2013 - changefusion nepal · this booklet provides an overview of the method behind surya nepal...
TRANSCRIPT
28th March 2014
organised by
2013
About this Booklet
Surya Nepal Private Limited Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award seeks out, celebrates and inspires change makers of Nepal. It works to promote the ideals of social entrepreneurship by rewarding deserving change makers who have made a positive impact in their communities and inspire future change makers.
This booklet provides an overview of the method behind Surya Nepal Private Limited Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award 2013 and showcases the finalists and semifinalists for this year. Brief introductions of all social entrepreneurs and change makers who applied or were nominated are also included. It also profiles the winners and semifinalists from previous years.
Surya Nepal Private Limited Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award (SNASEA) is sponsored by Surya Nepal Private Limited (SNPL) and organised by ChangeFusion Nepal (CFN).
ContentMessage from Managing Director Surya Nepal Private Limited (SNPL)
SNASEA 2013
General overview 1
Process overview 4
Applications and nominations summary 5
Profiles | Advisers and jury panel 6
Profiles | Finalists 8
Profiles | Special recognition 18
Profiles | Semifinalists 19
Profiles | All applications and nominations 26
SNASEA 2012
Overview 35
Profiles | Seminar speakers and investors 36
Profiles | Winners 38
Profiles | Semifinalists 41
SNASEA 2011
Overview 43
Profiles | Winners 43
Profiles | Semifinalists 45
ChangeFusion Nepal 46
We are aware that the Government of Nepal has identified promotion of Small and Medium size Enterprises as the mainstay of the country’s socio-economic development, maximization of revenue potential from Tourism and the strengthening of Social and Community Forestry programmes. Being a responsible Corporate citizen, Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd.’s Integrated Community Vision is woven around and is in alignment with these priorities of the Government of Nepal.
Drawing upon this approach, SNPL pursues an Integrated CSR Strategy with the stated objective of Creating Enduring Value for the Society that it operates in through four Distinct Platforms: Asha (Community empowerment), Khel Paryatan (Sports Tourism), Prakriti (Environment) and Suswasthya (Community Health).
In 2011 under “Asha”, with the help of ChangeFusion Nepal, SNPL pioneered and instituted the Annual Social Entrepreneurship Awards, under which five entrepreneurs from amongst a large number of nominees engaged in enterprises for the development of society with a focus on employment generation and sustainability. The event serves not only to award and recognize “hidden heroes” in the field of social entrepreneurship but also aims to help the winners reach a larger number of stakeholders in the form of investors, new consumers and policy makers so as to scale up their venture.
We at SNPL are committed to continued support for the Asha Social Entrepreneurship award (SNASEA).
With best wishes for a successful SNASEA 2013.
Abhimanyu Poddar
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Overview of Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award (SNASEA) 2013The concept of social entrepreneurship is centuries old and has been prevalent across the globe where we have had individuals working selflessly for the benefit of society while sustaining themselves. Social entrepreneurs start and manage innovative businesses that address social and environmental issues thereby becoming society’s change agents. They identify problems, develop innovative solutions, and create new patterns that can be replicated across the country, or even the globe, along with constant positive impact.
SNASEA is the first, and only, award of its kind in Nepal. It recognises Nepalese social entrepreneurs who work with the intention of creating positive social change while being self sustainable.
The long term vision of SNASEA is not only to award hidden heroes but also to showcase their ventures, ideas and impact, which can act as inspiration for future change makers. The extraordinary achievement of ordinary people sets an example of self reliance and positivity.
SNASEA works with four broad objectives:1. Identifying, awarding and promoting social entrepreneurs.
2. Fostering a community and inciting exchange of ideas and support between social entrepreneurs.
3. Establishing a network of supporters and promoters who can help existing ventures and action new ideas.
4. Creating awareness about social entrepreneurship and inspiring prospective social entrepreneurs.
To reach these objectives, SNASEA is divided into three segments:The Award is a gala event attended by local and international luminaries. The winning social entrepreneurs are announced from among the finalists and given an award and a cash prize. Remarks are made by the guest of honor.
