A New Dawn for Entrepreneurship: PULSE Cox’s Bazar Cohort 1

Beyond the Beaches: A Hidden Economy

Cox’s Bazar is known across the world for its sweeping golden beaches and vibrant culture. But beyond the tourist lens lies another story – one of untapped economic promise. From seafood processing and salt production to handicrafts and dry fish industries, the region’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in every corner. Its location, infrastructure, and thriving small businesses make it a natural candidate for growth. Yet for years, this potential has remained only partially realized. 

The Weight of Barriers 

The entrepreneurs of Cox’s Bazar have never lacked ambition. What they have lacked are the tools to grow. Access to financing remains a formidable challenge, with strict lending rules and scarce funding opportunities keeping many businesses small. Without mentors or experienced industry guides, entrepreneurs often find themselves navigating markets blindly, missing opportunities for expansion. Market connections are thin, restricting ventures from building partnerships or reaching customers beyond local borders. Sustainability adds another layer of challenge, with many businesses lacking awareness of environmentally responsible practices that are now essential for long-term survival. These barriers, though daunting, have not dimmed the determination of Cox’s Bazar’s entrepreneurs. Instead, they highlight a pressing need for the right kind of intervention. 

Enter PULSE: A Catalyst for Change 

That intervention came in the form of the PULSE Program (Promoting Unified Local Support for Entrepreneurship). Launched through a collaboration between Swisscontact and Turtle Venture Studio, PULSE was designed to do more than provide resources. It was built to unlock potential. 

At the heart of PULSE is mentorship. Entrepreneurs are paired with seasoned professionals who guide them through business challenges, helping refine strategies and sharpen decision-making. Alongside this, the program offers business support tailored to each enterprise, addressing operational efficiency, market positioning, and long-term growth planning. Crucially, PULSE connects entrepreneurs to investment opportunities, with funding ranging from 1 lakh to 50 lakh BDT—capital that has proven game-changing for scaling ideas into real ventures. Networking is another cornerstone, linking participants with investors, industry leaders, and peers. And, underpinning it all, the program integrates sustainability training, ensuring that growth is responsible, eco-friendly, and resilient. 

Sparks of Change: Cohort-1 in Action

The results from PULSE’s first cohort tell a story of transformation. Entrepreneurs who once struggled in isolation now have mentors walking beside them, guiding critical decisions. Funding that was once out of reach is now a reality: capital that allows businesses to expand operations and take bold steps forward. Networking events have opened doors to collaborations and new markets. Perhaps most importantly, sustainability practices are no longer abstract ideas but practical strategies being woven into business models. 

The numbers make the impact tangible. Bili secured commitments worth 50 lakh BDT, Roadbook won €5,000 from Orange Corner, while other entrepreneurs gained awards of up to $3,000 and 1 lakh BDT.

In just six months, customer traction surged: Bili gained 500 new clients, Boichitro added 100, Doriya brought in 60, Roadbook attracted 150, and Grovine welcomed 200. These milestones are more than statistics—they are signals of a shifting entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Lessons from the Journey 

• Tailored solutions for local challenges: the PULSE Program are designed to address the unique obstacles faced by entrepreneurs in Cox’s Bazar. By understanding the specific needs of the region, the program offers customized support that helps entrepreneurs navigate issues such as limited access to financing, market connectivity, and expertise.

• Mentorship: The importance of mentorship in the PULSE Program cannot be overestimated. By connecting entrepreneurs with experienced industry experts, the program provides invaluable guidance that helps refine strategies, overcome challenges, and navigate complex market dynamics. Mentorship fosters growth by sharing knowledge, enhancing decision-making, and building confidence, ultimately empowering entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and achieve long-term success. 

• Networking: It drives expansion by connecting entrepreneurs to a broader ecosystem of industry leaders, investors, and business partners. These connections open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and markets, facilitating business growth and scalability. Through networking, entrepreneurs gain access to valuable insights, resources, and potential partnerships. 

• Sustainability: Sustainability is the future of business. Entrepreneurs who integrate environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and social impact into their operations are better equipped to thrive in the long term. By prioritizing sustainable practices, businesses can achieve resilient growth, adapt to evolving market demands, and contribute positively to both the economy and the environment. 

The Road Ahead 

The story of PULSE and Cox’s Bazar is only just beginning. The next step lies in scaling: taking the lessons and successes of Cohort-1 and extending them to other regions. Such expansion will multiply impact, foster wider economic development, and spread innovative practices across Bangladesh. Continued access to investment will remain vital, ensuring that entrepreneurs can scale sustainably while competing in both local and global markets. 

Equally important is the deepening of sustainability practices. As entrepreneurs embrace eco-friendly operations and social responsibility, they will not only strengthen their own ventures but also build consumer trust and contribute positively to their communities and environment. 

Toward a Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Cox’s Bazar is in the midst of a transformation. Once seen solely as a tourist destination, it is emerging as an entrepreneurial hub where resilience, innovation, and sustainability drive progress. The PULSE Program has already empowered more than 500 entrepreneurs to overcome systemic barriers, turning ambition into achievement. 

The road ahead is promising. With ongoing investment, stronger networks, and a deepening commitment to responsible business, Cox’s Bazar is on its way to becoming a model for regional entrepreneurship – a place where local visionaries are not only building businesses but also shaping a resilient, inclusive, and innovative economy for the future.