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Name: Arjun Shah Business Name: Scratch Establishment (Year): 2021 Location: Ahmedabad, India Award Category / Industry:  Advertising & Marketing Sub - Category: Branding, PR and Advertising, Sales, Lead Generation Website: thescratch.co.in Social Media: Linkedin Company Detail: Scratch is a full-service digital media and creative agency. Scratch started off in Feb 2021 - during the second wave of the pandemic with a clear focus on providing high-quality services along with a strong focus on a solid team foundation. The derivation of the name comes from the founder, Arjun, coming back from Australia to start things from Scratch - quite literally and also with an idea to build brands from Scratch. The logo is also inspired by the founder's tattoo. The key services that Scratch provides are: Digital Media Advertising - Running high-budget ads on Meta & Google Networks Branding - Creating unique brand identities along with logo and brand guidelines and brand positioning Web Design and Development Unique Selling Proposition / Competitive Advantage: International Exposure : With the founder working at an ad agency in Brisbane for 3 years - the global exposure and neo school of thoughts have helped Scratch tremendously. Moreover, with a more dynamic approach trickling down to the team and building teams with a strong value of quality before quantity has been a key part of Scratch's success. Team Mentality : Scratch focuses on the team. With the global exposure on how to build close-knit teams over having a larger team has been a key driving force in not only giving Scratch an advantage but also retaining clients for longer periods. Transparency : Scratch has maintained utmost transparency - with realistic goal setting. Scratch does not mind not closing a deal, but without providing all information beforehand (which at times the clients may not be aware of) Scratch does not proceed. Quality: With the work speaking for itself - Scratch has always valued quality over quantity. Scratch may not possess 100+ clients but the clients that are with Scratch have been there since Day 1. Achievements and Milestones of the Company: Designing Tyler Cooney - Modern Ideal CD Artwork Designing Kodiak Empire - The Great Acceleration Vinyl Nila Spaces Limited (a client of Scratch) - Won the best digital marketing campaign of the year - Proptech Realty Awards Awfficacy (a client of Scratch) - won a gold award in web design: Can be viewed here: https://digitalexcellenceawards.com/entries/awfficacy A customer’s review: Best Service, Understands my needs, Most innovative products/services Community / Society Service: As an organisation fuelled by creativity and music, Scratch routinely offers services pro bono to up-and-coming musicians. Some of the artists that have been provided services are AKOG, The Lucid Wake, Nemophilis, Rohit Vasudevan Diaries, and Kill the King. Scratch believes art and music should be heard and the artists should focus on creating art rather than survival.

Name:  Lori A. Jones Business Name:  Black•ology Coffee Company LLC Location:  Raleigh, North Carolina , USA Establishment (Year):  2021 Category: Food & Beverage Profession/ Specialty:  Coffee Website: www.blackology.coffee Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-jones-blackology/ Social media platforms @blackologycoffeecompany Company Detail: Black•ology Coffee Company, their mission is to enrich the coffee experience by celebrating the depth and diversity of black coffee, fostering a community of enthusiasts and learners. Black•ology Coffee Company is dedicated to cultivating a love of coffee through engaging educational initiatives, promoting the appreciation of its rich flavors, origins, and brewing techniques. The vision extends beyond the cup; the company is committed to empowering local communities and nurturing relationships with nonprofit organizations. By developing exclusive coffee blends, Black•ology Coffee Company pledges to support these partners, dedicating a portion of proceeds to advance their causes. Through this symbiotic relationship, the company aims not only to elevate coffee culture but also to contribute meaningfully to social change and community development. Black•ology Coffee Company stands as a beacon of innovation, quality, and social responsibility, aspiring to create a legacy of positive impact and shared prosperity. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Black•ology Coffee Company: Where Every Sip Supports a Cause. Discover the unmatched taste of their high-quality black coffee, indulge in their purpose-driven custom blends, and join in making a tangible impact on local communities. With Black•ology, the coffee routine transforms into an act of community support, blending the joy of coffee with the power of positive change. This USP sets Black•ology Coffee Company apart, attracting discerning coffee drinkers who not only seek exceptional taste but also value the opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes through their everyday choices. The brand promises an unparalleled coffee experience that satisfies the palate and the heart, making every cup a step towards a better world. Challenges Faced During the Journey: I have overcome a national pandemic, SA and DV recovery, theft, loss, and fluctuation in stability. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Women entrepreneurs should strengthen their confidence and solidify their foundation first, which is “YOU”.

