Big Country, Little Business - by Santosh Choubey & Siddharth Chaturvedi & Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Historically, India has been a country of small businesses and a nation of entrepreneurial strivers. While the notion of job is a relatively modern-day invention, entrepreneurship is in our DNA, which could be why small businesses continue to power the Indian growth story even today. Post-pandemic, economies all over the world are encouraging the small entrepreneur and India is no exception.

Big Country, Little Business will teach you not only how to avoid common missteps while setting up your new business, but also help it thrive. This book is packed with exceptional examples, networking toolkits, funding advice and detailed how-to guides for launching your new venture, and also has over 100 business ideas for those seeking inspiration.

Award-winning educationist and social entrepreneur Santosh Choubey, along with Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi and Dr Pallavi Rao-Chaturvedi, have drafted this book from the experiences of thousands of micro-enterprises that they have helped set up, reflecting in-depth understanding of the small business environment. If you've always wanted to be your own boss, Big Country, Little Business will give you just the impetus you need.

Review Quotes

Big Country, Little Business emphasizes that setting a clear life goal is just the beginning. To turn dreams into reality, one must follow up with a focused action plan, unwavering dedication, honesty and hard work. This guide shows aspiring entrepreneurs how to align their long-term vision with actionable steps for success.-- "Yogesh Chander Munjal, chairman and managing director, Munjal Showa Ltd"

Big Country, Little Business is an inspiring book for aspiring entrepreneurs which can act as a valuable guide.-- "Prof. Satyajit Majumdar, professor, Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, and dean, School of Manageme"

Big Country, Little Business, the name of this book says it all. India is a large nation of entrepreneurs. There is a little bit of entrepreneurship in all of us. Some of us dream it, and some of us do it. If you wish to start a business in "real India" with its myriad challenges, this is the book to start with. If you want to get beneath the skin of the entrepreneurial ecosystem at play, this is the book to read.-- "Harish Bijoor, brand guru and founder, Harish Bijoor Consults Inc."

Big Country, Little Business isn't just a guide, it's a blueprint for turning small ideas into lasting legacies. In today's dynamic economic landscape, micro-enterprises are the backbone of
India's growth story. Big Country, Little Business is a timely and insightful guide that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities. The book's emphasis on financial discipline, strategic planning and building strong customer relationships is particularly relevant. By providing practical advice and real-world examples, it inspires readers to dream big and take the leap. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to make a significant impact through entrepreneurship.

-- "Vikas Sarda, group chief financial officer, Unitus Capital"

India, the land of opportunity and home for many small businesses, has emerged as the third-largest nation in the start-up space. AISECT, a pioneer in skill development and entrepreneurship, recognizes the vital role microentrepreneurs play in India's economic growth. Big Country,
Little Business embodies this belief, serving as a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. This invaluable resource demystifies the process of establishing and growing a microenterprise,
empowering individuals to build sustainable businesses and contribute to India's socio-economic fabric. Packed with practical advice, real-world examples and insights into the Indian market, this book offers readers the knowledge and tools to realize their entrepreneurial dreams and opportunities

-- "Anil Joshi, managing partner, Unicorn India Ventures"

This is the most opportune moment for a book on micro entrepreneurship in India. The chapters delve into many aspects of micro entrepreneurship, tracing the cultural and economic legacy of small businesses. Today, when we are in dire need of job creation through micro and small enterprises. it is absolutely essential to nurture the dreams and address the fears of entrepreneurs. The book is a valuable resource in
mentoring and providing guidance in starting up, sustaining, surviving and scaling an enterprise while remaining motivated and resilient as an entrepreneur.

-- "Madhuri Dubey, founder and director, National Skills Network"

As India is on the cusp of new economic growth, Santosh Choubey's book for those dreaming big but starting small in building their own businesses is an invaluable and must-read guide.-- "Ambassador Pavan K. Varma, author, diplomat and former member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)"

Choubeyji renounced civil services and preferred entrepreneurship in the era when the ecosystem was not very supportive. Now, the Government of India is ensuring doing business with ease, and SBI is always a pioneer in SME business.-- "P.C. Saboo, chief general manager, financial inclusion, State Bank of India, corporate centre, Mumba"

Mahatma Gandhi said that the soul of India resides in its villages. I also believe that education in villages can be the real catalyst for change. Through his social entrepreneurship, Santosh Choubeyji has enriched the soul of the nation. When I met him, I saw how he has brought transformation to the lives of millions through his work. I am delighted that this book, through his experiences, will inspire millions of young people across the country. Through the practical knowledge of entrepreneurship provided in this book, the youth of India will lead the country towards becoming a developed nation.-- "Anand Kumar, Padma Shri awardee, and founder, Super 30 programme"

This book by an author team with proven enterprise-building experience is an inspiring and insightful guide for any budding entrepreneur keen to establish a business for themselves in today's dynamic Indian economy.-- "Murali K. Mantrala, former editor-in-chief, Journal of Retailing, Alexander von Humboldt Research Aw"

About the Author

Santosh Choubey (Author)
Chairman and managing director of the AISECT Group, Santosh is an award-winning social entrepreneur and a senior Ashoka fellow whose career spans over four decades across education, enterprise creation and literature. He has pioneered advancements in information and communications technology and skill-based education and services for semi-urban and rural India. Under his leadership, AISECT has grown into one of India's largest education, skill-development and financial-inclusion networks. Santosh is also the chancellor of five universities of the group, including Rabindranath Tagore University, MP, and Dr C.V. Raman University, Chhattisgarh, and is credited with bringing in multiple innovations in formal and non-formal education. He is the recipient of prestigious awards, including the Schwab Foundation Award for Social Entrepreneurship by the World Economic Forum, the Indian Innovation Award 2005 and the National (NASSCOM) IT Innovation Award; the latter two were presented by President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Besides being a prolifically published poetry and fiction writer, he has also authored and edited over forty books on popular science topics, including India's first Hindi book on computers, Computer: Ek Parichay.

Siddharth Chaturvedi (Author)
Executive vice president of the AISECT Group and chancellor of Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal, Siddharth is one of the leading voices of skill development and entrepreneurship in India today. As a second-generation entrepreneur, Siddharth has expanded AISECT's work in several parts of the country, especially in rural areas. He has also worked on technology infusion in the group's operations, resulting in stand-alone tech products in the areas of learning, upskilling and jobs, operating in the phygital model. He is also passionate about nurturing start-ups and leads the Atal Incubation Centre at Rabindranath Tagore University. He sits on the governing bodies and committees of many associations in the country in an advisory capacity. He has been the recipient of several recognitions nationally as a young leader. Siddharth also led the case study development on the AISECT Group's initiatives through the Indian School of Business, which was featured in Harvard Business Review. He holds a PhD, an MBA from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai, and a BTech from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal.

Pallavi Rao Chaturvedi (Author)
Pallavi, executive vice president, AISECT Group, heads marketing, new business development and human capital management across the group. She has been instrumental in leading the business transformation and modernization of the forty-year old group through technology and process streamlining. Additionally, Pallavi is one of India's foremost voices in early education and an award-winning parenting coach. As a leading content creator and founder of Get Set Parent with Pallavi, boasting over 1.5 million followers on Instagram, as well as the Brainy Bear Preschools and Learning Aids, she is deeply committed to promoting foundational learning. She has been recognized for her work with prestigious honors, including the Economic Times Women Leader Award, BW Education 40 under 40, and recognition from India Today and Femina. Recently, she received a nomination for the 'Best Education Creator' at the inaugural National Creators Award. Pallavi holds a PhD, is a chemical engineer, and completed her MBA from SPJIMR, Mumbai.