Category: News
205 entrepreneurs supported since 2008: 14 new entrepreneurs in fall 2020
Thursday, 26 November 2020: The Loden Foundation sanctioned interest and collateral-free loans for 14 new entrepreneurs selected through the 2020 fall call for business proposals. This was the third call for business proposals this year to support more entrepreneurs during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the past, only two calls... readmore
Bhutan Dialogues continues through live-streaming online
As the global Covid-19 pandemic reshapes our lives such as activities in schools, workplaces and businesses including social and educational events in ways we never imagined before, individuals and organizations must learn to adapt to these changing circumstances and rise above the new challenges. Like many other scheduled events... readmore
10 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs receive a combination of interest and collateral free loan and grant through Loden-UNDP Bhutan Covid-19 Response Fund
The global Covid-19 pandemic has delivered an indiscriminate blow to many businesses in Bhutan and worldwide. It has altered patterns of business and travel, interrupt supply chains, and affected the daily operations of business as everything from small to larger businesses have been forced to change how they do... readmore
Loden-UNDP Bhutan Covid-19 Response Fund
Background In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Loden Foundation in partnership with UNDP Bhutan invites business proposals from Bhutanese individuals and groups. The proposals must directly address challenges and problems caused or worsened by the Covid-19 outbreak, and do so through agricultural production, job creation, or tackling new needs... readmore
The Loden Report- Losar 2020
The board of trustees and the management team at Loden Foundation wishes you and your family a very happy Losar (New Year) 2020. May the Iron Male Rat Year be filled with success, happiness and prosperity. With your support, we are excited to share our annual report 2019: The... readmore
Happy New Year 2020!
On behalf of the Loden family, the board of trustees, the management team, 175 Bhutanese entrepreneurs, 44 youth scholars, hundreds of children in schools across Bhutan and the families of all the members of our community we wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020. With your support, we... readmore
Leki Dawa of Bhutan Alternatives wins Loden’s Best Entrepreneur Award 2019
Loden Foundation started it’s entrepreneurship programme in 2008 with an objective to address growing youth unemployment in Bhutan and to mitigate rural urban migration. The programme provides interest and collateral free loan to aspiring entrepreneurs up to Nu. 1.5 million amount other important support scheme such as mentorship, monitoring, capacity building,... readmore
Phuntshok Dechen Yangchen – the student entrepreneur behind ‘Guram’ business wins Bhutan Student Entrepreneur Award 2019
In an effort to promote entrepreneurship among young Bhutanese, Loden Foundation started the Loden SEED (Student Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship Development) in 2014 to provide early exposure on fundamentals of entrepreneurship. The Loden SEED project, provides training and idea competition among all colleges and technical training institutes in Bhutan in... readmore
Bhutan Read to Light (འབྲུག་སྒྲ་མཛོད་སྒྲོན་མེ།) Project
As the two kingdoms, Bhutan and Thailand mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in many ways this year. Loden Foundation and Thai Blind Foundation is pleased to dedicate our Bhutan Read to Light (འབྲུག་སྒྲ་མཛོད་སྒྲོན་མེ།) Project to mark this joyous occasion as a first civil collaboration between Bhutan and... readmore
Entrepreneurship training and startup loan for out-of-school youth
As a part of Loden’s SEED programme (Student Empowerment through Entrepreneurship Development), a three-day entrepreneurship training will be led at Integrated Youth Centers based in Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephu, Phuntsholing and Thimphu in June 2019. The entrepreneurship training will focus on developing fundamental skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship such as... readmore
EU-Helvetas to support student entrepreneurship in Bhutan
(Left to right – Tashi Pem, Country Director at HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in Bhutan, Phuntsho Namgay, Development Manager at Loden Foundation and Yuden Dorji, Sr Programme Officer at HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in Bhutan) The Loden Foundation and HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in Bhutan signed Memorandum of Agreement for 18 months... readmore
New Partnership with the Society Switzerland Bhutan (SSB)
(Former Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, the President of Bhutan Switzerland Society (BSS) and the Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Bhutan, with Loden’s team during the signing) On Friday 29 March 2019, the Loden Foundation and the Society Switzerland Bhutan (SSB) entered into a four year contract agreement from 2019 till... readmore
Made in Bhutan book launch and talk by Dr Karma Phuntsho
The Loden Foundation in partnership with Open House Bookshop by Hardcover will be hosting the launch of the book ‘Made in Bhutan – Entrepreneur Stories’ on Thursday 10 January at the Open House Bookshop by Hardcover located at Central Embassy, Level 6, Bangkok, Thailand. Loden’s Founder and President, Dr... readmore
Happy New Year 2019!
