Kotak Mahindra Bank, NSRCEL- IIM Bangalore launch 5th cohort of Women Startup Program

This initiative, part of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to Education & Livelihood, aims to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs nationwide by supporting them in building scalable businesses.

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (KMBL) and NSRCEL- IIM Bangalore have announced the commencement of the fifth cohort of their Women Startup Program. This initiative, part of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to Education & Livelihood, aims to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs nationwide by supporting them in building scalable businesses.

Impact and Scope

Since its inception, the Women Startup Program has catalyzed the ambitions of over 23,053 women entrepreneurs. Participants have hailed from diverse sectors such as technology, social impact, agriculture, retail, healthcare, energy, environment, textile, and apparel, representing 24 states across India. The program has provided incubation support to more than 590 ventures, leading to the creation of 2,083 jobs.

Program Structure

The fifth edition of the Women Startup Program will kick off with a 5-week Foundation of Entrepreneurship (FOE) course, followed by a 2-month virtual pre-incubation phase for prototype development. Successful candidates will then proceed to a 5-month incubation at NSRCEL to scale their ventures. The program will cater to entrepreneurs at various stages—from ideation to revenue generation—offering tailored support through pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration phases.

Financial Support and Incentives

A total of INR 3 crore will be disbursed among top-performing ventures based on their achievements, providing crucial financial backing to advance their projects.

Educational and Mentorship Opportunities

Participants will receive structured learning in business planning, marketing, finance, and operations. They will benefit from mentorship by experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, as well as networking opportunities with other women entrepreneurs and leaders in various fields. The program also grants access to IIM Bangalore’s faculty, infrastructure, startup kits, and comprehensive legal advice on intellectual property.

Supporting Economic Growth

Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, highlighted the program’s impact on India's economy, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship not only in major urban centers but also in tier 2 and tier 3 regions, thereby driving economic growth and creating job opportunities.

Commitment to Empowerment

Chetan Savla, President - Sustainability and Strategic Projects at Kotak Mahindra Bank, underscored the bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge. This partnership aims to support women in establishing successful enterprises, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation nationwide.

Amplifying Impact

Furthermore, the program will collaborate with 12 esteemed institutions, including IIMs, IITs, and other incubation centers and universities, to enhance its nationwide impact through comprehensive business mentoring.

The Women Startup Program continues to be a beacon of empowerment, fostering a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed in the competitive business landscape of India.

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