On 14 November 2025, the second edition of the HDFC-YUVA Youth Pitch Fest was held at the HDFC Bank office. Organised by YUVA in partnership with HDFC Bank Parivartan, the Youth Pitch Fest for Community Enterprises brought together young entrepreneurs from Mumbai’s underserved communities, many of them first-generation learners, who presented ideas shaped by their everyday realities and aspirations for sustainable livelihoods.
What made this edition special was not just the business pitches but the sense of continuity. This was not a one-time event. It was a growing journey, one that showed how belief, mentorship, and sustained support can slowly turn ideas into livelihoods.
“You are already winners”
The day began with a warm welcome from the HDFC Bank team, who set the tone for the event by reminding the participants that reaching this stage itself was an achievement. Addressing the students, one of the speakers shared a powerful message:
“For me, all of you are winners. You are here because you have an idea, you believe in it, and you are confident enough to speak about it.”
The speaker reflected on last year’s Pitch Fest and proudly shared that all five entrepreneurs supported in the first edition are doing well today, running their enterprises, learning through challenges, and shaping their own futures.
Much of this success, they acknowledged, came from both financial support and consistent mentoring that helped them take their ideas forward in a structured way.
Ongoing Support From The Jury and Partners
Several jury members from the previous edition returned this time as well, reflecting their continued association with the programme. Senior leaders from HDFC Bank, along with industry professionals and YUVA’s leadership, formed a diverse jury panel that evaluated ideas across sectors.
The presence of returning jury members reflected that the platform had been effective in supporting young people in earlier editions.
Building Futures, Not Just Businesses
During the programme, YUVA’s leadership shared the larger vision behind the Pitch Fest. The initiative is part of a broader youth development programme co-created by YUVA and HDFC Bank, one that focuses not only on skills or funding, but on holistic youth development.
The approach recognises the realities of urban poverty, migration, and informal work. Many of the young people participating come from dense informal settlements, where access to stable education, exposure, and networks is limited. Most are first-generation learners whose families have never had the opportunity to pursue formal education.
The programme supports youth through:
- Livelihood and enterprise strengthening
- Group-based learning and collective support
- Civic awareness, mental health, and well-being
- Exposure visits and employee-led mentorship
- Creative learning through arts and sports
As one speaker shared, working in groups gives young people strength. Being part of a collective, rather than standing alone, helps them navigate vulnerabilities with confidence.
Learning From Last Year’s Entrepreneurs
One of the most inspiring moments of the day was when Sidra Shaikh and Gajanan Tayade, two entrepreneurs supported in the first edition, returned to share their journeys.
Sidra spoke about how the Pitch Fest helped her invest in baking equipment and build confidence in her abilities. She spoke honestly about fear, manifestation, and the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance. Today, she continues to grow her baking business while completing her education.
Gajanan reflected on his journey of starting a mobile repair shop and learning the importance of planning, pricing, and marketing. Both speakers reminded the new participants that success does not happen overnight, but it does happen when support meets determination.Their presence made the possibilities feel real. These were not distant success stories. They were young people from similar backgrounds, standing in the same room, saying: “If we could do it, you can too.”
Ideas Rooted in Everyday Life
This year, 13 young entrepreneurs pitched their ideas, ranging from healthy food products and event management services to sound systems, community-based services, and small-scale enterprises. Many ideas were shaped by personal experiences, by what participants saw missing in their neighbourhoods, families, or daily lives.
One participant spoke about creating healthy, oil-free snack alternatives using dehydrated fruits and vegetables, inspired by the lack of nutritious options for children and working families. Another shared his journey of building an event and sound management business, balancing financial constraints, community responsibility, and the desire to grow sustainably.
The jury listened closely, asked practical questions, and offered honest feedback on pricing, planning, differentiation, and long-term vision. The focus was not on perfection, but on clarity, feasibility, and growth.
More Than A Pitch
For many participants, this was their first time entering a corporate office, speaking into a microphone, or presenting their ideas to senior professionals. The Pitch Fest became more than a competition, it became a space where young people were seen and heard.
As YUVA shared, real empowerment is not about rushing young people into opportunities they are not ready for, but about preparing them deeply, so they can walk into new spaces with confidence and understanding.
Looking Ahead
The second edition of the Youth Pitch Fest reaffirmed something simple yet powerful, change begins when young people are trusted with responsibility and supported with care.
As YUVA and HDFC Bank Parivartan continue this partnership, the Pitch Fest stands as a growing model, one that shows how community-rooted ideas, when nurtured patiently, can become pathways to dignity, independence, and resilience.
The journeys shared on this day are still unfolding. But what was clear by the end of the programme was this: these young entrepreneurs are no longer just dreaming.
