About the Program
Women Entrepreneurs in Rural India
With big dreams and small means, women in rural India are transforming the landscape with sheer determination. Despite limited resources and education, these entrepreneurs use their creativity and hard work to build successful businesses. These ventures not only bring profitability but also unite the community and provide employment opportunities to many. By fostering financial independence, these women spark a movement that encourages others to start their businesses, driving the economic growth of the region.
“Kahani” is a heartfelt initiative dedicated to shining a spotlight on the stories of grit, perseverance, and achievements of remarkable women. Rooted in a profound belief in their potential, we passionately seek out social entrepreneurs from the non-urban areas of Bihar and West Bengal. This initiative goes beyond providing financial assistance; it is driven by the desire to support these women holistically. Our vision is to create an ecosystem that serves as the wind beneath their wings, empowering their businesses to soar.
Sanmarg Aparajita is executing this program in collaboration with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park. By supporting these women, we aim to ignite a movement where selected women entrepreneurs become role models, inspiring hundreds of women to follow in their footsteps.
Rewards
- Receive Applications
- Once you apply, the application will be screened, and evaluated and First level shortlisting will be done
- There will be two rounds of selection – Semi Finals & Grand Finale – If selected, you will be expected to present your business to a Jury at these selection rounds in person at Kolkata
- The winners will have an opportunity to attend the main Aparajita event. Aparajita – “Saluting Womanhood” – an institution celebrating and supporting women who showcase excellence and strength of purpose. Aparajita is a soulful, heartfelt and inclusive endeavour, conceptualised to recognise and honour theremarkable achievements of women. Now in her 13th edition and under the guidance of the house ofSanmarg, Eastern India’s Largest Hindi Daily, Aparajita ensures that the achievements of excellent women are celebrated and supported in tangible ways that lead to real-world impact.
How To Apply
- STEP 1: Click on the “Apply Now” link
- STEP 2: Register with your mobile number
- STEP 3: Fill-in the online application form and Submit Online. Last Date of application: 10.07.2024
Program Benefits
- Selected enterprises will gain access to the Kahani platform, which offers comprehensive mentorship, skill development, and guidance in all aspects of their business.
- We aim to address their regional challenges, helping them upscale and grow effectively.
- Participants will benefit from the high-quality training and business support Sanmarg Hindi Daily and the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park provide.
- Enhanced visibility, promotion, and market connections.
Timeline
Eligibility
- Are a woman entrepreneur from West Bengal and Bihar only
- Belong to rural and semi-rural areas
- Are a social enterprise (A social enterprise is a business that focuses on helping people or the environment, rather than just making money. The main goal is to solve social problems, improve communities, or protect the environment. Any profits made are usually put back into the business or used to support its mission.)
- Can demonstrate a tangible social impact
FAQs
A business idea is a concept for commercial purposes and typically centers on a product or service that can be sold for money by adopting an operational and practical model. The characteristics of a unique business idea are:
- It must fulfill customer needs.
- It should be innovative and solve market failure
- Uniqueness in features and appeal
- Clear Focus
- Profitable in the long run
- Women Entrepreneursfrom West Bengal & Bihar
- The venture is in the early revenue stage or has a prototype/working model.
- The venture should be addressing a pressing societal need, working at the grass root level, generating income for the people below the poverty line and bringing a positive impact in the livelihood of the masses
- The venture should have a determinable revenue model
- There is no restriction on the age or background of applicants
- The venture should have been operational for at least 1 year
You may go to the application page https://contest.iimcip.org/apply-now/aparajitakahani and apply. In case of doubts you can email contact@iimcip.org
The list of selected candidates will be published on IIMCIP webpage. The selected candidates will also be notified through their registered email id and phone number
IIM Calcutta innovation Park (IIMCIP) is a not-for-profit company set up under the aegis of IIM Calcutta to promote entrepreneurship and innovation and has established itself as a premier hub of entrepreneurship development in East and Northeast India.
Sanmarg is the largest circulated and most popular Hindi Newspaper in East India. The foundation of the Newspaper was laid out in 1946 in Kolkata and ever since Sanmarghas become the most trusted, people-oriented, unbiased and complete Newspaper in the region
“Kahani” is a heartfelt initiative dedicated to shining a spotlight on the stories of grit, perseverance, and achievements of remarkable women. Rooted in a profound belief in their potential, we passionately seek out social entrepreneurs from the non-urban areas of Bihar and West Bengal.
Social impact means addressing a pressing societal need while working at the grass root level, generating employment for the people below the poverty line and bringing a positive impact in the livelihood of the masses.
An Enterprise is a legal entity usually small that conducts business in a private and profitable manner to any individual or group of individuals. The definition for micro and small enterprises is defined depending on the investment that is made in the core plant and machinery/turnover recorded at the end of the fiscal year.
Incubator is a brick and mortar structure which houses the desired support services in terms of management, technology, experts, common services and associated services that are required for helping new businesses to grow.
The business that focuses and registers enough profits so as to serve its own cost of existence and grows on a year-on-year basis is a sustainable business. The products and services of the business remain relevant in their value proposition and benefits to its customers, to be in demand and the business sustains itself.