October 29, 2024, by aezdb

My Journey with the Ingenuity Lab: From Uncertainty to Entrepreneurship

By Dr Inchirah Adala, Founder of PLURABIO

A year and a half ago, I had my first exposure to the Ingenuity Lab through the Link Programme. At that time, I was working full-time at a large company, but I often felt out of place and uncertain about my career. Although I had briefly encountered the world of entrepreneurship before, I saw it as something I might explore further down the road.

One day, I came across a LinkedIn post promoting the Link Programme, a three-day training covering the essential aspects of starting a business. Intrigued and excited by the opportunity, I signed up. To my delight, I not only completed the program but also won a Networking Prize.

The experience opened my eyes to the fact that entrepreneurship was the path I truly wanted to follow. It presented a unique chance to create something meaningful that could have a positive impact on society, while also giving my work a deeper sense of purpose. No job title or salary could offer me that sense of fulfilment, and a few months later, I made the bold decision to leave my full-time position and take the leap into entrepreneurship.

In January 2024, I officially joined the Ingenuity Lab and began working on my business plan. Every month, we held meetings with fellow lab members and Terri to discuss our progress, plans, and challenges. These sessions not only gave me a sense of accountability but also provided invaluable opportunities to learn and share experiences with others on a similar journey. I made it a point to come to the Lab every week,  connecting and collaborating with other members.

The Lab also offered advisory sessions with experts in legal matters, business planning, and more. Meeting with them once a month helped boost my confidence in the direction I was taking. I will always remember the support from Mel Berry of HER SPIRIT, who deeply understood my vision. Her encouragement gave me the strength to continue pushing boundaries and moving forward.

Along the way, Terri, Head of the Ingenuity Lab, encouraged me to participate in the Ingenuity Impact programme, a national competition that allowed me to pitch my business plan to panels of judges and receive formal feedback. To my delight, I won several prizes, which was a major milestone in my journey.

Inchirah pitching and receiving her prizes as part of the Ingenuity Impact programme

For me, the Lab became one of the first places where I encountered unconditional support and a positive, growth-oriented mindset. I’ve come to realize that entrepreneurship is not just my path, but my passion. While I understand that failure may be part of the journey, I’m not afraid of it—because I know I’ll always have the strength and resilience to try again.

In June 2024, I took the next big step and officially registered my company, PLURABIO. Following that, I continued my development by joining the SCALE Program, a five-week initiative designed to accelerate business growth. Once again, I had the opportunity to pitch my business, and I was fortunate enough to secure additional prizes and mentoring.

From the Link Program to the Ingenuity Lab, the Ingenuity Impact competition, and the SCALE Program, each of these experiences has given me the tools and confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial journey with purpose and resilience.

Do you want to grow your business in a supportive and inspiring environment surrounded by other entrepreneurs? Find out more about the Ingenuity Lab and how we can support you by visiting our website. 

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