SNASEA 2013 Award will be held on the eve of 28 March 2014.
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The Bazaar is a marketplace for ‘Transaction and Transformation’. It showcases the products, services and ideas of social entrepreneurs. The aim of the Bazaar is to be a platform for transaction of ideas, learning and experiences of social entrepreneurs, stakeholders and promoters of development. Networking and relation building are the key focus.
SNASEA 2013 Bazaar was held on 1 March 2014 in the courtyard of Embassy Restaurant. Thirty two semifinalists were on hand to showcase their products and services, and to network with each other and supporters of social entrepreneurship. Representing diverse enterprise fields like health, education, handicraft, energy, environment and technology, the semifinalists came from different districts of Nepal, like Parsa, Kailali,
Sindhuli, and Bara.
Ambica Shrestha (The Dwarika’s Group of Hotels and Resorts), Ganesh Shah (former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology) and Sujeev Shakya (Beed Management) were among the prominent guests.
The Seminar consists of sessions on ideas, issues and inspiration related to social entrepreneurship. These sessions are led by experts in the field of business and social enterprise. Open to the public, they help people understand what social entrepreneurship is and why it is a good tool for development. Sessions are also conducted for social entrepreneurs and prospective change makers that focus on issues they may face and best in practice solutions to those challenges.
SNASEA 2013 Seminar ran concurrent to the Bazaar in surrounding premises. Social entrepreneur Ram Sapkota started proceedings by talking about his personal journey
from being a porter to a successful social entrepreneur. He is a winner of SNASEA 2011, and runs Tukee Nepal Society and Mountain Delights Treks & Expedition. He was awarded for his contributions to community development in his native village of Jyamrung in Dhading. The talk focused on his challenges and accomplishments. A brief question and answer session followed.
Social entrepreneurship expert, Jo Hill (former Director of Ventures at UnLtd - The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs) held a session with social entrepreneurs - sharing her expertise and knowledge about what makes a social venture and social entrepreneur successful in the long run. It was an interactive session and participants were able to share their stories.
The third session was conducted by French researchers, Souaad Souici and Lou Salomon, who shared their experiences from their seven month long visits of social enterprises in South Asia. They also conducted a workshop with interested participants about starting a social venture and shared tools to run it successfully.
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SNASEA 2013 | Process overviewThere are six major steps in application processing and awarding of winners:
Preparation: This includes laying the groundwork of SNASEA. An updated database of relevant networks and social entrepreneurs is created. The implementation plan and application forms are also amended based on experiences from the past year.
Call for applications: Promotion is done through all available channels including mainstream media, social media, personal networks and a large number of diverse organisations related to the field.
SNASEA 2013 saw a record number of applications and nominations. One hundred and nineteen applications were received from all fourteen zones and forty districts across Nepal. The call was open between 19 December 2013 and 19 January 2014.
Screening: All applications are screened by a panel of experts. Applications are shortlisted and semifinalists announced based on the information provided in the application. Each application is judged by multiple experts, to ensure fairness.
For SNASEA 2013, a total of forty applications were shortlisted and announced as semifinalists.
Jury panel: Shortlisted ventures are then scored by multiple jury members for a second round of evaluation. The jury panel consists of experts from Government, Finance, Development, Education, Business, and Social Entrepreneurship. Each application is judged by multiple jury members, to ensure fairness. The tallying of scores given by jury members leads to the announcement of finalists.
SNASEA 2013 was kindly supported by seven jury members and three advisers. Ten finalists were announced, with one specially recognised winner - Dr. Sanduk Ruit and his team from Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology.
Reality test: Field visits and interviews are conducted of the semifinalists. Reality tests allow for an in depth look at the innovation, impact and income of the venture. These tests lead directly to the final evaluation.
