Reputation Management (ORM)  – Managing and enhancing a brand’s image in the digital space. Branding & Influencer Branding  – Building strong brand identities and leveraging influencer reach. App Store Optimization (ASO)  – Improving app visibility and downloads with smart app listing strategies. Web & Ecommerce Development  – Designing responsive websites and scalable online stores. UI/UX Design  – Creating intuitive user interfaces for seamless digital experiences. Great Companies: What makes AONE SEO Service different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Pruthviraj Zala: Our approach is people-first. We invest time in understanding our clients’ audiences—their needs, behaviors, and expectations. This helps us create strategies that truly resonate. What sets us apart: Customer-centric strategies , not just algorithm-centric. A passionate team  committed to quality and creativity. Up-to-date tech adoption  to stay ahead of trends. Proven results  that speak through client success stories. Global footprint , including a strong presence in India and a new branch in Dubai. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Pruthviraj Zala: Establishing ourselves in a saturated market was a major challenge. We overcame this by delivering outstanding results to our initial clients, which led to organic referrals and credibility. Keeping pace with constant changes in the digital space was another hurdle, but we tackled that through continuous team training and tech upgrades. Balancing quality with client expectations required strong project management and a commitment to excellence. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for AONE SEO Service? Pruthviraj Zala: Our goal is to become one of the world’s most trusted digital marketing partners. In the next five years, we aim to: Expand to more international markets beyond India and Dubai. Add advanced services like AI-driven marketing and automation. Strengthen our team with top digital talent. Maintain our innovation-led culture. Deliver scalable, ROI-focused solutions to clients across industries. My co-founder, Gautam Parmar, and I are committed to taking AONE SEO Service global while staying true to our core values. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Pruthviraj Zala: Stay passionate , be patient , and always keep learning . Success in digital marketing—or any business—requires resilience and continuous growth. Focus on your audience, solve real problems, and deliver consistent value. Adaptability is key. If you stay committed and innovative, success will follow. Website : https://www.aoneseoservice.com/

  • Shamshad Alam: Founder & CEO of Edunachal

    How did you get your idea or concept for the business? The concept of Edunachal  was born from a pressing need—to bridge the gap in competitive exam preparation  for students in Northeast India. Despite having tremendous potential, students in this region often faced hurdles such as limited access to quality study materials, expert guidance, and structured learning frameworks. Realizing this, I saw a powerful opportunity to use technology as a means of empowerment. The goal was simple yet impactful: to deliver affordable, high-quality, and accessible learning solutions , regardless of geography. What began as a region-focused initiative soon evolved into a pan-India edtech platform , now empowering thousands of aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC, State PSCs, and various government recruitment tests . With a dedicated team of over 100 professionals—including subject matter experts, content creators, and tech specialists— Edunachal is redefining exam preparation in India . To date, over 2,000 selections  in competitive exams stand as a testament to our mission: Education should never be limited by location. What are the various services provided by Edunachal? At Edunachal, we offer a comprehensive learning ecosystem  tailored to aspirants preparing for government and competitive exams. Our key offerings include: 📚 Exam-Specific Study Materials  – Curated content for UPSC, State PSCs, and more. 🎥 Live and Recorded Classes  – Conducted by experienced educators. 🧪 Mock Tests & Test Series  – With in-depth performance analytics. 🧑‍🏫 Personalized Mentorship  – Doubt resolution and one-on-one guidance. 🤖 AI-Driven Learning Tools  – For adaptive, smart learning. 🌐 Multilingual Content  – Breaking language barriers across regions. What makes Edunachal different from other similar service providers? In a crowded edtech landscape, Edunachal stands apart  due to its regional focus, personalized guidance , and tech-powered education model . Here’s what sets us apart: ✅ Localized & Exam-Specific Content: Tailored resources for State PSCs and regional needs. ✅ Personalized Learning Experience: AI-powered dashboards and dedicated mentors for targeted preparation. ✅ Affordable & Accessible: We ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. ✅ Proven Results: Thousands of selections across prestigious competitive exams. ✅ Expert Team: A growing force of educators, mentors, and developers, all aligned with student success. What were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Building Edunachal wasn’t easy, especially in the initial days. Here were the main challenges—and how we overcame them: 🌐 Limited Digital Infrastructure: We optimized our platform for low-bandwidth use and introduced offline features. 🏫 Resistance to Online Learning: We offered free demo sessions, success stories, and active mentorship to build trust. 👨‍🏫 Finding the Right Talent: Sourcing expert educators and content creators took time. Today, we have a rock-solid team. 💰 Financial Constraints: Scaling while staying affordable was tough—we focused on cost-efficient technology  and strategic partnerships . Persistence, adaptability, and a student-first mindset  have been the cornerstones of our growth. What does the future look like for Edunachal? Looking ahead, our vision is to become India’s most trusted name in competitive exam preparation —especially for students from underserved regions. Here’s what the roadmap to 2030 looks like: 📍 Pan-India Expansion  – Reaching tier-2 and tier-3 towns. 🤖 Deeper AI Integration  – Smarter performance tracking and customized study paths. 📘 Expanded Course Portfolio  – Including certifications and skill-based programs. 🌐 Regional Language Support  – Enabling native-language learning. 🏫 Hybrid Learning Hubs  – Blending online tools with offline touchpoints. 🎯 Higher Selection Rates  – Refining content and mentoring to maximize success. By 2030, we aim to impact millions of aspirants , democratizing exam prep across India. One piece of advice for budding entrepreneurs Solve a real problem and stay consistent. Don’t get distracted by trends. Focus on building something meaningful that genuinely helps people. Listen to your audience, iterate often, and stay grounded in your purpose. Challenges are inevitable—but resilience, learning, and clarity of vision  will keep you on the path to success. Stay patient. Keep moving forward. And always remember why you started. Website :   www.edunachal.com