This holiday season, the Loden family — the board and the management team, 159 entrepreneurs all across Bhutan, 42 youth scholars within and outside Bhutan, hundreds of children in our schools and their families — would like to take the opportunity to Thank You! With your generous support, 2018 has... readmore
16 new entrepreneurs supported in 2018
There is a movement of young Bhutanese exploring opportunities to become self-employed and create employment for other youth rather than looking for the limited jobs available. At Loden, we remain committed to make sure these young people get the much needed support through our interest and collateral free loan... readmore
Bhutan Entrepreneurship Festival 2018
Bhutan’s first-ever Druk Tshongrig Gatoen (Bhutan Entrepreneurship Festival) to take place this year. Bhutan’s first-ever Druk Tshongrig Gatoen will be taking place from 25-27 October in Thimphu as well as in educational institutes across Bhutan. The objective of hosting Druk Tshongrig Gatoen is to expose young Bhutanese... readmore
Loden supports ten more exciting start-ups in spring
The fervour of entrepreneurship is growing in Bhutan. There is a movement of young people exploring opportunities to become self-employed and create employment for other youth rather than looking for the limited jobs available. Until last year, Loden funded 143 businesses, which created over 715 jobs in various sectors including agriculture, environment,... readmore
ACC finds no evidence of corrupt practice in Loden’s recruitment case
Dear friends, supporters and beneficiaries, Many of you may be wondering about the investigation Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) took up in March 2018 following a complaint about the selection of our Development Manager in January 2018. We are pleased to report to you that ACC has closed the case as... readmore
Loden Foundation Scholarship 2018 (Updated May 15)
The Loden Foundation announces 2018 competition for scholarships to pursue university education with the aim of helping of deserving candidates. The scholarships will cover full or partial costs either within or outside the country with a maximum funding amount of Nu. 2,00,000/- per year. Preference will be given... readmore
Loden entrepreneurs become talk of the town
How do we create more jobs for the increasing number of educated youth each year? Can the government, corporate or the private sectors employ the youth who are eager to learn and work? The answer is obviously: No! No, the government cannot provide jobs for all. Neither can the corporate... readmore
Loden Brings to You their Losar Report, 2018
It is around this time of the year, coinciding with Losar (Bhutanese New Year), Loden takes this auspicious moment to update our supporters, partners, friends and well-wishers on the modest achievements of Loden. As we begin to sit back and relax during the public holiday of the birth anniversary... readmore
Loden submits 4200 digitised volumes to the National Library and Archives of Bhutan
The President of Loden Foundation, Dr. Karma Phuntsho, and staff of Loden-Shejun Cultural Programme submitted digital copies of fourteen temples and family archives to the National Library and Archives of Bhutan. The digital copies were produced with the dual aim of preserving the rare ancient books in digital copies... readmore
New cohort of entrepreneurs
Loden is pleased to share with you that we have selected 12 new entrepreneurs for the interest free loan from Loden Entrepreneurship Program. The business projects range from tailoring to e-commerce to to children footwear to photography to fresh juice bar and many more. With the 12 new entrepreneurs,... readmore
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND 18 YEARS OF SERVICE
Loden celebrated its 18th Anniversary and the 10th year of it Loden Entrepreneurship Program yesterday. It was heartening to see dignitaries, entrepreneurs and friends from the other CSOs take out the time to celebrate the special day with Loden. Dr. Karma Phuntsho, president of Loden Foundation, shared that the... readmore
THE END OF THE GEW, 2017
The Global Entrepreneurship Week finally concluded on the 17 of November, 2017. The weeklong event on entrepreneurship that was celebrated from 13-17 November. The closing event of the GEW was organized at the Hotel Taj Tashi wherein cabinet ministers, Dasho secretaries, representatives from relevant stakeholders and entrepreneurs took part... readmore
FOUR CATEGORIES OF LODEN AWARDS
In an attempt to recognize, motivate and inspire hardworking entrepreneurs, Loden declared the winners for the four prestigeous Loden Awards at the closing ceremony of the GEW. Kinley Dema, who runs a the first bakery shop in Lobesa took away the Best Loden Entrepreneur Award with a cash price... readmore
THE TWO-DAY CSO FAIR CONCLUDES
The two-day CSO Fair 2017 which was organized to commemorate the 6th Royal Wedding Anniversary concluded yesterday evening. The event that was inaugurated by our most dynamic Lyonchen Dasho Tshering Tobgay began with prayer offerings to His Majesty the King and the our most beloved Gyeltsuen. Venerable Tshoki Lopen... readmore
Bhutan Dialogues
The first session of the Bhutan Dialogues was held on the 12 of October, 2017 at the UN house and it was attended by over a 100 people. Bhutan Dialogues will be held on the 2nd Thursdays of every month with the aim to bring together development experts and... readmore
Loden’s Summer Report Published