For SNASEA 2013 the team visited front running ventures and entrepreneurs - interviewing them, observing their work and assessing suitability of the candidate and venture.
Final evaluation: The selection criteria encompasses both the person and the project. The person must have a track record of trustworthiness and good stakeholder relations. Grit, vision and passion are important. The project must address pressing social, economic or environmental problems, have a solution that is effective and be financially sustainable. Winning ventures and social entrepreneurs are announced and awarded in a gala event.
SNASEA 2013 | Applications and nominations summaryReceived: 119Semifinalists: 40Finalists: 10Special recognition: 1
Growth stageSeedling (up to one year of operation) 8Toddler (between one to five years of operation) 45Adolescent (between five to ten years of operation) 37Mature (over ten years of operation) 29
LocationUrban (metropolitan and sub metropolitan areas) 59Semi urban (municipalities with basic facilities) 16Rural (villages and rural areas) 44
New and repeat applications and nominationsNew applications and nominations 98Repeat applications and nominations 21
GenderFemale 51Male 48Organisation 20
Profiles of the advisers, jury panel, winners, semifinalists and all applicants and nominated change makers of SNASEA 2013 follow.
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Profiles | Advisers and jury panelAdvisers:
Anil ChitrakarAnil Chitrakar is an Ashoka Fellow, Rolex Award and Silicon Valley Tech Award winner. He is also a published author and was heralded as a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum. He is an entrepreneur himself, and co founder of the Himalayan Climate Initiative.
Ashutosh TiwariAshutosh Tiwari is the Country Representative for WaterAid in Nepal, and previously held the position of CEO at Himalmedia, and is co founder of Entrepreneurs for Nepal. He was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and has served as a small and medium enterprises expert at GiZ Nepal and the International Finance Corporation.
Jo HillJo Hill is former Director of Ventures at UnLtd - The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs. She developed the Big Venture Challenge, which helped match investors with ventures in need. She also managed various programs at Save the Children, The New Economics Foundation, One World International and Enterprise UK.
Jury panel:
Ambica Shrestha - President, The Dwarika’s Group of Hotels and ResortsAmbica Shrestha is a founding member of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal, President of Federation of Business and Professional Women Nepal, and Honorary Consulate General of Spain for Nepal.
Anuradha Koirala - Founding Director, Maiti NepalAnuradha Koirala is a social activist who has won over thirty awards, including the UNIFEM Prize, Queen Sofia Silver Medal Award, The Peace Abbey - The Courage of Conscience Award, and was declared CNN Hero of the Year for 2010.
Ashish Shrestha - Energy Specialist, The World BankAshish Shrestha is a consultant at The World Bank. He specialises in Energy Economics and has been part of the Development Economics Research Group.
Dr. Usha KC Bhandari - National Program Officer, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, NepalDr. Usha KC Bhandari is an expert on training design and development, methodologies and evaluation.
Ganesh Kumar Shrestha - Executive Committee Member, Nepal Bankers’ AssociationGanesh Kumar Shrestha is CEO of Century Commercial Bank. Mr Shrestha spent close to three decades at Nepal Rastra Bank, retiring as Executive Director.
Nugal Ananda Vaidya - Public Relations Chief, Rotary International NepalNugal Ananda Vaidya is a board member of the Nepal Purwardhar Bikash Company and Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal, and committee member of FNCCI, Infrastructure Development Forum.
Prateek Pradhan - Editor-in-Chief, Nagarik NewsPrateek Pradhan is former Editor of Karobar Daily and The Kathmandu Post. He is a graduate of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government.
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Profiles | Finalists
1. Dipak Prasad Koirala Junar Kendriya Sahakari Sangh - Agriculture | Sindhuli 9844 045 355, 01 4111 872 [email protected]
This cooperative commercially produces, processes and markets sweet orange (junar). It focuses on improving the socio economic standards of junar farmers, developing and extending market networks of junar products and shares technical and administrative knowledge and expertise.