Name:  Barbara van Druten & Niki Koutouras Business Name:  ARTvertisements Location:  Leiden , Netherlands Establishment (Year):  2012 Category: Advertising & Marketing Profession/ Specialty:  Visual Communication & Storytelling Website/Social Media: ARTvertisements.com Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-van-druten-92a0108/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/niki-koutouras-%E2%9C%A8-8a991717/ Company Detail: ARTvertisements helps clients to market locations and optimize workplace environments with their innovative concept that synthesizes art with data and content, leading to the creation of beautiful storytelling digital collages. These are used in property windows, construction site hoardings, interiors of hotels and offices, shops, school playgrounds, as well as hospitals and public transport infrastructure e.g. cycle tunnels. Their collages synthesize a myriad of individual images. Each image is carefully selected and edited. And subject to the requirements of the brief, integrate well-known sites, historical and educational data, buildings and landmarks, scannable QR codes and other relevant content. Their work can be commissioned through a variety of channels: the landlord, the developer, the local council or in partnership with local retailers, public attractions, or Tourist Information/City Marketing functions. However it comes into fruition, the end result is a unique and successful form of advertising. ARTvertisements is run by creative duo Barbara van Druten and Niki Koutouras. Barbara graduated from the Art Academy of Maastricht and the VSUP; the Artacademy of Arts, Architecture & Design in Prague in the 90's and has since developed a deep expertise in illustration and graphic design, along with her renowned design aesthetic. Within ARTvertisements, founded in 2012 by Barbara; she is the artist of the digital collages, but there is also a lot of preliminary work done by both Barbara and Niki. Archives need to be accessed, trajectories of communication and participation need to take place, images need to be preprocessed, sources need to be researched, etc. So, within the company, there are many varied tasks that they dedicate a lot of time, love, and attention to. Niki immerses herself in the technical/architectural drawings. She determines the look & feel of an interior and creates the color concepts and 3D artist impressions, where she excels. Niki has an international background in the fashion industry and has developed a deep expertise through her work as a retail designer for companies such as Scotch and Soda, Mc Gregor Group and Supertrash. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: One can buy artwork for decorating their space but that doesn’t differentiate them from the next brand or organization. Choosing the right visuals helps tell unique stories to the audience, whether they are customers, visitors, passengers, or employees. ARTvertisments can help extend one's fingerprint to create a palpable feeling of what makes them different, in their space. Whether in conjunction with broader interior design refurbishments or in isolation. Their collages synthesize a myriad of individual images. Each image is carefully selected and edited. And subject to the requirements of the brief, integrate historical and educational visuals and data, buildings and landmarks, scannable QR codes and other relevant content. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Their concept/product is very unique, but therefore people often don't know it Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: One of it would be that in a co-operation, to be completely transparent and always express thoughts, no matter how difficult. Also, start small (Barbara started the business while being a single mum), don't invest what one doesn't have. Take risks but well judged.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Meghna Joshi : The collective experience of working in both the corporate and social sectors, along with managing operations at various skill development centers, has given me a profound understanding of the challenges faced by communities from economically weaker backgrounds. This journey has also provided me with valuable insights into the issues prevalent in the unorganized sector. In an effort to address these issues systematically, I developed a passion for skill development, which ultimately led to the creation of SWAN (Skilled Workforce Advancing Nation) Livelihood. For myself, my co-founder, and our staff, the primary inspiration comes from witnessing the smiles of the community members we support. Every day, we strive to enhance the quality of the workforce through innovative training programs and workshop sessions. Since our inception, and even during lockdowns, we have not only maintained but expanded our operations to include online training workshops. This adaptation has allowed us to continue empowering communities and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by SWAN (Skilled Workforce Advancing Nation) Livelihood? Meghna Joshi: We specialize in providing the following services: i.) Community Development Programs: We implement community development programs aimed at empowering individuals and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. ii.) Capacity Building: We