Loden Foundation has published its Summer Report 2017, the 11th edition, featuring in it their achievements, all within the period of last six months (January-June) through their core operating areas of include education, youth entrepreneurship and preservation Bhutan’s culture. The Executive Director, Mr. Dorji Tashi claims that Loden had a... readmore
Three New Members Join Loden Board
As Loden Foundation continues to grow and cater their social services to the wider sections of the Bhutanese society through education, entrepreneurship and Bhutanese culture, Loden takes on board three new competent member on their governing board taking the total number to eight. All three of them bring on... readmore
Read to Light Bhutan
Loden Foundation in collaboration with a team of committed philanthropists and application developers from Thailand supported by our funding partner Bhutan Foundation and other stakeholders such as Disabled Persons’ Association of Bhutan(DPAB) and Ministry of Education will work together with the aim to bridge the gap for access to... readmore
International Archive Day
While International communities marked the very important day-World Archive Day on June 9, Loden also joined rest of the world to mark the day commemorating our works and contribution to documentation of our rich heritage of cultures and reminding ourselves of what needs to be done in the future to... readmore
Loden Inaugurates its 5th ECCD Centre
His Excellency the Sherig Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk has inaugurated the Loden’s 5th Early Child Care Development (ECCD) Centre in Dawakha in Paro this morning. The centre was established in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Dawakha Community. With the financial assistance form UNICEF, Loden built the physical... readmore
A Young Entrepreneur Represents Bhutan In The Global Student Entrepreneur Award (GSEA)
Mr. Dhan Kumar Tamang, the founder of Eco Waste Solution, a waste management firm that operates in Punakha and Wangdi represented Bhutan in the GSEA finals in Frankfurt, Germany. He is currently a student in Gaeddu College of Business Studies who is pursuing his Master’s degree in Business Administration.... readmore
Loden Entrepreneur featured in the Bhutanese National Television
“A young Bhutanese ceramic artist is attempting to breathe a new life into the dying art of pottery”-Source BBS, 17 April, 2017. Check out the link below to find out more. Loden wishes Maiyesh a great success as he continues with his passionate pottery making social venture. Source: Bhutan... readmore
GROWING ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS IN THE EAST
Loden successfully conducted the two-day Loden entrepreneurship crash course on the 27 and 28 of April, 2017 in Trashigang. Every year as part of the Loden Entrepreneurship Program (LEP), to provide equal opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs all over Bhutan, Loden provides a two day crash course in a different... readmore
Loden-Shejun Merged for Preservation of Bhutanese Culture and Tradition
Today, on the auspicious day marked by a powerful combination of astrological features, the Loden Foundation and Shejun Agency for Bhutan’s Cultural Documentation and Research signed the agreement for merger to become one organisation. With the merger, the Loden Foundation will have an active programme of cultural preservation and... readmore
THE FIRST EARLY LEARNING CENTRE IN GOSHING
Coinciding with the most auspicious first month of the Fire Female Bird Year, Loden inaugurated their 4th community based Early Learning Centre in Goshing, Zhemgang yesterday. The children in this locality will no longer be deprived of early education facilities but will have free access to it. We hope... readmore
Fire female bird sets in motion
As we all await, perhaps, with excitement, for Fire Female Bird Year to finally set into motion, Loden family would like to take this special moment to share with you our Losar report (Loden’s latest bi-annual Newsletter). This is the 10th issue, all of which we hope have helped... readmore
Loden receives the third tranche of the Loden-DHI fund
The Loden-DHI fund is a special funding window which was launched in 2015 by Loden foundation and Druk Holdings and Investment (DHI) to help address the issues pertaining to access to finance and to empower the youth through promotion of entrepreneurship in Bhutan. DHI has provided a total fund... readmore
Videos of the Panel discussions that took place during the Global Entrepreneurship Week
We are now pleased to share with you the recordings of the panel discussions that took place during the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). For all those who were not able to participate in the GEW, the weeklong event was held from Novemeber 14-18 of 2016 and the panel discussions... readmore
Loden Foundation receives a National Order of Merit (Gold)
On the joyous occasion of the 109 National Day on the 17 of December, 2016, Loden Foundation was awarded the National Order of Merit (Gold) by His Majesty the King of Bhutan. The event was held in Trongsa this year attributed to its historical and religious significance. The National... readmore
Recognition for the Loden entrepreneurs during the last day of the GEW
During the closing ceremony of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, two Loden entrepreneur were given recognition for their hardwork and dedication towards their businesses. His Excellency The Prime Minister of Bhutan presented Mr. Dhan Kumar with the Best Student Entrepreneur Award and a cash prize of Nu. 50,000. Dhan Kumar... readmore
Fifteen new entrepreneurs to be supported for 2016