Coming from a family of farmers, Dipak Prasad Koirala was well aware of the hardships farmers from Sindhuli faced to earn a living. They were eking out a living, walking for many days to sell their produce, and falling prey to unscrupulous middlemen - leading many to give up farming, or falling into heavy debt. To combat these problems, this cooperative was started to help farmers.
With its partnership with the Government, private sector and other cooperatives, it has established a value chain model from farm to market, which helps farmers earn a fair living. Currently, the cooperative represents seven thousand five hundred households, forty eight local level cooperatives, two district level cooperatives and one central umbrella organisation.
2. Fulmaya Tamang Bhattedanda Women Farmers Cooperative - Women Empowerment | Kavrepalanchok 9841 006 619, 01 490 411 [email protected]
Coming from an impoverished Tamang family background, Fulmaya was never satisfied with the submissive nature so prevalent among the women in her community. While on her daily errand, she saw a television program on women’s groups and their activities, and that was what inspired her to do something for the women in her community.
She convinced twenty women to join her to form the first, and only, women’s group in her village. They collected NPR 50 per month and started their own small informal savings account. But it was not easy. While some accused her of brainwashing local women, some tried to discourage the women who joined her, saying she would run away with their money. Despite all this, Fulmaya was determined to take this cooperative forward, scheduling secret meetings during their farm work and collecting money.
From those twenty women, the cooperative has now grown to a membership of over four hundred community people including men. The cooperative has been working to provide low interest rate loans for buffalo husbandry and vegetable farming and helping members start their own small ventures. The cooperative also introduced an education program where for every buffalo bought by a woman, the earnings from the buffalo’s milk, manure and calves would fund her child’s education and the back payments of the buffalo would then go into a revolving fund to help other such impoverished families in the village. This program has helped about fifty families and children in the community.
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3. Madhukar KC Matribhumi Urja - Environment, Health | Pyuthan 9841 152 254, 01 2298 185 [email protected]
Madhukar KC has invented a patented air flow supplier for wood fire stoves and innovated the design and manufacture of such stoves. Through an impact assessment in Lele, Lalitpur, it was found that the new stove helps to reduce the number of respiratory diseases, used up to seventy percent less wood, and reduced cooking time by up to sixty percent.
Traditional wood fire stoves used in villages are located indoors, without proper ventilation. This causes respiratory problems particularly for women. The improved stoves uses less fuel to increase heat while decreasing the amount of firewood used and the time required for wood collection.
Madhukar KC had been a proponent of solar power for a number of years, before he set his mind on innovating and increasing efficiency of stoves. He was fascinated by the idea that air flow from a pipe was used to melt gold by a goldsmith, and that creating a better air flow system for stoves might be the answer to increasing efficiency. He spent over a dozen years perfecting this idea.
4. Prem Bahadur Lama Ashapuri Organic Farm - Agriculture | Kavrepalanchok 9813 508 849, 01 4381 004 [email protected]
Suffering from arthritis, Prem Bahadur Lama had tried many remedies to overcome his sickness. He was unable to adequately control and cure the inflammation and other diseases. After watching a television report on the health benefits of organic food, he changed his diet and started recovering. This incited him to research about and grow organic produce.
Many farmers in Nepal still use traditional farming methods - using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, cultivating low yield crops, and, as a result, earn very little income while supplying food that may be harmful to the public. Organic farming, and cultivation of high yield crops, can have a positive economic, environmental and societal effect.
Prem Bahadur Lama has been working for the past twelve years to promote the use of organic farming - through training and partnerships with farmers from nine districts in Nepal. These local farmers get trained at Ashapuri Organic Farm, and partner with Prem Bahadur Lama in a local venture that cultivates organic produce. These ventures become suppliers for Ashapuri Organic, and are given the freedom to sell their produce elsewhere as well.
