Telkom School Welcomes the Academy of Entrepreneurs for a Masterclass on Building Businesses That Solve Problems

When the Ministry of Education of Makassar found out we were coming for a business trip, they immediately invited our CEO, Paula Mills, to lead an inspiring session with students on how to create businesses that don’t just make money—but make a difference.

💡 The Challenge: Can a Business End Poverty?

Paula posed a simple yet powerful question:"What if your business started by helping just three people? Could that small step lead to real, lasting change?"

At first, some students were unsure. But as the discussion unfolded, they realized that all great businesses start small—by solving a problem for a few people and then scaling up to create a massive impact.

The formula was simple:

1. Help 3 people – Identify a problem, create a simple solution, and test it with three people.

2. Help 30 people – Improve the solution and reach more people who need it.

3. Help 300 people – Scale the impact, refine the business, and create real, lasting change.

Through this approach, students saw that business isn’t just about profit—it’s about creating solutions that transform lives.

🧠 Problem-Solving for Real-World Impact

During the session, students explored different ways to use business as a tool to fight poverty:

✅ Micro-businesses that empower local communities.

✅ Social enterprises that reinvest profits into education and healthcare.

✅ Tech solutions that connect underserved populations with new opportunities.

Paula shared inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who started small but eventually changed thousands of lives—proving that helping just three people can be the beginning of something extraordinary.

🚀 Students Take Action: Business Ideas for a Better World

The highlight of the session was when students brainstormed and pitched their own business ideas using the 3-30-300 model.

Their ideas included:

• A community-based tutoring program—starting by helping three younger students succeed in school and eventually scaling up to provide accessible education to hundreds.

• An eco-friendly packaging business—replacing plastic waste in their local area, beginning with three local stores and growing to a wider network.

• A marketplace for handmade crafts from underprivileged communities—supporting small artisans by selling their work online.

  
  

🔥 The Takeaway: Small Steps, Big Impact

As the session wrapped up, one student reflected:

"I never thought about business this way. Helping three people sounds easy—but now I see how it can grow into something huge!"

And that’s the AE mindset—starting small, thinking big, and creating solutions that change the world.

🌟 The Future of Entrepreneurship at Telkom School

With the passion, creativity, and determination we saw at Telkom School, we have no doubt that these students will become entrepreneurs who solve problems, uplift communities, and create a future without poverty.

This is just the beginning. 🚀✨

Want AE to bring this powerful workshop to your school? Let’s make it happen—contact us today! 🎉