Meeting with Local Entrepreneurs Held at KBSU

Kabardino-Balkarian State University (KBSU) hosted a meeting with several entrepreneurs from the republic: Azret Shogenov, Emir Kodzokov, Ruslan Kokov, and Yanal Abdulmajid. The event was organized by the Youth Policy Department of the Nalchik Urban District administration. In an open dialogue format, the speakers discussed key aspects of running a business, introduced various entrepreneurial approaches, and offered valuable insights for those looking to launch their own ventures.

Addressing a group of schoolchildren and university students, Azret Shogenov shared his 10-year professional journey, which included developing a mobile app, organizing wedding photography, and working in the food service industry. Today, his primary project is the successful café «SauBowl»—a venture that, according to him, «hit the mark» immediately, thanks to a well-chosen location and a high-quality product.

«Sometimes, success doesn’t come on the first try; it arrives only after you’ve paid the price for the illusion that you already know everything. Don’t let fear dictate your decisions. You don’t have to risk everything at once: you can test an idea, discuss it with your potential audience, estimate potential revenue, and start on a small scale. The key question isn’t just about the size of your profit—it’s about what people actually need and what kind of value you can contribute to society,» noted Azret Shogenov. Emir Kodzokov—an entrepreneur ranked among Russia’s top 100, a representative of the federal project «Rosmolodezh.Predprinimay» (Rosmolodezh.Entrepreneurship) in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, and Director of Strategic Development for the clothing brand Hatsibana—debunked three common myths that often deter students from starting their own businesses:

«Substantial startup capital is not a prerequisite; budding entrepreneurs can monetize their own existing skills. A business’s uniqueness is defined not by the product itself, but by the approach taken and the quality of service provided. Furthermore, one should not expect total freedom—the market and the customers will ultimately dictate the key requirements.»

Yanal Abdulmajid, founder of «Choco Dips» and «Cambridge School,» offered practical advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. He highlighted the importance of seizing the right moment and testing ideas in real-world scenarios, noting that this helps in better understanding potential customer behavior and determining the right strategic direction. Additionally, he encouraged entrepreneurs not to fear standing out, emphasizing that an unconventional approach often serves as a competitive advantage and fosters business growth.

Ruslan Kokov, an active entrepreneur, drew on his experience in the electronics retail sector to discuss the nuances of customer acquisition, sales techniques, and the criteria for identifying a promising market niche.

The meeting concluded with a lively discussion, during which school and university students had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions and receive practical guidance.