Farmers earn a better income for their efforts, help to preserve the natural ecosystem in their community, and provide a healthier source of energy to the public at large. Prem Bahadur Lama sustains his venture by operating a farm of his own, and helping to market the products from his various partnerships.
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5. Ratna Bahadur Newar Tamakoshi Community Resin and Turpentine - Livelihood | Janakpur 9854 040 509, 9754 203 171 [email protected]
An example of a combined community and private effort, this venture was established by private citizens and members of community forest user groups. This venture works to extract, collect and sell resin from pine tree sap, using the revenue to uplift the local marginalised communities.
This venture has a production of about two hundred thousand kilograms per year and the earnings from its sales goes to forest conservation, supporting the marginalised local community and the remaining is utilised for other community development activities.
After its success, similar models have been replicated in community forests in Ramechhap for Lokta paper production. The venture is planning to acquire and start its own processing center to reduce the cost of having to transport and process resin at other centers, which would then increase income for the communities.
6. Shanti Shrestha and Nirjala Shrestha Friend Handicraft - Livelihood | Kathmandu 9841 323 907, 9841 554 350 [email protected], [email protected]
Friend Handicraft produces accessories made from felt fabric. It provides employment opportunities and other financial benefits to women from low income households - giving them a livable wage and a safe working environment. Apart from employment opportunities and income earning skills, the venture also supports the education of employees’ children by providing an education scholarship.
Many of the employees were doing manual labor in dangerous conditions before being trained and employed by Friend Handicraft. Currently, the group supports more than one hundred women workers.
With an initial investment of just NPR 6,000, the venture was established by two friends, Shanti Shrestha and Nirjala Shrestha. Their main motive - do innovative work and start a venture that contributes to the social and economic upliftment of women and makes them active members of society.
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7. Suman Shakya SmartPaani - Environment | Lalitpur 9851 022 192, 5260 506 [email protected]
SmartPaani develops, installs and maintains environmentally friendly rainwater harvesting systems. The system provides potable or grey water for households to combat the water shortage problems faced in Kathmandu and elsewhere. The team also lobbies the Government and raises public awareness about the need to respect water, replenish groundwater and use sustainable means of fulfilling the increasing demand for water.
Suman Shakya and Tyler McMahon started the company Smart Paani under One Planet Solution. This venture markets a range of rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, and water filtration systems. It provides eco friendly and economical solutions to overcome the severe water shortages in the capital.
With the ever increasing challenges of water scarcity, overexploitation of groundwater and lack of proper water management around the city, the venture is more than just a good idea. Within a year of establishment, SmartPaani has installed almost two hundred systems in schools, office buildings, housing communities and private homes. They are now planning to expand beyond the valley and into alternative energy solutions with their new venture Smart Urja.
8. Sunita Nhemaphuki R&D Innovative Solution - Agriculture | Kathmandu 9851 140 610, 9801 140 610 [email protected]
Nepal’s small scale farmers could benefit substantially from improved information flow, leading to commercialisation and professionalisation. The lack of such information about farming techniques, prices, demand and related issues limits the sector’s development and international competitiveness.
Coming from a business background, and having worked for different advertising agencies in Kathmandu, Sunita started publishing an agriculture based magazine - Krishak ra Prabidhi. It works with the aim of disseminating knowledge and information among farmers, and supports them to scale up and commercialise their activities. The organisation has also initiated a Krishi Club (Farmers’ Club) - a practical information center and platform for farmers to share and network. The club invites farmers from different regions and sectors to meet once a week and build a wider network.
The magazine covers different issues in agriculture, ranging from information regarding seasonal plantations, market trends, mechanisation and developments in agriculture to profiles of different farmers and government policies. The magazine emphasises the promotion of agriculture as a commercial activity, reach all farming communities and aims to promote mechanisation in the agriculture sector as well. This venture is also looking into developing a mobile application for farmers and establishing an agricultural library in villages.
