BetterStories Limited

As we step into 2025, BetterStories Limited reflects on a transformative 2024, marked by growth, collaboration, and innovation. This year was especially meaningful as we celebrated our 15th Anniversary, reflecting on our journey as a future-proofing agency. A three-day strategy retreat, led by Chief Storyteller Minhaz Anwar, enabled the team to envision the organization’s future. The year began with the SouthAsiaTech Founders’ Reception, fostering collaboration across South Asia’s vibrant startup ecosystem. Building on this momentum, our mentorship efforts shone through events like the Hult Prize ULAB and Huawei’s Women in Tech Incubation Bootcamp, inspiring young minds and future female leaders to create impactful, tech-driven solutions. Minhaz Anwar also joined as a judge at the Youth Co:Lab Springboard Final Pitch 6.0, lending his expertise to support innovative social impact initiatives. Beyond mentorship, our focus group discussions in Cox’s Bazar sparked collaborative opportunities among humanitarian practitioners. The TekSHOI Humanitarian Knowledge Hub and its promotion at the SheRAA Launch Ceremony reinforced our commitment to knowledge-sharing and fostering impactful development initiatives. Global partnerships further flourished in 2024, with the Global Spark Canada initiative empowering students worldwide to tackle pressing challenges. We also played a role at Nepal’s GIREE Alliance write-shop, promoting collaboration and inclusion, and participated in the Max Social Enterprise workshop in Bangladesh, addressing sustainable water and hygiene solutions. Additionally, impactful programs like the IMM Booster Workshop, Founders’ Office Hours, and the TekSHOI Media Fellowship allowed us to empower journalists and entrepreneurs to shape narratives and drive meaningful change. Minhaz Anwar’s role as a panel moderator on women-led ventures at ANDE South Asia Convening 2024 added another highlight to a year of inspiring dialogue and collaboration. As 2024 concludes, BetterStories celebrates the partners, clients, and community that fueled these achievements. We look forward to a 2025 filled with innovation, growth, and impactful collaborations. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

🌟 Inception Meeting for the TekSHOI Media Fellowship is Commencing Today! 🌟 We are thrilled to kick off the TekSHOI Media Fellowship program, an initiative by BetterStories Limited, supported by Free Press Unlimited, funded by the European Union. 🤝 Proudly Partnered With: Cox’s Bazar Union of Journalist (CBUJ). This marks the beginning of a collaborative journey to foster impactful journalism in Cox’s Bazar. In this day-long meeting, we aim to establish shared conceptual clarity, resolve challenges, and lay a solid foundation for this fellowship program. The TekSHOI Media Fellowship is designed to empower journalists, enhance media practices, and bring forward stories that matter from the heart of Cox’s Bazar. Stay tuned as we work towards making a meaningful difference through storytelling and journalism. Let’s drive change, one story at a time! 🌍 #TekSHOI #TekSHOIMediaFellowship #BetterStories #JournalismForChange #Collaboration #CoxsBazar #Cox’sBazarJournalistUnion #Bangladesh2.0

বিজয়ের প্রতিটি রক্তকণা গল্প হয়ে বেঁচে আছে আমাদের হৃদয়ে। সেসব গল্পের আলোয় গড়ে উঠুক আগামী দিনের সমৃদ্ধ বাংলাদেশ। বিজয়ের চেতনায় অনুপ্রাণিত হয়ে এগিয়ে যাক আমাদের দৃপ্ত পদক্ষেপ। BetterStories এর পক্ষ থেকে সবাইকে মহান বিজয় দিবসের শুভেচ্ছা।

Job Opportunity: Project Manager for TekSHOI Media Fellowship BetterStories Limited and Cox’s Bazar Union of Journalists (CBUJ) are looking for a dynamic Project Manager to lead the TekSHOI Media Fellowship initiative in Cox’s Bazar. Position Details: -Duration: 1 year (From the contract signing date) -Location: Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka (60% field-based in Cox’s Bazar, 40% coordination in Dhaka) -Salary: 30,000 BDT per month Key Responsibilities: -Plan, execute, and oversee project activities like fellowship training, mentorship, and events. -Coordinate between BSL and CBUJ to ensure smooth collaboration. -Manage documentation, including reports, invoices, and progress tracking. -Represent the project in meetings and events, fostering partnerships with stakeholders. Requirements: -Master’s degree in any discipline. Preferably in development studies, journalism, media studies, management, or a related field. -3-5 years of experience in project management, preferably within media, NGOs, or humanitarian work. -Strong skills in communication (English & Bengali), collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. -Familiarity with investigative journalism or capacity-building initiatives is a plus. For detailed information see the Term of Reference (TOR): https://lnkd.in/gQvCgPJP Application Process: Submit your detailed CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role to nahian@betterstories.asia by 18th December 2024, 11:59 PM. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Join us in empowering local journalists and fostering impactful journalism in Cox’s Bazar!

