BNI Uzvaad 2025 lit up the Goan business landscape with a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial energy, thought leadership, and high-octane celebration.
Goa – a land known for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant spirit – recently bore witness to a groundbreaking confluence of business brilliance, entrepreneurial empowerment, and high-energy celebration at BNI Uzvaad 2025. The event, hosted by BNI Goa at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, was not just a regional milestone; it was a monumental leap for the Goan business community charging and revving up the entrepreneurial growth engine; a magnetic hub for the aspiring ones, while also bringing together the BNI master connectors and networkers from across India.
Rajkumar Kamat, Executive Director of BNI Goa, shared the vision and the
roadmap for 2030 and spoke about how BNI will impact the lives of young minds to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Goa. By bringing business minds together, generating employment and igniting a movement, creating a ripple effect that will inspire and accelerate Goan enterprise for years to come.
A masterclass to remember: Rajiv Talreja takes Goa by storm
One of the crown jewels of the event was the highly awaited Rajiv Talreja Masterclass – the first of its kind in Goa. Known as India’s leading business coach and author of Lead or Bleed, Rajiv brought his unique brand of wisdom, charisma, and laser-sharp business insight to a spellbound audience at the Planet Hollywood Resort.
With an auditorium packed wall-to-wall, Talreja’s masterclass on scaling businesses with systems and leadership had entrepreneurs glued to their seats. His engaging delivery, real-world anecdotes, and actionable strategies turned the session into a turning point for many attendees.
The Entrepreneurial Bootcamp: A power-packed panel of titans ignites Goa’s startup spirit
Held with electric energy and infectious enthusiasm, the Bootcamp brought together students, faculty, and a vibrant mix of aspiring and established entrepreneurs for a high-impact,action-driven day of entrepreneurial learning.
The event featured an elite panel of business luminaries, including:
• Varun Sridhar, CEO, Paytm Services
• D.S. Prashant, CEO, Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Government of Goa
• Amol Palkar, CFO, S-Ride and Advisor on Fundraising
• Gautam Verlekar, MD, Saltwater Sutra and Climate Seed Fund
• Raj Kapoor, internationally acclaimed blockchain expert
Kicking off the day, Varun Sridhar delivered a powerful keynote that unpacked the realities of building and scaling successful ventures in today’s dynamic ecosystem. His message was clear: the future belongs to those who innovate relentlessly and execute fearlessly.
A major highlight of the Bootcamp was the ‘Ask Me Anything’ session – an unscripted, no-holds-barred panel interaction where attendees posed live questions to the experts. Topics ranged from early-stage funding and digital growth strategies to team-building, resilience, and personal transformation.
BNI Inter-Region 1-2-1 Business Accelerator: A high-powered conclave of collaboration
In a defining highlight of BNI Uzvaad Goa 2025, the BNI Inter-Region 1-2-1 Business Accelerator emerged as a powerhouse of purpose-driven networking and high-impact conversations. Over the course of the Accelerator, hundreds of meaningful conversations unfolded. Cross-regional synergies were unlocked
far more than a conventional business open networking space, this was an exclusive conclave meticulously curated for BNI members only –bringing together the finest networkers and business leaders from Goa and across India under one focused roof.
At the heart of the Accelerator were BNI’s timeless core values: ‘Givers Gain’ – the spirit of contribution before expectation; and ‘Building Relationships’ – because trust is the foundation of every successful business deal.
BNI Goa signs transformative MoU with SS Dempo College to foster entrepreneurial excellence
In a landmark move to bridge the gap between academia and industry, BNI Goa, in collaboration with the BNI Foundation, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shrinivas Dempo, Trustee of the esteemed SS Dempo College of Commerce & Economics.
This forward-looking partnership is designed to nurture the entrepreneurial potential of Goa’s youth by integrating industry expertise directly into the academic environment. The collaboration will provide students with access to specialized ‘Entrepreneur Unlocking’ courses, mentorship opportunities, and practical insights from accomplished business leaders within BNI’s global network.
Speaking at the occasion, Shrinivas Dempo expressed his gratitude to BNI for championing the cause of entrepreneurship and welcomed the initiative as a significant value addition to the college’s commerce curriculum.
The Grand Finale: Gala Awards Night & the dazzling crown of Mr. & Ms. BNI
Uzvaad reached its glorious crescendo with a Gala Awards Evening that seamlessly blended elegance, recognition, and a whole lot of high-energy entertainment. The night was more than a closing ceremony; it was a tribute to excellence, perseverance, and performance.
Top-performing BNI members, regional achievers, and contributors who went above and beyond were honoured and spotlighted in an emotionally charged awards segment.
And then came the most awaited moment of the night – the crowning of Mr. & Ms. BNI. An initiative that celebrates not just business acumen but personality, passion, and community spirit, this dazzling competition brought the house down. Winners took the stage with pride, danced with abandon, and set the tone for a night where business leaders became the true rockstars.
The entire BNI UZVAAD team led by the COO comprising of Chairman Rasik Naik, Vinay Verma, Dinesh Dhulapkar, Parag Lolyenkar, and Asha Arondekar,
BNI Uzvaad Goa wasn’t just a business event – it was a movement. It proved that Goa is more than a tourist paradise; it’s a rising powerhouse of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community-driven commerce. For young Goan entrepreneurs, it was a masterclass in possibility. For visiting business leaders, it was a reminder that Goa means business. For the entire BNI fraternity, it was a reaffirmation of what’s possible when values meet vision.
As the curtains drew on Uzvaad 2025, the message was loud and clear – the future of Goan business isn’t waiting to be written. It’s already happening. And it’s happening in style.
