March 11, 2025: The NLB Entrepreneurship BootCamp 2025, a collaborative initiative by the National Library Board and BlackStorm Consulting, recently wrapped up another successful season. Spanning four transformative weeks, the bootcamp was structured to progressively build the competencies of aspiring entrepreneurs, from ideation to the final pitch. Building on the success of the inaugural Batch 1, which was delivered over two intense days, the 2025 BootCamp marked a bold leap forward.
With a comprehensive four-week program accommodating over 200 participants, this edition combined virtual and physical sessions to create an immersive learning experience designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in the startup world.
Week 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Ideation
The bootcamp kicked off with an engaging introduction to the world of entrepreneurship. Participants began by exploring the entrepreneurial mindset—understanding the traits, resilience, and creative thinking required to succeed. Industry veterans provided invaluable insights into the startup journey, from the initial spark of an idea to its development into a fully-fledged business. Through dynamic workshops, participants learned how to transform abstract concepts into concrete business plans, fostering critical and creative thinking throughout the process.
Week 2: Business Development & Marketing
The focus shifted to business development and marketing strategies during Week 2. Expert mentors and guest speakers took participants through the intricacies of identifying market needs and understanding customer psychology. Key lessons on crafting effective marketing strategies, digital tools, and analytics helped participants navigate the complexities of the modern business environment. Participants also honed their skills through hands-on workshops, learning to leverage digital marketing strategies to drive their businesses forward in the digital age.
Week 3: Pitch Preparation
As the bootcamp neared its final weeks, participants dedicated their efforts to refining their pitches. In this critical week, the art of storytelling in business took center stage. Entrepreneurs learned how to effectively communicate their business value, weaving compelling narratives that resonated with potential investors and partners. With mock pitch sessions and real-time feedback from mentors, participants fine-tuned their presentations, focusing on both content and delivery to ensure they could captivate an audience and secure buy-in for their business ideas.
Week 4: Ask-Me-Anything & Demo Day
The grand finale of the bootcamp featured an exciting Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) session, where participants had the chance to address their final doubts with seasoned entrepreneurs. The highlight of Week 4 was Demo Day—an exhilarating showcase where the top eight teams presented their refined business ideas to a panel of judges, industry leaders, and potential investors. The event not only celebrated the hard work and innovation of the participants but also offered them the chance to gain valuable exposure and feedback from the entrepreneurial community.
Figure: Opening remarks by Mr 陳立涵, Managing Partner of BlackStorm Group
Figure: The Demo Day was moderated by Ms Doris De Souza, Director of Project Asia Data
Figure: One of the teams pitching at the Demo Day
Figure: One of the teams pitching at the Demo Day
Figure: One of the teams pitching at the Demo Day
Figure: One of the teams pitching at the Demo Day
Figure: (From left to right) The panel of judges includes Mr Desmond Low, Assistant Director, Partnerships and Startup Development of ACE.SG, Mr Andy Wee, General Manager of IES-INCA, and Mr Woei Yuan Seng, Director, Technology Cluster of MP Group
Figure: Mr Andy Wee was giving some feedback to the presenting teams
Figure: Mr Woei Yuan Seng was giving some feedback to the presenting teams
Figure: The Demo Day was wrapped up with some sharing of Launch initiatives and resources that NLB provides to members who would like to explore entrepreneurship
Demo Day Highlights and Winners
Demo Day was the culmination of weeks of hard work, with the top teams impressing judges with their innovation and clarity of vision. Synapse, Emineo Pursuits, and Critterra stood out, earning top honors for their groundbreaking solutions and well-polished presentations. These teams were evaluated on their presentation skills, market insight, and business model viability, with each team showcasing impressive entrepreneurial acumen.
Figure: (From Left to Right) Group photo of the winners of the Demo Day Critterra, Synapse, and Emineo Pursuits.
Figure: Mr Woei Yuan Seng presented the 1st Runner Up award to Emineo Pursuits
Figure: Mr Nicholas Koh, Product & Brand Evangelist (APAC) of Zoho presented the 2nd Runner Up award to Critterra
Participant Experience and Feedback
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the bootcamp for its comprehensive curriculum and real-world relevance. The mixture of virtual and physical sessions, combined with hands-on workshops, allowed participants to apply what they learned in real-time. Networking opportunities and one-on-one mentorship were highlighted as key factors in refining business ideas, with many participants acknowledging the personalized guidance that helped shape their entrepreneurial journey.
One of the quotes from a participant:
I really appreciate the opportunity given to be taught, guided and hear from various presenters for the duration of the course. It has been a very informative, insightful and beneficial course. The group participations are certainly beneficial for me as it allows me to practice what has been taught.
Partnership and Support
The collaboration between NLB and BlackStorm Consulting proved to be an essential component of the bootcamp’s success. By blending NLB’s rich resources and knowledge base with BlackStorm’s practical business expertise, participants gained access to both academic rigor and actionable insights. This partnership allowed for a holistic approach to entrepreneurship education, ensuring that participants were not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also with practical, real-world business acumen.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Zoho and MP Group for their generous product sponsorship. Their contribution not only provided essential tools and resources but also served as a powerful encouragement for the teams to continue innovating and refining their business ideas. By partnering with us and NLB, Zoho and MP International have demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, and we are truly grateful for their support in helping these aspiring founders take their ventures to the next level.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of Batch 2, plans are already underway for the next iteration of the NLB Entrepreneurship BootCamp. The partnership between NLB and BlackStorm Consulting remains strong, with both organizations committed to refining and expanding the program to foster the growth of more entrepreneurial talent in Singapore. The 2025 BootCamp has proven to be a transformative experience, and future editions will continue to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their business dreams into reality.
We would also like to express our sincere thanks to all the facilitators, speakers, and judges who generously shared their expertise and time throughout the NLB Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2025. Their invaluable insights, guidance, and constructive feedback have been instrumental in shaping the participants’ entrepreneurial journeys.
For more insights from the first batch, read the recap of Batch 1.
About BlackStorm Consulting
BlackStorm Consulting is a trailblazing force in business consultancy, stands at the forefront of empowering businesses across Southeast Asia, with a stronghold in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Our expertise lies in corporate strategy and market entry, closing strategic gaps that impede companies from reaching their full potential. We elevate businesses by applying a multi-faceted approach across three crucial layers: people, product, and process.
About National Library Board (NLB) of Singapore
The National Library Board (NLB) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information in Singapore. It oversees the management and development of public libraries across the country, ensuring they serve as accessible hubs for knowledge, learning, and community engagement. The NLB plays a vital role in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and digital inclusion by providing diverse resources, programs, and services tailored to the needs of Singapore’s residents.
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