Loden Foundation will be supporting 15 new entrepreneurs under the Loden Entrepreneurship Program for the year 2016. The selected 15 entrepreneurs were presented to the crowd during the closing day of the Global Entrepreneurship Week on the 18 of November, 2016. The closing ceremony was graced by His Excellency... readmore
The Global Entrepreneurship Week concludes on the 18 of November, 2016
The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) concluded on the 18 of November, 2016. The event was graced by His Excellency The Prime Minister of Bhutan and Hon’ble Minster for Agriculture and Forest. The event was observed in around 160 countries across the world to inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial... readmore
Saving a dying art
Pottery is a form of traditional art that people have been practicing for thousands of years, however, it is also a dying culture in Bhutan. Maiyesh Kr. Tamang has been trying to revive the interest in the traditional art in Bhutan through his own modest initiatives. He is the... readmore
Celebrate nature, peace and experience the Bhutanese culture with Wangdue Eco-lodge
Wangdue Eco-lodge was started in 2015 and it is the first of its kind in Bhutan started by Ugyen Wangchuk, a veteran professional tour guide and a passionate photographer. The main goal of the proprietor has been to have a sustainable approach with the services they provide so that... readmore
Drukten: The Dragon’s Treasure
The Movie ‘Drukten: The Dragon’s Treasure’ was launched on the 21st of August 2016. Over 200 people attended the premiere held at Trowa Theatre in Thimphu, Bhutan. The movie tells the story of four friends who go on a treasure hunt across Bhutan to save their school. On the... readmore
Loden supports new batch of scholars for 2016
As part of their annual programme, Loden offers scholarship for five deserving Loden Scholars for 2016, who will be undertaking further studies in different colleges in India and Bhutan. The selection of the scholars were based on the economic situation of their families and most importantly on their academic... readmore
The first Bhutan-Switzerland partnership day
The Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC), Bhutan Office, observed the first Bhutan-Switzerland partnership day on 30 of June, 2016. It was an occasion for Loden to reflect on our programmes funded through SDC and celebrate our achievements together with them. Loden has been a major recipient of the... readmore
Loden’s first ever networking picnic
Loden celebrated their first ever picnic on the 20 of May, 2016 in the botanical garden in Thimphu. The board members, the management team and about 40 entrepreneurs along with representatives from relevant stakeholders joined together to celebrate the day. It was heartening to see that there were entrepreneurs who had travelled... readmore
Locals in Paro pick up mushroom farming
Mushrooms, to some extent, are a dangerous delicacy. People have died for a good mushroom meal; some after consuming poisonous wild mushrooms and some from wild animals attack while mushroom-hunting. The best solution, some have thought, is to grow mushrooms at home. Karma Penjor started mushroom farming as a hobby. A... readmore
A Student from Gaeddu College of Business Studies Represents Bhutan in the Global Entrepreneurship Award, 2016
Mr. Dorji Tshering, a student from Gaeddu College of Business Studies was the first-ever Bhutanese student entrepreneur to represent Bhutan in the Global Entrepreneurship Awards (GSEA). The GSEA is a global competition for students who operate a profitable business while attending a college or university. Fifty students from fifty... readmore
Loden Entrepreneruship Crash Course in S/Jongkhar
As part of Loden’s entrepreneurship education programme, a two-day crash course was organized for the first time in Sumdrup Jongkhar on 23 and 24 April 2016. It was their modest attempt to give equal opportunities to the aspiring entrepreneurs residing outside of the capital city of Thimphu. During the... readmore
Financed Nine Projects through Loden-DHI Fund
Through the second round of Loden-DHI Fund, Loden has selected nine new entrepreneurs taking the total number of Loden entrepreneurs at an amazing 106! A total of Nu. 6.5 million was invested to finance nine new projects. The loan is completely free of interest and no collateral requirement too. ... readmore
Pascal on New Business Models
As part of Loden Entrepreneurship Programme, the Loden Foundation and Thimphu TechPark organized a two-hour talk on ‘New Business Models’, a topic which is being increasingly sought after by entrepreneurs, by Pascal Cagni, a prominent international business leader and investor best known for his management of Apple’s European business... readmore
Loden-DHI Fund (second round)
DHI and the Loden Foundation mutually collaborated to jointly promote entrepreneurship in Bhutan by creating a separate financing window called ‘Loden-DHI Fund’ under the Loden Foundation which was launched in September 2015, where DHI provided a fund of Nu.7 Million to Loden Foundation for the year 2015. Nine business... readmore
Bhutan First Ever Online for Searching and Listing Houses
Bhutan’s very own first website for searching and listing houses, housing.bt has officially been launched today in Tech park, Thimphu graced by H.E Lyonpo Ngeema Sangay Tshempo, the Minister of Labour and Human Resources. His Excellency’s gracious presence as a Chief Guest, inspite of many other important priorities, shows... readmore
Loden’s Support a Training for a Nomadic Youth Group