  • Kanchan Verandani: Winner of the 2025 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award

    Name: Kanchan Verandani Business Name:  Axentra Bio Location:  Scottsdale , USA Category:  Clinical Research Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanchan-verandani-mba-msm-pmp-ccrp-b08426132/ Company Detail: Axentra Bio is a Phoenix-based clinical research company dedicated to advancing patient-centered trials in cardiology, endocrinology, and chronic care. As Director of Clinical Operations, Kanchan Verandani co-founded the organization’s multi-site framework and built its Phase II–III pipeline from the ground up. The company provides high-quality, audit-ready clinical trial services for sponsors and CROs, with a mission rooted in equity, compliance, and innovation. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Their competitive edge lies in building high-performing research systems quickly and ethically. They achieved 100% audit readiness and over $1.08M in pipeline within 90 days of launch. Kanchan has combined clinical insight with strategic execution, offering transparent feasibility, fast start-up, and scalable SOPs—earning trust from major sponsors while uplifting diverse, local patient populations. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Breaking into the U.S. healthcare system as a woman of color and foreign-trained physician came with cultural and professional barriers. Kanchan had to retrain, earn certifications (PMP, CCRP), and prove her leadership in a new ecosystem. COVID-19 made it harder—but she used that time to mentor, launch relief efforts in rural areas, and rebuild her career with purpose. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Believe that you belong—even in rooms that were never built for you. Success isn’t about having the loudest voice, it’s about showing up with clarity, courage, and consistency. Build with heart, lead with service, and create opportunities for the next woman behind you.

  • Zahra Sbeih: Winner of the 2025 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award

    Name: Zahra Sbeih Business Name:  Sbeih Virtual Assistance (SVA) Agency Location:  Beirut , Lebanon Category:   Virtual Business Support Website: www.sva.agency Social Media: Instagram | LinkedIn Company Detail: SVA Agency is a virtual assistance agency based in Lebanon dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with their day-to-day operations. Founded by two sisters, Zahra and Nourhan Sbeih, SVA was built on the belief that business owners deserve reliable, efficient support so they can focus on what they do best — growing their business. Nourhan Sbeih decided to exit the company a year ago, and SVA is now managed solely by Zahra Sbeih. Their services range from administrative assistance and operations management to customer service, scheduling, social media support, and beyond. Whether clients need help organizing their inbox, managing a remote team, or launching their next big idea, their experienced VAs step in as an extension of their team — professionally, promptly, and with a human touch. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: What sets SVA Agency apart is its deeply personalised, human-first approach to virtual assistance. They don’t just assign a VA, they handpick a team member who fits each business culture, communication style, and growth goals. Their strength lies in their ability to adapt to each client’s unique needs, offering support that feels in-house, not outsourced. Unlike larger, impersonal VA firms, SVA operates more like a trusted partner; providing consistency, accountability, and real relationship-building. The agency is proud to be led by women, rooted in the Arab world, and committed to empowering both their clients and their team. Business owners choose them because they genuinely care, and it shows in the way they show up, every day. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Starting SVA Agency at just 22 years old came with its fair share of challenges — from being taken seriously as a young entrepreneur, to learning how to run a business through trial and error. There wasn’t a roadmap or investors, just a strong belief in their mission and each other. One of the biggest hurdles was building trust in a virtual model, especially in the Arab world, where remote work was still gaining traction. They also faced the challenges of growing a team, setting boundaries, handling client expectations, and maintaining quality while scaling. But perhaps the biggest lesson was learning to lead with resilience, through financial uncertainty, client disappointments, and moments of doubt. Every obstacle helped shape the agency into the business it is today: grounded, adaptable, and fiercely committed to making entrepreneurship easier for others. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: To every young woman dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur, Zahra says go for it, even if you're scared. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. She began her journey at 22 with no corporate management background, just passion, drive, and a desire to support others. You will learn as you grow. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself. Ask questions, make mistakes, and don’t be afraid to take up space; your ideas are valid, your voice matters, and your presence is powerful. And finally, success doesn’t always look like what you see on social media. It’s in the quiet moments of consistency, the hard decisions, the growth behind the scenes. Keep showing up for your vision, even when it’s hard, because the impact you’re capable of making is far greater than you can imagine.

bottom of page