Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF) Model: Lessons from Bangladesh and Prospects for European Universities
Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF) Model: Lessons from Bangladesh and Prospects for European Universities

Author(s): Ahmrafsan Khondokar
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Economy, Education, Business Economy / Management, Sociology, Higher Education , Sociology of the arts, business, education, Financial Markets, Socio-Economic Research, Pedagogy
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: Entrepreneurship Development Fund; revolving loan; student entrepreneurship; higher education financing; Europe
Summary/Abstract: This study analyzes the Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF) at Daffodil International University (DIU) as a novel revolving loan-based framework for student entrepreneurship and assesses its relevance to European universities. We employed a mixed-methods approach to gather data from three surveys: EDF managers and administrators, student founders who received or requested EDF support, and the general student population. Secondary desk research and a literature review provided comparative insights into the financing mechanisms of European higher education. The results show that EDF has helped DIU become more entrepreneurial by giving money and advice to student founders at the start. But there are still problems with making sure that all three of these things repayment, monitoring, and long-term viability work. Beneficiaries said that EDF is important for helping people start their own businesses, even though there isn't much help or chance to grow after they graduate. A larger survey of students shows that many of them are interested in revolving funds like EDF. Students would rather borrow money with low interest rates that are easy to understand than money that they don't have to pay back. European universities mostly get money from grants, contests, and incubators. Few individuals utilize revolving loan structures. The study shows that colleges and universities all over the world can use EDF as a model to stay in business. European universities could help their ecosystems grow by adding revolving loan programs to their grants. This would make sure that people are responsible, keep track of their money, and have a lasting effect.

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