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9. Tej Kumari Tiwari Nepal Society of the Disabled Multipurpose Cooperative - Disability Issues, Livelihood Kathmandu 9841 702 387, 01 4218 672 [email protected]
The cooperative provides financial and technical support to persons with disabilities. Being differently abled herself, Tej Kumari started this cooperative with the sole motive of uplifting the economic and social standing of people facing similar challenges by promoting and providing income generating opportunities.
With its focus on income generation through business skills training and micro loans to start or scale up ventures, it has been able to include over two hundred households in various activities. Many members have also taken part in community development activities.
The cooperative has been in operation since the last fifteen years and also works for advocacy and awareness of their rights, to bring changes at the policy level.
10. Ujjwal Chapagain The Himalayan Rabbit Farm - Agriculture, Livelihood | Kathmandu 9851 096 182 [email protected]
Rabbit meat is not only a rarely enjoyed culinary delight but also of high nutritional value and protein content. For rural farmers it provides an opportunity to achieve relatively high profits as skill requirements and necessary inputs are limited.
The Himalayan Rabbit Farm works to promote rabbit farming for meat production and also promotes the use of rabbit fur as a raw material. Rabbits are among the most prolific breeders in the animal kingdom, the process is labor un intensive and provides high value returns - thus proving to be a viable source of livelihood for local farmers.
Ujjwal started the farm after realising that advising farmers from his role in a Non Governmental Organisation did not give him enough credibility among them. He set out to use his techniques in a social venture, demonstrating and advising farmers along the way. Since then, over a hundred farmers have attended his trainings and about eighty use rabbits to feed their household. This venture has been successful in providing necessary nutrition and a source of income for the target group.
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Special recognition11. Dr. Sanduk Ruit and Team
Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology - Health Kathmandu 01 4493 775, 01 4493 684 | [email protected]
This institute provides qualitative and affordable eye care services across geographical, political, social and economic demographics. It also serves as a research institute, and provides medical services through outreach programs and health camps across Nepal and some parts of Asia. It has been in operation for over two decades, and has helped over two million people, and trained over four thousand health care personnel.
Born to uneducated parents in Taplejung District, Dr. Ruit went on to study medicine and was mentored by renowned ophthalmologist Fred Hollows in Australia. Influenced by, and working with, Fred Hollows, Dr. Sanduk Ruit started work to restore sight to communities in developing countries.
Dr. Ruit invented the sutureless extracapsular cataract extraction technique in 1995. This Small Incision Sutureless Cataract Surgery (SICS) is twenty fold cheaper than other methods, and has thereby facilitated the treatment of underprivileged individuals across the world. This refined procedure has positively influenced the international ophthalmic community.
The Institute also trains ophthalmologists, assistants, nurses and provides modular training programs - these trainings are popular in Asia and Africa. Through his effort and diligence, a large number of previously overlooked segments of the population in various countries have been given life changing surgery.
Profiles | Semifinalists
12. Bhumi Raman Nepal Shree Agriculture and Forestry Abraham Nursery - Agriculture | Dhading 9841 619 431 | [email protected]
This nursery produces and markets various plants, honey and dairy products. Bhumi Raman Nepal works to encourage and inspire other farmers to use and promote organic farming and to utilise modern farming methods. He has worked to bring efficiency to animal husbandry, nurseries and beekeeping in the neighbouring communities, while also promoting forest and environment conservation.
13. Bina Shrestha Shine Cleaning - Livelihood | Kathmandu 9801 101 058 | [email protected]
Shine Cleaning aims to address the inequality in wages and educational opportunities for people from low socio economic backgrounds. It employs people from low economic backgrounds, especially single women and mothers, and provides them skills related to the use of modern cleaning machines. Their children are also given a chance to complete their education as the venture financially supports one child per employee to go to school.
