Bangalore,28 Dec 2024
The UDYAMI VOKKALIGA Community/Group top Management team held a curtain-raiser event at the Press Club and is organising the First Circle(FC) Expo:3-5 Jan 2025 at the Palace Grounds(Gayari Grand &Vruksha-Gate 4)in Namma BENGALURU
Highlights:
1 Lakh visitors and delegates, 12 Sectors, Unlimited Opportunities:
The Udyami Vokkaliga-FC Expo Logo Unveiled
The First Circle (FC:their Motto is "Brotherhood in Business") is organising the first-ever Udyami Vokkaliga-FC Expo 2025, a three-day entrepreneurial extravaganza dedicated to fostering the growth and success of Vokkaliga enterprises. The event will take place from January 3-5, 2025, at Gayatri Grand and Gayatri Vriksha, Palace Grounds. This landmark event will showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of the Vokkaliga community while providing a platform for innovation, networking, and collaboration.
At a press conference on Saturday, Mr. Nandeesh Rajegowda, State President of First, stated, "We have launched the FC Next app, an all-in-one app designed for the next generation, helping them prepare for the future. Anyone interested in joining the program can do so through the app, which will provide digital access. Already, 4,500 people have downloaded the app. In the coming years, we expect approximately 7-8lakh entrepreneurs to join in the next three years, reaching 1st year - 10Lakh, 2nd year 20Lakh, 3rd year - 30Lakh customers . We have researched 123 taluks across 14 districts, covering 7 lakh Vokkaliga entrepreneurs, including medium- and large-scale businesses. Every taluk will have one taluk chairperson and 21 business leaders. These circles will facilitate discussions and visits among entrepreneurs to improve their businesses, generating good orders. We have launched 14 circles so far. The FC Next app includes a business connect feature, enabling users to watch meetings digitally, track inquiries, and monitor business generated. The app also offers e-ledgers, and so far, Rs. 2,500 crore worth of business has been conducted. Some of the unorganised businesses, like Micro small shop and small scale shops, will benefit from mentorship programs to help them grow. 24 sector coordinators and women entrepreneurs will be available in 123 taluks. Although we did not have a database previously, our research is now helping to build one, which will be completed in three years. The expo will last for three days, and this is the third edition. During the second edition, we had 15,000 attendees, and this time, we are expecting 1 lakh guests, including consumers. Those who download the app will receive free entry. We will have Raitara Sante, a museum type to showcase the rich heritage of Gangas, Hoysalas, Kempegowda rule, and Paramapujya Shri Dr Balagangadharanatha Swamy along with 200 stalls showcasing products and business discussions. We have allocated time for district representatives to discuss their local businesses. Eleven + One (4 Agro Session - Agro tech, FPO, Horticulture, Cottage) sectors will be highlighted for discussion."
Smt. Manjula Prakash commented, "This is a great platform for everyone, including women entrepreneurs, and will benefit all participants."
Chandrappa said, "When we started First in 2022, we had five members. Today, we have 1,200 members. In 2022, we had Rs. 5 crore in transactions; last year, we had Rs. 2,000 crore. Six months ago, we hosted an investors' meet in Mysuru, and many ventures have been successful. This time, we will have 200 stalls covering 12 sectors, including health, education, MSME, food, and hospitality, among others, all under one roof."
Amaresha M remarked, "In the previous expos, the focus was on Bengaluru city. This time, we have expanded to 123 taluks, where entrepreneurs and customers from these regions will participate. Last time, we only invited businessmen, but this time, we are also inviting customers. We expect a footfall of 1 lakh."
Bhuvana Suresh shared, "This is the perfect destination for Vokkaligas to become entrepreneurs. There will be a special focus on agriculture, which is an important sector. We will offer value-added services for agriculture and highlight how technology can improve yields. Farmer Producer Organizations and cottage industries will also be promoted, along with horticulture. Professionals from fields such as medicine and engineering in the Vokkaliga community will be included, and we will organize sessions specifically for them."
