At Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU), we are committed to fostering local entrepreneurship and driving sustainable development within our community. Through a series of free initiatives and resources, we empower aspiring entrepreneurs to launch financially and socially sustainable businesses. Our programs focus on providing essential education, mentorship, and access to university facilities, ensuring that individuals have the support they need to transform their innovative ideas into successful ventures. By aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem for start-ups that enhances local economies and uplifts our community.
1.Empowering Communities through Free, Sustainable Development Initiatives at BSRU
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center for Sustainable Development
In April 2023, BSRU’s Faculty of Management launched the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, a facility designed to provide free resources for local business development with a sustainable focus. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre offers hands-on training to students and local entrepreneurs in digital business practices, sustainable production methods, and marketing strategies. At the center’s launch, the event also featured a display of OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) products from Samut Sakhon, showcasing traditional Thai craftsmanship and promoting regional culture. This initiative provides a real-world training ground for students while actively supporting local artisans in building sustainable, growth-oriented businesses.
University as a Marketplace: Free Community Product Showcase at The Bright Community Mall
In October 2023, BSRU’s Faculty of Management hosted a free event at The Bright Community Mall to showcase and sell local OTOP products. This event, part of BSRU’s “University as a Marketplace” strategy, aimed to uplift community businesses by offering them a high-visibility platform at no cost. Over 20 vendors, including community enterprises, student-run initiatives, and small businesses, participated. This collaboration not only provided local entrepreneurs with free access to a prime sales venue but also fostered student engagement through event organization and promotion. Students gained practical skills in business operations while supporting economic growth in the surrounding community.
Workshop on Community Database Development and Digital Skills for BSRU Staff
On June 8, 2023, BSRU’s Science Center organized a workshop on digital skills and community database management, targeting BSRU’s faculty members that are responsible with leading the project of “University as a Marketplace”. Attendees received free training in digital data collection, geographic data use, and inventory management through a newly developed community database system. This program equips participants with the ability to track and analyze local product trends and market demands, directly benefiting local businesses by enabling data-informed decisions. By offering this training for free, BSRU facilitates a bridge to modern digital practices for small business owners, supporting local innovation and sustainable economic development.
BSRU Startup Inspiration & Design Thinking Program
In March 2023, BSRU held a free “Startup Inspiration & Design Thinking” program as part of the University as a Marketplace project, aimed at inspiring local entrepreneurs and students. The event featured talks by prominent startup founders who shared insights on developing sustainable business ideas and understanding customer needs. Participants engaged in workshops on creative problem-solving, ideation, and design thinking, gaining a comprehensive foundation in business planning. This free program brought together seven student teams and three community teams, empowering participants to start their own ventures, with a focus on financial sustainability and local economic growth.
Pitch@School Startup Bootcamp: Free Entrepreneurial Training for Students
BSRU’s Demonstration School collaborated with GEN Thailand and Chulalongkorn University to host a free entrepreneurial bootcamp under the “Pitch@School” program. Taking place in November 2023, this bootcamp introduced high school students to core startup concepts, including AI integration, problem identification, and business model development. The program culminated in a pitch competition, allowing students to present their business ideas to a panel of judges. This experience not only enhanced students’ business skills but also fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship within the local youth, equipping them with valuable skills to contribute to future economic resilience in their communities.
