Most companies offer employees reasons to stay, but the head of an Indian food company is encouraging some of them to leave and become entrepreneurs. Musthafa PC, global CEO of Bengaluru-based iD Fresh
Food India, has introduced a policy that gives employees financial help and guidance if they want to start their own businesses.
The idea is to make it easier for workers to take the first step towards running a business without having to give up every bit of financial security. Musthafa explained the thinking behind the move in a LinkedIn post, sharing how his own journey as an entrepreneur shaped the decision.
iD Fresh Food Wants Employees To Try Their Own Ideas
Musthafa said he understands how difficult it can be to turn an idea into a business. When iD Fresh Food began, the company had only Rs 50,000 and a small kitchen in Bengaluru. The early days came with mistakes and uncertainty, but support from a few people helped him continue.
“We started iD in a tiny kitchen in Bengaluru with Rs 50,000 and a lot of fear. We made mistakes. We had sleepless nights. But we kept going because a few people believed in us when we couldn’t fully believe in ourselves,” he wrote.
He said that experience made him realise how much it matters when someone offers support at the right time. He now wants his employees to have access to the same kind of help if they decide to build something of their own. The company’s new Entrepreneurship Policy includes three forms of support.
Employees can use iD’s business network, receive advice from its senior leadership and take a partially paid sabbatical to work on their ideas. “Our new Entrepreneurship Policy for iD employees offers: Access to the entire iD ecosystem, including our partner network. Mentorship from the iD leadership team. A partially paid sabbatical to pursue their dreams through those uncertain days.”
Musthafa also made it clear that employees would not have to worry about having no way back if their business plans failed. “Saying goodbye to some of our best people will hurt. But one day, seeing them build something of their own and create an impact in society greater than what we’ve built at iD will fill my heart with immense pride,” said Musthafa. “I wish they would pursue their dreams and build something meaningful.”
LinkedIn Users Appreciate The Support For Entrepreneurs
The announcement received encouraging responses from users. One person wrote, “Great boss. You are always an inspiration. I used to tell your inspiring life, in my training programs. Congrats.”
Another commented, “In these days where companies layoff their employees to achieve some short term cost targets, this is a paradigm shift in supporting employees. Delighted to see this give back. Best wishes to you and the initiatives.”
A third user said, “Supporting employees not just in their careers, but in their entrepreneurial dreams, takes real courage and confidence. The safety net, mentorship, and freedom to return make this a truly people-first initiative.”
Another comment read, “Giving people a safe way back if the dream does not work is a rare kind of support. That fear is what stops most employees from trying. Strong policy from iD.”
Lattice Founder Had A Similar Offer For Employees
A similar idea was introduced by Lattice co-founder Jack Altman in 2021. He offered employees $100,000 in investment if they chose to leave the company and start their own businesses. Altman said the offer was inspired by his own career.
While working at e-commerce company Teespring as vice president of business development, his boss had encouraged him to take a chance and build Lattice. He wanted to pass that support on to employees who hoped to become founders themselves.
Disclaimer: This article is based on user-generated content. The claims made in the original post have not been independently verified by News18.