curate programs that offer hand-holding support for program implementation to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and grassroots organizations. iii.) Specialized Workshops: Our experiential training workshops and upskilling programs help individuals realize their full potential by enhancing their cognitive capacities and improving their skill sets. In addition to these core services, we actively partner with various college societies to run programs focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainability, encouraging youth to become future changemakers. Great Companies: What makes SWAN (Skilled Workforce Advancing Nation) Livelihood different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Meghna Joshi : We believe in creating a greater impact at the community level, which is why all our programs are customized based on the specific needs of our target audience, geography, and socio-cultural context. Before launching any program, we conduct a thorough needs assessment to ensure that our training programs and workshop sessions are tailored to the prevailing conditions. This approach allows us to avoid directly replicating or digitizing content, whether in offline or online modes, and ensures maximum impact and relevance for the communities we serve. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Meghna Joshi : Setting up the venture proved to be a challenging task. Putting together a team, reaching out, convincing, and branding the act all appeared to be easier on paper. Natural occurrences over which we had no control began shortly after the first month of getting our act together. When we began in January 2020, the extreme cold, incessant rains, and widespread protests in the city were enough to test our patience. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the complete lock down exacerbated the situation. These difficult times also taught us the importance of patience and staying focused on our goals. Sustained and dedicated efforts, as well as the support of family, mentors, and peers, made the journey to our goals a breeze. We were able to carve out a niche in the minds of the surrounding communities and were repeatedly reminded of the real and significant lack of avenues and mentorship support in communities, as well as the challenges associated with the technical divide that still exists in an urban – rural setup. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for SWAN (Skilled Workforce Advancing Nation) Livelihood? Meghna Joshi : Since our inception, we’ve expanded to include both classroom and virtual training sessions. Looking ahead, we intend to expand into e-learning to reach a larger number of people with skill-based learning, as well as begin our in-class, community development sessions in the areas of skill development, education, and women empowerment. Future projections appear brighter as skill development gains traction, as evidenced by the SDGs-2030 (Sustainable Development Goals), which advocate for technical, vocational education and training (TVET), decent work opportunities and assistance to young adults. Making our programmes tech inclusive to reach out to a wider audience is in the goal list. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Meghna Joshi : Believing in your abilities and in yourself will get you a long way.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Mohammad Fayaz Sheikh: As a Techni personal from the college days I always tried new technological experiments, that made me inclined towards technology and coding, I decided to became a entrepreneur in this Field Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Shravtech Solutions ? Mohammad Fayaz Sheikh: We Provide Website Development, Android App Development, Digital Marketing WhatsApp Marketing Etc Great Companies: What makes Shravtech Solutions  different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Mohammad Fayaz Sheikh: We Have On Time delivery record of projects with high expertise, the pricing are very affordable to other companies Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Mohammad Fayaz Sheikh: Faced Many Commerical Challenges but overcome by trying New Solutions for them, trying to make ourselves best. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Shravtech Solutions ? Mohammad Fayaz Sheikh: In Upcoming Years we are trying to make the shravtech Solutions , no.1 IT Company in Nagpur. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Mohammad Fayaz Sheikh: Stay Confident and Have Patience for Success

