Using the platform called YouthWave Malaysia, an NGO she founded in 2020, Lilitha launched Project Wafflepreneur recently, an entrepreneurship programme that trains youths on how to run a waffle-making business.
“The main aim is to develop skilled and highly competent entrepreneurs in this post-pandemic era, focusing mainly on youths especially those from vulnerable communities,” Lilitha told FMT.
“We are targeting youths within the B40 category so that they can stand on their own feet by starting their own business and supporting themselves,” she shared.
The 32-year-old said the idea of launching Project Wafflepreneur came to her after her own success at making waffles. “I actually learned how to make waffles by myself in 2021 through videos I watched online and by experimenting on my own.”
Once perfecting her waffle-making skills, Lilitha even opened her own café called Ladie Café where – you guessed it – waffles were the main attraction.
Her waffles were such a hit with customers that she’s in the process of opening a second outlet. “Finding success in waffle-making has inspired me to teach other young individuals and help them to establish a business of their own,” she said.
During the official launch of Project Wafflepreneur, Lilitha demonstrated how to make her waffles and shared her own tips and tricks on running a successful business.
Each wafflepreneur selected to join the project will be provided with a waffle kit of their own as well as training on how to make the best waffles, and more importantly, how to run a business.
“It is not easy to start a business so we will be providing each wafflepreneur with a starter kit that includes a waffle-making machine, raw materials like flour and eggs as well as spreads that they can use on the waffles,” she said.
Besides participating in a three-day workshop on how to make waffles, the wafflepreneurs will also receive assistance on how to set up their stalls.
Meanwhile, YouthWave will assist the wafflepreneurs on how to market their business to customers whether through traditional means or on online platforms such as GrabFood and FoodPanda.
The one-year-long project will officially kick-off in August this year. “We hope to sponsor 12 wafflepreneurs during this time, helping one each month,” Lilitha said.
Applicants will be selected after being interviewed and trained individually. “I hope that Project Wafflepreneur will be a success and we can continue to help more young entrepreneurs by providing them with the push and aid they need to enter the business world,” Lilitha shared.
Her dream is to keep Project Wafflepreneur going for the long-term and to increase the rate of employment among youths.
To sign-up for Project Wafflepreneur, send an email to [email protected] or contact them directly at 014-7592903.