Many people in Uzbekistan have business ideas, but financing alone is not enough to turn an idea into a sustainable business. Entrepreneurs also need practical knowledge, experienced mentors, professional networks, and opportunities to present their businesses to a wider audience. To address this need, BRB created BRB Lift, combining a television reality-show format with a practical business development platform.
Problem
Many entrepreneurs need practical support in management, marketing, sales, finance, and strategic decision-making as they grow their businesses. Even when financing is available, a lack of knowledge, mentorship, experience, and professional connections can limit further business growth. BRB therefore aimed to provide entrepreneurs not only with access to financing, but also with an environment that supports their development.
Solution
BRB launched BRB Lift, a development platform built around real businesses and real business challenges. The project involved: • more than 1,200 entrepreneurs who submitted applications; • 90 entrepreneurs who participated in the casting stage; • 24 entrepreneurs selected as the main participants; • experienced mentors and experts who helped analyse businesses and develop solutions; • investors who evaluated the participants’ business potential and presentations; • the BRB team as the project organizer and entrepreneurship development partner. The development process was structured around four stages: identify the problem, develop a solution, test it in practice, and demonstrate the result. Over three months, participants worked with mentors to analyse their businesses, assess the impact of their decisions, test new approaches, and present their business potential to investors.
Results
The first season of BRB Lift attracted more than 1,200 applications, while 24 entrepreneurs spent three months working on the development of their businesses with professional mentors. The project provided participants with: • practical business knowledge; • mentorship; • professional networking; • exposure to a wider audience; • opportunities to present their businesses to investors. The project offered a UZS 500 million grand prize. BRB Lift was designed as a continuing initiative. The second season, dedicated to women entrepreneurs, is scheduled to launch in October 2026. The project strengthened BRB’s position as a bank that supports entrepreneurs not only through financing, but also through knowledge, expertise, and development opportunities.