Name: Sonia Business Name: Figueredo Jovani Location: Santo Domingo , Dominican Republic Establishment (Year): 2019 Category: Travel Profession/ Specialty: Travel Website: www.tourimpactgroup.com Company Detail: Tourimpact is a sustainable tourism agency that connects locals all over the country with travelers willing to discover Dominican Republic hidden treasures in a different way. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: Tailor-made service to escape from mass tourism and groups of people traveling together that need support on coordinating properly their trip with unique activities in the Dominican Republic. Challenges Faced During the Journey: Problems with partners, being a foreigner in the country she is developing the business, feeling alone in the process. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Listen to the community, learn from mentors, and remain connected.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Yashu Kapila: The idea for BugRaptors came from recognizing a critical need in the software industry for reliable and comprehensive quality assurance and testing services. As software became more integral to businesses globally, ensuring its quality and reliability became essential. We saw an opportunity to fill this gap by providing specialized QA testing services that not only identify bugs but also improve overall software quality and user experience. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by BugRaptors? Yashu Kapila: At BugRaptors, our journey began with a simple yet ambitious idea: to revolutionize software quality assurance. Drawing from our team's collective expertise across various industries and technologies, we crafted a range of tailored QA testing services. From Functional Testing, ensuring every software function meets exacting specifications, to Regression Testing, safeguarding against unintended impacts of code updates, each service tells a story of meticulous care and dedication. Our Performance Testing evaluates software under diverse conditions, while Security Testing fortifies against digital threats, ensuring clients' peace of mind. Automation Testing accelerates time-to-market, and Mobile App Testing guarantees flawless user experiences across devices. Additionally, our AI/ML Testing services leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance testing accuracy and efficiency. These services not only reflect our commitment to excellence but also narrate our ongoing journey towards setting new standards in QA testing Great Companies: What makes BugRaptors different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Yashu Kapila: At BugRaptors, our strength lies in our team of highly skilled professionals with extensive industry and technological expertise, supported by our advanced suite of proprietary tools. Our tech-savvy team keeps us ahead of the curve, continually innovating and adapting our methodologies to integrate emerging technologies and deliver cutting-edge solutions. We differentiate ourselves through customized testing solutions that precisely address each client's unique challenges, ensuring effective and relevant outcomes. With a client-centric approach, we align our testing strategies with our clients' business goals to drive their success. Our experienced and certified project managers ensure seamless execution and delivery of high-quality results. We are committed to maintaining rigorous quality standards and best practices, consistently exceeding expectations in software quality and reliability. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Yashu Kapila: Like any growing business, BugRaptors encountered numerous challenges on its path to success. We navigated intense market competition by emphasizing our distinct value proposition and consistently delivering superior service. Scaling operations posed another hurdle, which we managed by strategically expanding our team, investing in training, and optimizing processes to maintain high service standards. Staying ahead of rapid technological advancements required continuous learning and the adoption of innovative tools and methodologies. Through a culture of innovation, ongoing team development initiatives, and a flexible approach, we successfully overcame these challenges, positioning BugRaptors as a leader in the competitive landscape of QA testing services. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for BugRaptors? Yashu Kapila: Over the next five years, BugRaptors aims to consolidate its position as a leading provider of QA testing services by expanding its service offerings to include specialized testing for emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain. We plan to establish a stronger international presence to cater to a wider client base across diverse geographical regions. Technology integration will be a key focus, with advanced automation and AI-driven testing solutions aimed at improving efficiency and precision. Moreover, leveraging our own set of proprietary automated tools will further enhance our capabilities in delivering high-quality testing services. Additionally, forming strategic partnerships with technology providers and industry experts will drive innovation and enhance our role as a trusted partner in ensuring global software quality and reliability. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Yashu Kapila: My advice would be to focus primarily on understanding your customers' pain points and delivering exceptional value. Build a strong team that shares your vision and values, and never stop innovating and improving. Success in our industry determined on staying agile, adaptable, and always striving for excellence in everything you do. These insights reflect BugRaptors' journey, commitment to excellence, and vision for the future of quality assurance in software development.