Bhubaneswar, June 29: With the Bhubaneswar chapter of the Google Business Group (GBG) ranking third best in the world, it can be said that the capital city is gradually becoming the start-up hub in the state.

The concept was initiated by Google to help small to medium-sized business establishments use the online platform and Google technologies properly. At present, there are about 160 such communities in the world, including 14 in India. The other communities from the country that feature in the top 10 are from Mumbai, Ahmedabad and New Delhi.

The community comprises business professionals and entrepreneurs from the state who promote start-up businesses and gives suggestions about the benefits of the web to local start-ups. GBG, Bhubaneswar, was launched in 2013 and has over 7,000 members and 100 professional business professionals who act as mentors.

Experts attribute the success to the growing number of start-up businesses in the state. "A large number of youngsters in the state are giving up their jobs to start businesses of their own. They are doing quite well," said Ananda Mishra, programme manager of GBG, Bhubaneswar.

Some of the local start-up companies that have scripted success in the last few years are Mindfire Solutions, Tatwa Technologies, Book Ticket Now and InDna among others.

"A large number of youths move of out of the state every year due to lack of opportunities here. With new businesses flourishing here, these will not only provide employment, but also increase the economy of the state," said Swagat Kar, founder of Book Ticket Now, the first online ticket-booking portal in the state.

Members of the community organise social gatherings, workshops, online hangouts, larger events and other activities to offer answers to the young people enthusiastic about starting their own business online.

"The community aims to bring like-minded business professionals together so that they can connect and learn how web technologies can be used to taste success in business," said Mishra.

Joining the community would serve a number of purposes for upcoming entrepreneurs. "We provide easy access to a large number of experienced angel investors, venture capital firms and many more. Those who want to start their own businesses already know how to utilise their skills. We just help them use their resources properly," said Mishra.

The Bhubaneswar wing also plans to partner with engineering colleges and work with them to mentor students and start-ups.