Escalon Is here to do something about COVID relief in India

Don’t think startups can “do good?” Think again. Or at least that’s the thinking at Escalon, a rather humble accounting and payroll services company led by CEO Anurag Pal, which has paired up with Shark Tank’s Daymond John, Rich Russey of Inc. magazine, Venky Ganesan of Menlo Ventures, and Grit Daily Executive Editor Jordan French for a fireside chat to raise money for COVID-19 relief initiatives in India.

The last 18 months have been taxing on everyone, but no greater than on small businesses. With the hope of things to get better post-COVID, Escalon’s Anurag Pal says he “recognizes this perplexing situation for SMBs.” This is what compelled Escalon to hold a philanthropic event that also will try to make some sense of what SMBs and entrepreneurs should be thinking about in what the new reality of business is now – post-COVID, the new business environment.

On July 15 from 1-2 p.m. ET, Escalon and Early Growth will be holding the India COVID Relief Fundraiser and small business panel discussion featuring Daymond John, “The People’s Shark,” and other leading business experts from Grit Daily, Inc. Media and Menlo Ventures. The panel will explore the impact of COVID on small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs and how to address this new post-COVID environment going forth.

The online event is expected to draw over several hundred attendees, and the fundraiser has aspirations of raising $100,000. Funds from the India COVID Relief Fundraiser will go to two organizations.

Where does the money go?

Proceeds will go to the American India Foundation to build an oxygen plant for a local hospital to help during the COVID crisis. Oxygen is in short supply in India but needed to treat COVID patients. Funds will also go to the Austin Hooper Foundation, which helps “aged out” foster care children start a career or small business to further their livelihoods. The foundation was founded by Austin Hooper, former Stanford University football star and now tight end for the Cleveland Browns.

“We are very excited about the event because it will shed light on where SMBs are today and provide advice from experts on how to be successful in a post-COVID business environment,” said Anurag Pal, CEO of Escalon and who will lead the panel discussion. “We have deep roots in India and some of our operations reside there. So, we are also happy to hold a fundraiser during the event to address that issue, as well as work with the Austin Hooper Foundation to advance young adults’ desire to become businesspeople.”

Who will talk at the Essential Business Services Summit?

John, founder of FUBU and presidential ambassador for global entrepreneurship, will be a featured member of the Summit’s panel. Given John started his FUBU clothing line as a small business, he is recognized for his relentless commitment to promoting and supporting entrepreneurs worldwide.

John will be a part of a Who’s Who of panelists at the event that will feature a number of experts in business, media, and small business, including Grit Daily’s own Jordan French. Among them are:

1. Daymond John, CEO of FUBU and celebrity star of ABC’s Shark Tank

2. Jordan French, Founder, CEO and executive editor of Grit Daily, the premiere startup news hub

3. Rich Russey, SVP, publisher, Inc. Media

4. Venky Ganesan, partner at Menlo Ventures



“One of the biggest headaches small businesses face is addressing back-office operations,” said Ruby Sahiwal, chairman of Escalon. “In a normal business environment, SMBs are challenged enough when it comes to back-office operations let alone in a post-COVID environment. We are holding this event to try to help out on both fronts – some funds to address COVID in India and support of aspiring young business leaders through the Austin Hooper Foundation and imparting some knowledge through the expert panel to help SMBs be successful in the future.”

To learn more about the SMB EBS Summit and COVID Relief Fundraiser, sign up to attend.