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Connie Lindsay : Liberty Manor for Veterans originated as a result of a merger between two individuals on opposite ends of the judicial system but united in a mission to assist homeless veterans resulting in the implementation of the first and most successful veteran’s homeless programs in the Tampa Bay area. Connie Lindsay served as Jeff Luddeke’s legal mitigator while employed by the State of Florida Judicial Circuit 13. It appeared that Connie was the only one who truly understood the extent of difficulty that he was experiencing while attempting to transition back into a civilian lifestyle - post military. A component of Lindsay’s mitigation proposed to the court recommended that Jeff be mandated to a rehabilitation program. While at the program, Jeff demonstrated expert managerial skills thus he became a member of their staff! Recognizing Jeff’s personal attributes coupled with his newly acquired expertise in residential management, lead to the inspiration of Liberty Manor pioneering the first program in Tampa that promoted the developmental and social needs of veterans who served our country, fought for our independence, but fell victim to homeless. The infrastructure of the initiative was intended to create strategic partnerships that efficiently share united resources, addressing gaps, eliminating obstacles, and increasing accountability by facilitating a residential program that contributes to the restoration of self-sufficiency. Connie’s tenaciously increased community involvement and investment in services which addressed the problematic areas that were targeted. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by LIBERTY MANOR FOR VETERANS, INC. ? Connie Lindsay : Liberty Manor provides an array of services that includes housing and future housing case management, transportation, legal, athletic activities, clothing, food, we facilitate career placement and Social Services. The scope of our services includes procuring fulltime gainful employment for veterans that are healthy and disabilities for Veterans that are disabled – all for the purpose of leading them to secure permanent housing. Great Companies : What makes LIBERTY MANOR FOR VETERANS, INC.  different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Connie Lindsay : Liberty Manor is rather unique from any other program in America because we provide housing to veterans that do not suffer from drug or alcohol addictions nor do they suffer from any mental health diagnosis...these are the veterans that played it straight all their life and traditionally, no services were provided to them! Liberty Manor for Veterans serves honorably discharged male Veterans that are homeless due to falling victim to unemployment or perhaps they suffered a sudden disability which now prevents the Veteran from gaining fulltime gainful employment. Liberty Manor "fills the void in services" by providing the veterans with some of the basic resources until we can attain a deserving disability pension or if they are otherwise healthy - we procure a career opportunity for them. Liberty Manor provides an array of services that includes housing, transportation, clothing and food. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Connie Lindsay : Our biggest challenge is funding because we do not derive any funding from the Veterans Administration, though the VA has determined Liberty Manor to be the most successful program in the country. I conclude, there is no money to be made in the homeless veteran industry.  We are totally dependent upon community stakeholders as well as my family and friends to contribute to the homeless veteran crisis in the tri-county area. That’s primarily the reason we need to reach out for support for our Veterans.  Most of our Veterans are needing help for the first time. Let’s make the military’s motto true by not leaving any man behind. I cannot fathom a more deserving sector of our community than our American veterans.  Because we work earnestly to procure a disability for our veterans, we have very little time to work on fundraising and depend on public support, I cannot fathom a more meritorious initiative than Liberty Manor for Veterans! Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for LIBERTY MANOR FOR VETERANS, INC. ? Connie Lindsay : We have future plans of implementing an assisted living facility for veterans in Hillsborough County.  This would be a unique plan as most Veteran Assisted Living programs to date are government based.  Because our Veterans have a distrust of government entities (valid or not), they unanimously agree they would prefer to be placed in an independently owned Assisted Living Facility. There are no openings for veterans who served their country but didn’t retire with the military. By pioneering an initiative of the modality that I propose, it would offer many veterans with an alternative. There are many preliminary requirements and city/county mandates when implementing an initiative of this type which is the premise for procuring a grant: Such as zoning, permitting, contractors plans, etc. We believe by implementing an assisted living facility (ALF) for our Veterans this would contribute to a greater quality of life. Veterans from our Liberty Manor (independent program) might be more receptive to moving into an ALF that has the same affiliation as Veterans are also very reluctant to change. If provided the opportunity to implement a program of this magnitude, I believe it would benefit our community and our Veterans greatly.

