Late JRD Tata founded BYST in 1992 for ‘Youth Entrepreneurship and Mentor Development’ in Delhi, Chennai and four other metropolitan cities. Now Rahul Bajaj chairs BYST. It has helped over 200 youth in Chennai in the past three years.

After working in his father’s lathe for a salary of Rs 1, 500 for six months, Deeban took over. He worked nearly 10 hours a day and as the course related to his job, it was easy for him to pass the exams and run the business profitably. 'Apart from disbursing loans, BYST's mentor guided me in every step.'

When teenager S Rajeshwari (31) mortgaged her mother’s jewels and began her computer peripheral shop, her relatives discouraged her. 'After I approached BYST and received enough loans along with tons of advice from the mentors, my business flourished within two years. Now, I employ 15 girls and am earning Rs 4,00,000 a year,' said Rajeshwari.

'Over 50 young aspiring young women and men approach us for loans every month, but we need mentors to back the entrepreneurs,' said Lakshmi V.Venkatesan, vice-president of BYST.