As part of ‘Student Empowerment through Entrepreneurship Development’ (SEED) programme, Loden contributes a grant of Nu. 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Only) supporting group of 25 out-of-school youth from Lingzhi Drungkhag. The project starts with training on the basic concepts of entrepreneurship with which they are expected to take up... readmore
Amis Du Bhoutan Contributes €1500
Amis du Bhoutan has contributed Euro 1500 to the Loden Foundation through Dr. Françoise Pommaret, the President of the Association supporting ‘Student Empowerment through Entrepreneurship Development’ (SEED) programme which is an extension of the Loden Entrepreneurship Programme. The fund will be used to support student entrepreneurship programme at the... readmore
Loden Funds 20 Entrepreneurial Projects
With the introduction of Loden-DHI Fund this year supplementing Loden’s annual fund competition, Loden has financed a total of 20 entrepreneurial ventures taking the total number to 97 projects. A total of 1.4 million ngultrums were invested out of which 50% comes from DHI. Loden has achieved an excellent... readmore
Student Award and Loden Entrepreneur Award
Coinciding with the closing event of the Global Entrepreneurship Week that was held on 21 November 2015 Loden has launched for the first time, ‘Bhutan Student Entrepreneurship Award’. The Award that was jointly organized by EO GSEA and the Loden Foundation was bagged by a Dorji Tshering, a student... readmore
GEW in Bhutan Kicks off in the capital city of Thimphu
Bhutan joined 160 countries across the world to observe the Global Entrepreneurship Week in the capital city of Thimphu. The event organised jointly by the Loden Foundation, Ministry of Labour and Human Resources and Bhutan Innovation and Technology Centre aims at promoting the culture of innovation and enterprise and... readmore
Loden-DHI Fund
In an attempt to help address issues pertaining to access to finance which has been identified as one of the growing constraints in starting businesses in Bhutan, The Loden Foundation and Druk Holding Investment Ltd. signs an agreement to launch a special funding window called ‘Loden-DHI Fund’ under Loden... readmore
Loden Mentorship Training
With support from the Entrepreneurship and Self Employment Division under MoLHR, The Loden Foundation conducted three-day mentoring training from 22-24 June 2015 in Thimphu. The training was aimed at building a pool of committed mentors who are passionate about giving back to the society by helping budding entrepreneurs. The... readmore
New batch of Loden Scholars
To commemorate the most exciting occasion of the 60th birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk, Loden Foundation has sponsored a new batch students for higher education for various courses. The selection of students and courses were based on the state priority, academic achievement... readmore
Loden SEED in TTIs and Zorig-Chu-Sum Institutions
Coinciding with the Zorig Day, Loden Foundation has launched a special programme called SEED (Student Empowerment through Entrepreneurship Development) on 4th may 2015 in Khuruthang and Samthang Technical Training Institutions. The programme was launched by hon’ble Minister for Labour and Human Resources by signing MoU between the Executive Director... readmore
Lham Dorji joins Loden Foundation
Lham Dorji has joined the Loden Foundation with effect from 1st April, 2015 as a Program Officer. He will assist the programme manager and the executive director in executing the activities of this organization. However, he will work more closely for Loden Entrepreneurship Programme through which Loden attempts to... readmore
Parents-Children meeting in Loden ECCD centres
As part of the annual event, Loden organized a parents-children meeting in Ura Early Learning Centre on 7th April, 2015. The meeting is used as a forum to discuss challenges and priorities for the ECCD centre. The meeting was also attended by Member of Parliament, Gewog officials and representatives... readmore
Loden Entrepreneurship Training in Bumthang
Loden’s two-day entrepreneurship crash course in Bumthang was a huge success. A total of about 50 participants attended the programme wherein some participants came all the way from Phuntsholing and Thimphu. A group of 16 students from the Institute of Language and Culture form Take College, Royal University of... readmore
Handing-taking between the Loden executives
Dorji Tashi who have been on study leave for last 15 months returns to resume his duties at the Loden Foundation as Pema Wangchuk who have been officiating the Executive Director leaves Loden to join his new career. Dorji has been pursuing MBA in London, UK. Pema joined Loden... readmore
Greener Way gets waste collection contract
Thrompon and Greener Way signs the contract Garbage: Greener Way has secured the contract to collect and dispose waste from Thimphu Thromde’s south and central zones starting January 1. One of the main objectives of outsourcing solid waste collection and disposal to private entrepreneurs is to minimise the financial... readmore
Loden Supports 14 More Aspiring Entrepreneurs With Capital Fund
Loden foundation has selected 14 aspiring entrepreneurs to be supported with collateral and interest free capital fund this year. The proposals were to start or scale up Eco-Tourism Initiatives in Zhemgang, Stone Carving in Samdrupjongkhar, Ceramics Production in Thimphu, Pharmacy in Tashigang, Employment Agency in Thimphu MediCall Services/Ticketing in Kolkata,... readmore
Incense factory owner wins Entrepreneur Award