Growing Women-Led Ventures: From Micro to Might Becoming an entrepreneur is tough, especially for women in South Asia, where stereotypes, limited resources, and societal expectations create significant barriers. ANDE South Asia Convening 2024 session on Wednesday, "Growing Women-Led Ventures: From Micro to Mighty," moderated by Minhaz Anwar of BetterStories Limited, highlighted these challenges. Yet, organizations like the Max Foundation, Heifer International, and Mann Deshi Foundation are creating ecosystems to help women rewrite their stories against all odds. This session featured 3 exceptional panelists transforming women’s entrepreneurship, joined by inspiring women entrepreneurs. Dr. ATM Tariqul Islam, Country Director of Max Foundation Bangladesh, was joined by entrepreneur Nusrat Jahan Lamia. Dr. Dilip Bhandari, Sr. Director of Programs at Heifer International, also shared his insights. Finally, Anagha Kamath, Founder of KickStart Girls & Director of Innovation at Mann Deshi Foundation, was accompanied by entrepreneur Vanita Pise. Each story shared was a powerful testament to courage and determination of the speakers. Nusrat, from Barishal, Bangladesh, shared how she started her food delivery service to support her family. When COVID-19 nearly destroyed her business, Max Foundation helped to revive her business. She said “Business is my dream, business is my power, and business is my pride.” Dr. Tariqul elaborated on Max Foundation’s approach, emphasizing how women are central to solving community issues like nutrition and hygiene. Along with empowering 471 women entrepreneurs since 2016, Max Foundation is on the path to create a sustainable model where local businesses drive lasting impact. Vanita Pise from Mann Deshi Foundation, reflected how she turned her life around with Mann Deshi Foundation’s support 18 years ago. From a struggling entrepreneur to a mentor for others, Vanita now uplifts women in her community. She stated passionately, “I am who I am because of my business.” Anagha, founder and director at Mann Deshi shares the innovative approach at the foundation that includes customized loans, financial literacy, and digital tools to ensure their growth. Dr. Dilip from Heifer International highlighted their mission to turn “hopelessness into hopefulness” by linking women to financial institutions and promoting networks. Their goal is not only business growth, but ensuring every household achieves a standard income, enabling women to lead with confidence. These stories remind us that when women succeed, their families and communities prosper. With the right support, women in South Asia are breaking barriers. BetterStories Limited stands with initiatives that empower women and encourage inclusive growth. Let’s continue to champion their courage, amplify their voices, and build a future where every woman has the opportunity to achieve her dreams. #BetterStories  #SAC2024 #ANDESouthAsia2024 #Bangladesh #WomenEntrepreneurs

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Our Chief Storyteller, Minhaz Anwar, will be moderating the dynamic panel discussion “Growing Women-Led Ventures: From Micro to Mighty” at ANDE South Asia Convening 2024 on Day 2! 📅 Date: 4th December 2024 ⏰ Time: 3:30 – 4:45 PM BST 👥 Speakers: Minhaz Anwar (BetterStories, Bangladesh); Anagha Kamath (Mann Deshi Foundation, India); Tariqul Islam (Max Foundation, Bangladesh); Dilip Bhandari (Heifer International) Get ready to explore inspiring stories and actionable insights from this important conversation with changemakers from across the region. Let’s celebrate and empower women-led ventures together! #ANDESouthAsia2024 #SAC2024 #BetterStoriesLimited #betterstorieslimited

The Venture Studio Debate going live on 3rd December 3 PM IST!

🌟 Join the discussion with our Chief Storyteller, Minhaz Anwar! 🌟 Minhaz Anwar will be speaking today at the discussion panel “The Venture Studio Debate: Is South Asia Ready?” at ANDE South Asia Convening 2024. Don't miss this chance to explore the future of venture studios and their role in driving entrepreneurship in the region. 📅 Date: 3rd December ⏰ Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM BST 👥 Speakers: Chalinda Abeykoon (nVentures), Gigi Mathews (Enviu), Omar Abedin (PTH Venture Studio), Minhaz Anwar (BetterStories) Let’s shape the future of small and growing businesses in South Asia together! 💡 #ANDESouthAsia2024 #SAC2024 #BetterStoriesLimited #betterstorieslimited

🔴 Just 1 day to go! Get ready to join us on 3rd December, the first day of three days of exploring the trends and opportunities shaping entrepreneurship in South Asia in ANDE South Asia Convening 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of small and growing businesses in South Asia. First day’s session info : 📅 Date: 3rd December 2024 📍 Theme: Regional Ecosystem Building for SGBs Exciting Sessions Include: 1️⃣ Climate-Resilient Businesses: The Power of Incubation in Mountainous Regions ⏰ Time: 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM BST 👥 Speakers: @Anu Joshi Shrestha (ICIMOD Nepal), Padmakshi Rana (Impact Hub Nepal), Erad Kawsar (Build Bangladesh), Adnan Faisal (ScaleX), Gerrit Jan van ‘t veen (World StartUp) 2️⃣ The Venture Studio Debate: Is South Asia Ready? ⏰ Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM BST 👥 Speakers: Chalinda Abeykoon (nVentures), Gigi Mathews (Enviu), Omar Abedin (PTH Venture Studio), Minhaz Anwar (BetterStories) 3️⃣ Future-Proofing SMEs: The Power of Digital Infrastructure ⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM BST 👥 Speakers: Santona Malakar (SAFAL Partners), Abhishek Modi (Sattva), Radip Tandukar (GeoKrishi), Gihan Mendis (EngenuityAi) ✨ Register now and be part of the conversation about driving impact across South Asia! Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/gJr-h6eZ #SAC2024 #BetterStoriesLimited #betterstories

The Founders' Office Hours by BetterStories Limited concluded with incredible energy and inspiring ideas! This exclusive session was tailored towards early-stage, impact-driven founders for one-on-one mentorship. A heartfelt thank you to Kazi Hasib, founder of Inception; & Reathwan Ahmed, founder of GrowB Technologies Limited who attended the event and pitched their innovative ideas. A shoutout also to our BetterStories’ team for creating this space for the founders’ to receive personalized feedback opportunity based on their current challenges and future plans.💡 We look forward to continuing to support future changemakers as they redefine Bangladesh’s entrepreneurial landscape. Stay connected for updates on upcoming sessions and more transformative opportunities from BetterStories Limited! #BetterStoriesLimited #FoundersOfficeHours