Ruchi Gupta is the Founder of The Launch Pad Co, an advisory service that assists businesses with strategy, project delivery, and grant funding.
Since its inception, we have assisted a number of start-ups to launch their services, helped established businesses streamline their operations, delivered several digital automation projects, and made grant funding accessible to more than 150 businesses.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Ruchi, to know a bit more about her journey as a business & grants consultant.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Ruchi: Having spent 16 years in the corporate world, I felt that it was time for a change. I was at a position in life, both professionally and personally, where I felt that I needed to take certain risks & invest in myself. I was always an ideator and a problem solver, looking for the next opportunity. When I found a niche that I wanted to service, I knew that this is where I can take things up a notch. I am a strong believer that entrepreneurs are not born, they are made And I wanted to prove this to myself.
Q. How did you get started?
Ruchi: The first and foremost lesson is to study your market to see if the idea has potential. The next is to see how you can deliver value. I knew from previous interactions in the business community, that there is a need for The Launch Pad Co., and so I mapped out my value proposition. It took some time but then I started working on a brand and invested heavily in networking. For a service-based business, networking is imperative and for someone that did not have a sales background, it was a skill I developed over time. But I learnt a few lessons very early on that helped me shape this business to where it is today – (1) Business agility is of utmost importance if you wish to survive & thrive, and (2) Build an ace team of supporters around you.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Ruchi: The process from concept development to business stability presents a steep learning curve, as did mine.
The Launch Pad Co. was initiated just before the onset of the COVID pandemic. It was extremely hard to operationalise a business while the world went through turmoil, but we did and how. The Launch Pad Co. was initially designed to be an SME business advisory service but we soon realised that this service would become obsolete in the pandemic as businesses struggled to survive. We also saw new opportunities open up in the market, particularly in terms of business support, education & funding. I learnt then that we must be agile in the way we service our clients and we did. 2 years later, we have a brand that speaks for itself without marketing because we have been able to provide quality service to our clients.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Ruchi: I have always believed that every idea has potential and the difference between a good idea and a flourishing business is the support that it gets from the start. The Launch Pad Co. was built on this notion. We help deliver business clarity & funding, especially to those young businesses that have much to achieve. I would like for The Launch Pad Co. to become a renowned service provider in the SME market for the value & service it provides.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Ruchi: If you have an idea with a potential, take that leap of faith and learn as you go. If you’re passionate you will make it work but if you wait for the right opportunity, you will be waiting a long time.
To keep up to date with Ruchi and her journey, connect with her on Facebook and LinkedIn.