A monk from Beyul Langdrak monastery, Lama Sonam Gyatsho, who runs an incense factory with his team in Wangduephodrang, won the Best Loden Entrepreneur Award, 2014. The award comes with a cash prize of Nu 100,108 and a trophy. Opposition Leader presented the award at the concluding ceremony of the... readmore
Screening of “Made in Bhutan” in Berne, Switzerland on 23rd October
Loden’s ‘Made in Bhutan’ documentary film by Hirondelle Chartland, portraying the emergence of entrepreneurship in Bhutan which was screened in Berne, Switzerland on 23rd October was an enormous success with His Excellency, Lynpo Yeshi Dorji, the Minister for Agriculture graced the event. The programme began with the president of... readmore
Student empowerment through entrepreneurship development
To explore and develop the entrepreneurial potential of students, the Loden Foundation launched its student empowerment through entrepreneurship development programme. The event was organised at the Gaeddu College of Business Studies. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the College and the Foundation. The programme aims to stimulate... readmore
SWIM BHUTAN
In the hope of engaging our youths productively during their free time, Mr Thinley Phuntsho (2013 batch of LODEN ENTREPRENEUR) has revived Thimphu’s only public swimming pool with better facilities with safety measures. He has hired the international trainer to conduct swimming lessons and organizes swimming events. With better... readmore
Made in Bhutan Premiered in Europe
A ‘Made in Bhutan’, a 32 minutes documentary film is gaining a huge popularity amongst the friends of Bhutan in the United States and Europe. After a successful screening of the film in the US on 8 May, another exclusive premiere was organized in Brussels, Europe on 20 May, which was labelled... readmore
The 12th Loden Entrepreneurship training in Mongar received overwhelming participation
Around 200 participants comprises of the local leaders, civil servants, business men, start ups, farmers, out of school youths, members of the cooperatives from eastern districts and even few aspiring entrepreneurs from Thimphu gather in Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdu hall in Mongar on 19-20 April to attend the training on... readmore
Uma by COMO Bhutan supports one more female entrepreneur
Uma by COMO Bhutan in Paro contributed US$ 4,000 to The Loden Foundation to support one female entrepreneur in 2014. Bhutan’s first prayer flag printing press “Darzang Flags” business at Pasakha started by female entrepreneur, Rinzin Tshomo was partially supported by Uma by COMO Bhutan in 2013. With guidance from Loden mentors, her business has been picked up well and she is now... readmore
Bhutan joins Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2014 in Moscow
Loden Foundation was invited to join Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2014 in Moscow amongst 153 countries as recognition of its efforts in promoting entrepreneurship. Global Entrepreneurship Congress is a gatherings of entrepreneurship champions from around the world connecting people across borders and sectors to unleash ideas that drive economic growth... readmore
Loden takes on board two female staff
As Loden embarks on the ambitious years ahead in pursuit of widening the horizons of their charitable services to the larger society, the organization takes on board two dynamic multi-skilled female staff. Loden claims that they were carefully chosen form more than100 applicants and will strengthen their organizational capacity... readmore
Understanding Culture, History and Religion of Bhutan
In the second workshop held on 23 Feb 2014 by the Loden Foundation for tour guides, about 75 tour guides attended the day long talk and discussion conducted by Dr Karma Phuntsho, the founder of the Loden Foundation. “It is important for every Bhutanese to know our cultural and... readmore
Trainees of Wood Craft Centre in Loden
Loden’s Special Executive Officer talks to the trainees of Wood Craft Centre (WCC) about the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and importance of doing business. He says, “A nation’s prosperity and progress in the world today is defined mainly by the state of its economy, which in turn is determined by... readmore
Made in Bhutan in Paris, France and London, UK
A 32 minutes documentary film portraying the emergence of entrepreneurial culture in Bhutan was screened in Paris, France on 7th of February. The Amis Du Bhoutan (http://amisdubhoutan.fr/) and Loden Foundation organized the exclusive screening for the friends of Bhutan coinciding with the Annual General Assembly of Amis Du Bhoutan.... readmore
Loden Entrepreneur Award
Mr Jigme Drukpa, Managing Proprietor of Aa-yang Music School in Thimphu was declared as the Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 by Loden foundation.Lyonpo Sonam Kinga, Hon’ble Chairperson of the National Council, presented the cash prize of Nu 100,108/- along with the award during the closing session of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2013 in Bhutan. Pema Wangchuk, Offtg. Executive Director of the Loden Foundation said,... readmore
Loden supports 13 more aspiring entrepreneurs with capital fund
Loden foundation has selected 13 aspiring entrepreneurs to be supported with collateral and interest free capital fund. They will also be provided with designated trained national and international mentors for continuous mentoring and monitored on regular basis by Loden staff. Each year, Loden foundation conducts business concept competition after providing two to three rounds... readmore
GEW Bhutan, Day V: Pictorial run through of the day’s event.