Introduction The Software-as-a-Service sector is a competitive battleground. Each firm is engaged in a relentless struggle for the spotlight of consumers. What strategies can you employ to stand out from the noise and become a reputable brand? Enter public relations (PR) – your secret weapon for forging a path to success. Influencers: Amplify Your Brand Voice Imagine a tech titan with a dedicated following on LinkedIn singing your praises. Influencer marketing lets you leverage established audiences, connecting with potential customers who might have been oblivious to your existence. The key lies in credibility. When a respected voice vouches for your product, it elevates your brand reputation and fosters trust. These influencers become brand champions, spreading the word about your offerings to a highly relevant market. Remember, target strategically! Partner with influencers whose audience perfectly aligns with your ideal customer profile to maximize conversions and return on investment (ROI). Social Media: Your Brand Advocacy Platform Social media is no longer an optional add-on for PR in today's digital age. It's a powerful tool for building brand awareness and establishing yourself as an industry leader. Through engaging social media profiles, you can easily showcase your product's value proposition. Informative content, product demos, and insightful tutorials are all valuable tools for educating potential customers about your offerings. This not only builds trust but also increases the likelihood of conversions. You can easily learn to make a QR code for free and use it on various platforms or accounts. The key lies in fostering a community around your brand. Actively respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in relevant conversations. This two-way communication drives traffic to your website and encourages people to learn more about your business. Personalization: The Customer Experience Advantage Personalized email marketing packs a powerful punch. Imagine receiving an email that feels like it was written specifically for you. By tailoring email campaigns to user activity and preferences, you demonstrate that you understand your customers on a deeper level. This fosters stronger relationships and builds trust. Additionally, personalized email campaigns are data treasure troves. You can monitor customer interactions and extract important knowledge about their actions and likes. This customer understanding gives you the power to improve your marketing strategies and deliver a more enjoyable experience for customers. Captivate Your Audience with Video Storytelling The explosive popularity of video marketing is no mystery – it's engaging, impactful, and highly shareable. Eye-catching video content, tutorials, and product demos can keep visitors glued to your website, leading to increased traffic, lead generation, and higher engagement. The beauty of video lies in its virality. Social media platforms make it effortless to distribute videos to a wider audience. By creating informative and engaging video content, SaaS companies can expand their reach and expose themselves to a whole new pool of potential customers, all thanks to the power of sharing. The Final Word: Continuous Evolution is Key The SaaS market is a dynamic beast, and keeping pace with trends is paramount for success. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure your SaaS company stands out from the crowd. These PR tactics will help you build a strong brand image, connect with your target audience, and ultimately drive growth through increased brand awareness, customer loyalty, and revenue. Remember, PR is a continuous journey. By continuously refining your strategies and adapting to evolving trends, you can ensure your SaaS company remains a dominant force in the ever-changing tech landscape.

Name:  Sandra Daniel Business Name: Openfield Canada Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Establishment (Year): 2018 Category: Consulting Profession/ Specialty: Management Consulting Website: https://www.openfieldconsulting.ca Company Detail: Openfield was started in 2018 in response to the accelerating pace of change and the need for new skills and holistic approaches to meet the needs of modern organizations and communities. Openfield believes that positive change happens at the systemic level and is rooted in principles of psychological safety and consent. The company works with organizations and communities who see the human picture and helps them realize their vision of working better, together. The team is multi-disciplinary, and they all come to this work from a place of passion and curiosity. The work bridges the divide between disciplines, merging management practices like change management and organizational development with collaboration practices (such as facilitation) and holistic health care (such as clinical counselling) to create workplace and community spaces where everyone can thrive. Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage: In addition to a multi-disciplinary holistic approach to guiding organizational and community-driven change, all of the team members are trained in design thinking. Together, this forms a unique practice starting with the client's needs and adjusting services to meet them where they are at. Not only does this support psychological safety, it allows support for clients in resolving and building robust collective cultures reflective of the complexity of their environments. Openfield is also a part of a collaborative brand (called Openfield Collaborative) which Sandra Daniel co-founded in 2018. Openfield.co now has people and spaces in North America (Openfield Consulting and the company she owns) as well as in Europe and Asia Pacific. They knowledge share, support other practitioners to work across disciplines to achieve collaborative outcomes and work to shift the collaboration space in multi-stakeholder environments. This means access to talent, capabilities, and experiences around the globe which can be leveraged in local and regional contexts without the cost of a large firm. Challenges Faced During the Journey As a female entrepreneur, Sandra Daniel encountered numerous hurdles along her journey, prompting her to reflect deeply on how to pave a smoother path for other women entering the entrepreneurial arena. One of the most prevalent challenges faced, and still confronted at times, is grappling with the sense of belonging in the entrepreneur community. This struggle stemmed from various factors, including the lack of representation for women in