Coca-Cola Nepal Empowers Young Women Entrepreneurs through Saksham Accelerator and Mentorship Program
Coca-Cola Nepal, in collaboration with Atelier Platform Pvt. Ltd has announced the successful implementation of the Young Women Entrepreneurs Accelerator and Mentorship Program. This program is a pivotal component of Coca-Cola Nepal's Women Empowerment Program, Saksham, and aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance to women startups and potential start-ups in Nepal, extending Coca-Cola's commitment to empowering women beyond its value chain.
The Young Women Entrepreneurs Accelerator and Mentorship Program received an overwhelming response from enthusiastic women entrepreneurs across Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan when the applications were opened in April 2023. Out of the impressive pool of applicants, eight exceptional finalists were carefully selected based on their innovative ideas and potential for success. These finalists are Ms. Brinda Dewan, Kehikrafts, Ms. Menuka Gurung, Duluwa Outdoors, Ms. Prakriti Basyal, South and Southeast Project, Ms. Rashi Maharjan, Learners Room: A path to wisdom, Ms. Rozina Baral, Search It, Ms. Sarala Maharjan, Bio-Enzymes, Ms. Shanti Rai, Greenspace Nepal and Ms. Yaju Maharjan, Swachha Mahinawari.
To kick start the program, an orientation session was held on June 11, 2023, providing the finalists with valuable insights into the journey ahead. Since then, a series of expert sessions have been organized to equip the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. The finalists have had the privilege of attending sessions led by esteemed professionals and mentors, covering essential topics such as gender and women's rights, feminism and leadership, legal processes, climate change, marketing strategy, access to finance and banking, digital marketing, profitable presentation techniques, and design thinking.
Mr. Adarsh Avasthi, Country Director of Nepal for The Coca Cola Company says,” This program underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering gender equality and empowering women in Nepal's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. By offering comprehensive support and guidance to these aspiring young women entrepreneurs, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that not only propels their success but also contributes significantly to the overall development of Nepal's economy."
Throughout the program, the finalists have had the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from successful women entrepreneurs in Nepal. Esteemed guest speakers, including Prasanna Basnet (Co-founder, Cotton Mill Nepal), Haushala Thapa Gurung (Haushala Creatives), Dr. Manu Karki (Eco Sathi Nepal), and Sujata Shrestha (Ghaghar and M&S), have shared their inspiring stories and insights, further motivating and empowering the young women on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Dr. Madhurima Bhadra, a Gender, Leadership and Public Health expert, says, "There are limited opportunities for marginalized people, especially non-binary persons and sex workers. I am so excited to be watching these young women already thinking about this special group of people and planning to provide opportunities for them in an all-inclusive environment."
After weeks of intensive training and mentorship, the finalists are now in the final stages of preparation for their ultimate pitch. In August, their innovative ideas and business plans will be presented before a distinguished jury comprising three accomplished professionals. The top three participants will be awarded a cash prize of NPR 100,000 each, providing them with a significant boost to accelerate their ventures and to reach closer to their goals.
"We are incredibly excited to witness the remarkable progress and determined enthusiasm displayed by the participants of the Young Women Entrepreneurs Accelerator and Mentorship Program. Our commitment to empowering women in Nepal drives us to continue training an additional 1000+ women through this program this year. Saksham, reinforces our belief in the potential and resilience of Nepalese women, and we look forward to accelerating more womens’ entrepreneurial journey." says Mr. Deepak Senthil Nath, Managing Director of Bottlers Nepal.
Saksham is a testament to Coca-Cola Nepal's commitment to fostering gender equality and empowering women in Nepal's entrepreneurial landscape. The program has been meticulously curated and implemented by Atelier Platform Pvt. Ltd, a trusted partner in supporting entrepreneurial development and innovation.