Day five of the GEW week in Bhutan today, provided a platform for the participants of young potential entrepreneurs to acquaint with the ideas of ‘Business Communication, Marketing and branding, How to Draft a Business Plan and Value Chain as an Approach to Rural Enterprise Development.’ The Director of... readmore
Loden mentored 20 mentors for Bhutan’s entrepreneurs to benefit
Loden mentored 20 mentors for Bhutan’s entrepreneurs to benefit Yesterday marked a milestone in Loden’s initiative of entrepreneurship programme, with 20 competent mentors awarded with certificates of mentorship to look after and guide the new entrepreneurs in Bhutan. The 20 mentors were awarded with certificates of mentors after the... readmore
Day III (GEW Bhutan): Accounts, books and a happy business!
Today, at the ongoing Global Entrepreneurship Week event at Tarayana conference hall, stress was put on the importance of accounts and book keeping in a business. “How to account the money is key to success in a business,” said Mr. Ugyen, a trainer and consultant with the Institute of... readmore
The zeal of sharing ideas and knowledge
The second day of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Bhutan began with great zeal in the presenters and the participants at Tarayana Conference Hall in Thimphu today. Discussing and sharing ideas on entrepreneurship, the main speaker, Sangay Rinzin, a visiting faculty at the College of Science and Technology,... readmore
Loden screened Made in Bhutan in the opening of GEW in Bhutan
As part of the opening ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, the Loden Foundation screened Made in Bhutan, a brief documentary on the entrepreneurship in Bhutan. Featuring local entrepreneurs, mostly supported by the Loden Foundation, the documentary focuses on promoting entrepreneurship to encourage young minds to start... readmore
PM graces the opening of GEW in Bhutan with good news gift to entrepreneurs
Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchen Tshering Tobgye graced the opening ceremony of 2nd Global Entrepreneurship Week in Bhutan organized by the Loden Foundation today at the City Cinema hall in Thimphu. He was accompanied by the minister for Labour and Human Resources Lyonpo Neegma Sangay Tsenpo and minister for... readmore
2nd Global Entrepreneurship Week in Bhutan kicks off
The second Global Entrepreneurship Week in Bhutan kicked off early Today at Tarayana center with Loden’s Executive director and founding director introducing the programme and its aims and objectives to the participants. Loden Foundation, starting last year, initiated global Entrepreneurship Week in Bhutan. The prime minister of Bhutan Lyonchen Tshering... readmore
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 18-24 November 2013
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship globally. Loden Foundation with other stakeholders in Bhutan joined the global community to observe GEW for the first time in 2012. . The event was a great success in promoting the awareness of entrepreneurship in the country... readmore
Amis du Bhoutan Presents Their Donation to Loden Foundation
To supplement Loden’s stimulating effort in empowering youth through social entrepreneurship and educational programs, the President of the French association, Les Amis du Bhoutan, Dr Francoise Pommaret donates €2,000 to Dorji Tashi, the Executive Director of Loden Foundation supporting their pioneering Entrepreneurship Program in the country. The two organizations... readmore
Greener Way’s Karma Yonten, A Loden Entrepreneur receives global recognition
The Prince’s Youth Business International has recognised Karma Yonten, the founder of Greener Way as the Environmental Entrepreneur of 2013 at the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit in London. Karma Yonten was accompanied by the Mentor in-chief from Loden Foundation, Mr. Pema Wangchuk. Karma is the founder of Bhutan’s first... readmore
YBI Award goes to Mr. Karma Yonten- A Loden Entrepreneur
Youth Business International (YBI) Environmental Entrepreneur of the year 2013 has been awarded to Mr. Karma Yonten of Greener Way, Bhutan. Mr. Karma Yonten says “I had a business dream and i was not going to let it go” and he is going strong with his business dream. Read... readmore
Ms Caroline Boyadjian returns to France
After spending almost a year with Loden as a volunteer, Ms Carolin Boyadjian will return to France! During her time with Loden, she has performed outstandingly in supporting Loden and has become an integral part of the Loden family. In organizing manifold workshops and building the library for the... readmore