business, internalized unconscious biases regarding capabilities, and battles with imposter syndrome. Additionally, fears surrounding successfully balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship added to the complexity of navigating a professional identity. In the early stages of founding Openfield, Sandra hesitated to label herself as an entrepreneur, despite launching a successful venture. It wasn't until she engaged with other members of the small business community that she began to embrace her entrepreneurial identity. Through this process, she confronted and unpacked the systemic unconscious biases she had internalized and decided to shift from a one-person organization to a team of women, working to change the change landscape. Today, at Openfield, the team proudly operates as an all-women consultancy, committed to advocating for gender equality, fostering supportive networks, seeking mentorship opportunities, and challenging systemic barriers. Their journey has been one of empowerment and growth, and they remain dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable landscape for women in entrepreneurship. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Sandra Daniel believes each journey is unique to each person's context, there are a few learnings she would share: You are worthy: Know that you are whole, capable, and resilient. That you are enough. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable, to take risks, to feel and experience failure. Keep going because the world needs you. You have a community: Entrepreneurship is a journey and there is a community here to help. Reach out to people who are doing this work, share your vision and form a network. These relationships and mentors can help pull you through when you need it most. You can do it all - just not all at the same time: Women are often expected to excel in multiple roles simultaneously, with the pressure to perform flawlessly in each. However, this unrealistic expectation is not only unfair but also unsustainable. Prioritizing health and well-being, setting boundaries, and embracing diverse strengths and experiences are essential. Instead of trying to do it all at once, the focus should be on achieving greatness in a balanced and sustainable way. Leading by example by prioritizing self-care, respecting boundaries, and celebrating unique qualities and contributions will help redefine success on personal terms and inspire others to do the same.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Sonia Chugh: The inception of Happy Minds International was more than a business decision; it was a personal crusade. Confronted with the disorganised Indian daycare market after my experiences abroad, I was compelled to blend international daycare standards with local needs. This quest was ignited by personal challenges as a mother and an expatriate, catalysing a commitment to redefine child care in India through meticulous research and global insights Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Happy Minds International? Sonia Chugh: At Happy Minds International, we offer a sanctuary for child development, structured into specialized zones catering to different age groups: a baby zone for the tender ages of four months to 1.5 years, a toddler zone until 4.5 years, and an expansive after-school program for children up to eight years. Our commitment extends throughout the year, sparing only 14 calendar days, ensuring that parental careers thrive alongside their children's developmental journey Great Companies: What makes Happy Minds International different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Sonia Chugh: Happy Minds International differentiates itself significantly from other daycare providers by its commitment to transparency and a curriculum-based approach, which is continuously refined based on direct feedback from parents. This emphasis ensures that the care and education provided are not only of high quality but also evolve to meet the changing needs of children and their families. The organisation prioritises open communication with parents, involving them in the developmental journey of their children, and making adjustments to the curriculum to better serve the community’s needs. This approach not only fosters a trusted environment but also ensures that the programs remain relevant and beneficial, supporting both the emotional and intellectual growth of the children. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Sonia Chugh: Building Happy Minds International faced multiple significant hurdles. Initially, the Indian daycare sector's lack of organisation was a major barrier. By studying international daycare models and incorporating those insights, we aimed to introduce structured, professional childcare. Another major challenge was gaining the trust of parents, addressed through a transparent, curriculum-based approach and continuous feedback. Finding and training qualified staff required establishing rigorous hiring practices and ongoing professional development. Additionally, securing the right location proved challenging as residential buildings do not permit commercial daycare, and corporate buildings were initially resistant to hosting daycares, citing concerns that young children did not align with business environments. We had to engage extensively in discussions and persuasion to find suitable locations that met our needs. Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Happy Minds International? Sonia Chugh: Over the next five years, Happy Minds International aims to significantly expand its presence by opening more centres across Maharashtra. Our growth plan is centered on enhancing and scaling our proven model of child-centred, curriculum-based care, setting new benchmarks in early childhood education across the nation. We aim to extend our innovative approach to more cities, refining our educational offerings and continually adapting to the needs of children and families. This vision is not just about increasing our footprint; it's about redefining excellence in the daycare sector, ensuring every child receives the highest standards of education and care. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Sonia Chugh: To aspiring entrepreneurs, I offer this: Ground your venture in the reality of your consumers' needs. Engage with them, learn from them, and let their real-world challenges drive your innovation. Success is not just about fulfilling a market gap—it's about resonating deeply with those you serve and evolving constantly to meet their changing needs.

