The Loden Foundation

The Rationale

As thousands of educated young people leave school and college each year, Bhutan is facing an unprecedented problem of unemployment. The private sector is still a fledgling and the civil service is over-suscribed. With a money-oriented economy sweeping across the region, there is a need for a socially responsible and ethical entrepreneurial culture. LEP was launched in order to give a helping hand to hundreds of young people who are searching for guidance and support to create businesses and employment in the new economic climate.

The Intent

The aim of LEP is to train and support young Bhutanese in entrepreneurial ventures. The programme aspires to help them realize their dreams by providing them training, moral and technical support, and initial funds to start new entrepreneurial ventures. LEP hopes to cultivate entrepreneurial skills, create employment, and promote a self-sufficient economy, while also promoting social volunteerism by involving successful entrepreneurs as volunteers. For more information read the LEP charter and the most recent LEP Report.

The LEP Training Programme

This is one of the annual training programmes and made it bi-annual in 2010 by conducting similar training programmes in Mongar, the eastern part of Bhutan. The training is offered by business lecturers, local and international entrepreneurs. The courses cover entrepreneurial thinking, ethics and skills, , financial analysis, operations and management, marketing techniques, drafting of business plans, etc. In the preceding years all participants felt their time at the courses were highly productive.

LEP Capital Fund Competition

The LEP training programme is followed by the competition for funds. Announcements for competition are made in May and candidates are asked to submit a business proposal by the end of August every year. The LEP Jury will then assess the proposal at two different stages and call the shortlisted candidates for an interview in October. The successful candidates are awarded interest free loans ranging from Nu 100,000 to Nu 10,00,000. No collateral is required but candidates who receive the loans are required to sign a contract. For more information on the purpose, processes and conditions of the loans, read our LEP charter, model contract and LEP report.

LEP Beneficiaries 2011
Mr. Dorji Gyeltshen Fashion Boutique, Bumthang	Kuenga Dendup Wood Works, Trongsa	Mr. Ratna Bdr. Dairy Farm, Gelephu	Mr. Wangda Dorji Stabilized Mudblock, Trashigang
Ms.Tashi Choden Children's Book Store, Thimphu	Ms. Tashi Yangzom Fabrication Works, Lobesa	Mr. Tsheten Dorji Automobile Workshop, Trongsa	Ms. Ugyen Wangmo Weaving Centre, Haa
Mr. Sangay Wangdi and Friend Flora and Landscape, Punakha	Mr. Sonam Tobgay and Mr. Kunga Tenzin School Bus Service, Thimphu	Ms. Sangay Cheki and her Husband Horticulture Nursery, Punakha	Mr. Karma Jurmin Packaging Firm, Bumthang
Mr. Ashok Dahal IT Service and Supply Center, Mongar

Our past LEP beneficiaries are POSTED HERE

The LEP Mentorship and Supervision Scheme

Mr. Sonam Dorji Our entrepreneur becoming a mentor

What distinguishes LEP from usual micro-credit is our emphasis on providing technical and moral support. Two mentors are appointed for each project. One is an international entrepreneur and the other is a local entrepreneur or expert .Beside regular supervision through the LEP administrator, the mentors advise and guide the entrepreneur through the process of setting up a business and give professional and emotional support.  Loden has already built a rich pool of local and international mentors, who give their time and knowledge for free. We also encourage mutual sharing of experience between LEP entrepreneurs.