Faisal Islam’s motivation to start the Young Entrepreneurs Book Club in Newham stemmed from a desire to fill a gap he saw in the community. "I noticed a lack of resources and opportunities for young people like myself who are interested in entrepreneurship" he explains.
"There are so many young minds with great ideas, but they often lack the guidance, support, and community to help them turn those ideas into reality." This realisation led Faisal to create a space where young entrepreneurs could come together, learn from successful entrepreneurs, and gain the skills and confidence to pursue their ventures.
Newham Council’s People Powered Places funding has been instrumental in making the book club possible. "It allowed us to promote the club across Newham and reach young people who might not have known about the opportunity," Faisal explains. The funding also helped secure a consistent location at the East Ham Library and provided resources like books and guest speakers, who offer mentorship and real-world entrepreneurial insights.
This support has enriched the experience for everyone involved and helped create a more impactful program.
One of the most rewarding aspects of leading the project for Faisal has been witnessing the growth in confidence of its members. "A memorable moment was during a session discussing the book 'Million Dollar Weekend’ by Noah Kagan, when a member shared a challenge they were facing in turning a business idea into a reality" he recalls. "The group came together, offering advice, resources, and encouragement. It was incredible to see how the club functions as a real community, where members actively support and uplift each other."
The book club’s selection process is intentional, focusing on literature that supports entrepreneurial growth. "We choose books that are both informative and relatable” Faisal explains. Examples include ‘Zero to One’ by Peter Thiel, which challenges conventional thinking, and ‘The $100 Startup’ by Chris Guillebeau, which offers practical advice on starting a business with minimal resources. These books provide a mix of theoretical knowledge and real-world examples that help young entrepreneurs in Newham apply what they learn directly to their endeavours.
For those also interested in making positive changes in their communities, Faisal offers this advice: "Take action and don’t be afraid to start small. If you see a gap or an opportunity in your community, don’t wait for someone else to address it. Engage with initiatives like Newham Council’s People Powered Places, which offers the support and resources you need to bring your ideas to life.
For Faisal Islam, building a community of young entrepreneurs in Newham isn’t just about reading books – it's about empowering the next generation to take charge of their futures.