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Poonam Lal: Marketing Solutions was conceptualized over its formative first five years. Starting as a PR agency, we gradually transitioned to event management through a series of experimental projects. This evolution helped us discover our true passions: for me, it was crafting compelling narratives for brands that foster meaningful engagements with audiences, and for my partner Vishal Sethi, it involved creating visually stunning sets for our stories. Historically, events have played a secondary role to advertising in the Indian market, but we recognized their potential to vividly bring campaigns to life through targeted experiences. Vishal and I have consistently focused on pioneering creative concepts and executing them flawlessly, driving our journey to become a leading agency renowned for turning visionary ideas into tangible, memorable experiences. Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Innobuzz Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd? Poonam Lal: At Innobuzz, we specialize in crafting immersive brand experiences that encompass communication, design and execution, along with content promotions, activations, conferences, incentive, concerts and proprietary IPs. Our approach integrates strategic insight with creative flair to deliver impactful and engaging solutions. Great Companies: What makes Innobuzz Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd different from hundreds of other similar service providers? Poonam Lal: What distinguishes Innobuzz is our choice to remain strategically mid-sized, which allows us to engage deeply with projects as true partners rather than just vendors. This approach enables us to focus on bespoke conceptual designs and maintain an unwavering commitment to quality throughout the project lifecycle. As I often say, we don’t just manage events; we immerse ourselves in them, ensuring every detail reflects our commitment to excellence. This philosophy enables us to maintain the highest quality fostering a collaborative partnership with our clients. Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Poonam Lal: Transitioning from an unstructured sector to being part of one of India's rapidly growing industries has been both challenging and rewarding. Initially, the event management field struggled with industry recognition and the absence of formalized training, coupled with challenges in attracting skilled professionals. Over time, the scenario has greatly improved. Today, educational institutions offer specialized event management courses, and experienced industry leaders provide essential mentorship. Additionally, the industry has gained recognition from the government and there is enhanced financial support from banks, both of which have contributed significantly to its growth and stability Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Innobuzz Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd? Poonam Lal: Our growth strategy is centered on innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. We view technological advancements not just as tools, but as inspirations that drive us to redefine the experiential landscape. This vision guided us to integrate virtual events seamlessly during the pandemic, expanding our capabilities. Over the next five years, we will continue to evolve, integrating more tech-driven solutions and enriching our service offerings. We also plan to expand our in-house studio capabilities to design and execute dynamic content for brands. We are also committed to investing in our team, encouraging them to avail opportunities to advance their skills and grow alongside the company. Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be? Poonam Lal: Event management is a high-pressure field requiring resilience and adaptability. If you thrive under pressure, this career can be incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities to travel, meet diverse people and experience the world from unique perspectives. Success in this industry demands meticulous planning, robust vendor relationships, and always having a strong contingency plan in place. Website: www.marketingsolutionsinc.in Social Media: Facebook | Instagram