Ley-Kha Mushroom Farm, Paro
Karma Penjore is a blissful plant-pathologist and farmer in his best years who has given up his former government job to carry out this venture into entrepreneurship. He is in the process of constructing the shed for high-end mushroom farming close to the Agriculture Machinery Centre in Paro. Given... readmore
Dr Karma Phuntsho, the Founding Director of Loden launched his book, ‘History of Bhutan’
The book titled, ‘History of Bhutan’ by Dr Karma Phuntsho was launched recently in Thimphu, Bhutan and India. A scholar, social worker and Founding Director of the Loden Foundation, Phuntsho has been digitally storing traditional Bhuddhist archives that have been lying in remote temples of Bhutan for ages, making... readmore
Loden offers Scholarship for Another Three Students
Loden offered scholarship for another three students for higher education in Sri-Lanka and India this year. They were selected through open competition wheremore than one hundred students have applied for it. Dechen Yoesel Chhoden was offered partial scholarship from Loden and Ministry of Education, Bhutan to pursue MBBA in... readmore
Loden Entrepreneur Wins Global Entrepreneurial Award
Greener Way, Bhutan’s first private waste management firm started by Karma Yonten and his team has been awarded the Global Environment Entrepreneur of the Year, 2013 by Youth Business International, a leading non-profit initiative present in 40 countries.His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is the President of Youth... readmore
Loden conducted its 9th Entrepreneurship Crash Course
As part of the annual Entrepreneurship training Program, Loden Foundation conducted its 9th entrepreneurship crash course on the 4th week of April, 2013. The crash course was aimed at providing potential entrepreneurs insights on the basic fundamentals of entrepreneurship. The two-day free entrepreneurship crash course was attended by aspiring... readmore
Loden Moved into a New Office
With the expansion of activities of Loden in the last few years and in the hope to further develop its services for the Bhutanese community, Loden Foundation has moved into a new office which is located opposite to the Bhutan Post Office in the Dewa Kahangzang Building, top floor.... readmore
Loden participates in the Global Entrepreneurship Congress
Following the Global Entrepreneurship Week that was observed for the first time in Bhutan from 12-18 November, Loden Foundation participated in the four-day Global Entrepreneurship Congress that was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is an inter-disciplinary gathering of start-up champions from around the world—where... readmore
Bhutan celebrates the first International Day of Hapiness
The people in the capital observed the International Day of Happiness with the unfurling of the giant Guru Thongdrel (large tapestry) at the courtyard of Tashichhodzong, this morning. The Norzin Lam remained closed to traffic. Instead, various cultural programmes were showcased along the street. Food stalls were opened at... readmore
Loden Early Learning Centres opened for 2013 academic session
After two months of winter holiday with absolute silence in the Loden Early Learning Centres, today we see dozens of children in it. The Centres re-opened for the 2013 academic year on 3 March 2013. There are total of 114 children enrolled in the Loden Early Learning Centres with... readmore
Heavy Snowfall affected Greener Way
Whiles people in the capital city of Thimpu celebrated the heavy snowfall with immense excitement, Greener Way, the first waste management service firm in Bhutan was bit troubled. The heavy snowfall has destroyed the waste stock yard which has also caused minor damages to their machinery equipments. The firm... readmore
Loden signs MoU with the Anti-Corruption Commission of Bhutan
As part of the International Anti-Corruption Day observed in Bhutan, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Anti-Corruption Commission, one of the constitutional bodies in the country and the Loden Foundation on 18 December 2012. The MoU was signed in the ACC headquarter in Thimphu by the Chairperson, Dasho... readmore
Workshop on Buddhist Values in Business completed successfully in Brussels
28 November, A workshop on Buddhist values in Business and its relevance for Europe was held in Brussels during the weekend of 24-25 November. The workshop attracted a rich mix of entrepreneurs, business experts, academics and policy makers from Asia, Europe and America. With the European and US economy still... readmore