14. Bishnu Thakali Women Environment Preservation Committee - Environment, Women Empowerment | Lalitpur 9841 208 620, 01 5541 068 | [email protected]
Women Environment Preservation Committee (WEPCO) was founded over two decades ago with the aim of empowering local communities to create clean and hygienic urban environments through solid waste management. WEPCO has formed thirty women’s groups directly involving women in recycling, composting and income generating programs, as well as increasing environmental awareness among urban communities and school children.
15. Chisapani Samudayik Jadibuti Prasodhan Udyog - Agriculture, Livelihood | Nawalparasi 9867 025 825, 07 8580 447
The enterprise cultivates and processes crops for essential oil production. It also markets the essential oils. The land used is either community forests or public land that is in disuse. It employs people from low castes, people without land, and the economically disadvantaged. It set itself apart from other essential oils producers by not using pesticide and creating organic oils.
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16. CraftVision - Culture, Livelihood | Kathmandu 01 4264 993, 01 4256 907 | [email protected]
CraftVision produces, markets and promotes Nepalese Lokta paper, and various products made from the same. Lokta paper is traditionally handmade paper. It works to preserve the art of papermaking by employing traditional artisans and training new ones. It focuses on training and employing persons with disabilities and those who are from low income backgrounds.
17. Ganesh Bahadur Bista Ghodaghodi Beekeeping Group - Agriculture | Kailali 9858 423 692
This venture makes and sells beehives and honey. Ganesh Bahadur Bista also raises awareness in the community about the economic and environmental benefits of beekeeping, and encourages other farmers to start their own beehive and honey business. There have been close to twenty new businesses established in the surrounding areas as a direct result of this venture.
18. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan Hydro Solutions - Energy | Kathmandu 9801 021 222, 01 4434 003 | [email protected]
Hydro Solutions has been working in the field of energy generation from hydropower. It conducts local infrastructure development projects like rural electrification, rural roads and bridge construction, drinking water and irrigation schemes, health facilities, conducts skill development trainings, and empowerment through ownership in local ventures. It is also involved in developing a model village in Pithauli, Nawalparasi.
19. Gyatri Giri Be-Suited Nepal - Livelihood | Kathmandu 9851 148 231, 9841 728 248 | [email protected]
Be-Suited Nepal produces readymade garments and interior products. It is a Fair Trade certified company that markets its products internationally. It provides work placement for underprivileged youth who have been supported by Terre des Hommes and Saathi for their education. It also provides various benefits to its employees, including a daycare center, an elderly home, and provides various skill and personality development training opportunities.
20. Higher Ground Bakery & Crafts - Livelihood | Lalitpur 9841 287 655, 01 5522 249 | [email protected]
Higher Ground Bakery & Crafts works to combat human trafficking and forced labour practices by creating employment opportunities for at risk youth. It supports youth by training them in marketable skills, helps them with business development, provides mentoring and helps them start up their own business. It funds these activities through sales from its Bakery and Cafe, as well as sales of handicrafts through the Crafts division.
21. Keshab Raj Thapa Swabalamban Bazaar Byabasthapan Tatha Rojgar Srijana Kendra - Agriculture, Environment | Sarlahi 9844 062 625, 04 6530 675, [email protected]
This venture utilises leaves of banana and pineapple plants, that usually go to waste, to create paper and paper products. It also manufactures toothpicks from bamboo and charcoal from organic waste. The paper making aspect of the venture employs eight youth, the paper products manufacturing employs ten individuals, the bamboo toothpicks manufacturing is providing income to fifty households, while the charcoal manufacturing is employing ten individuals.
22. Lalmati Rana ‘Bamboo cottages and products’ - Livelihood | Dhangadhi 09 1526 601
This venture uses locally available bamboo as raw material to build cottages. The workforce is mostly made up low caste, indigenous or otherwise marginalised women who are living below the poverty line. Her venture has helped them find a source of income, and has also made her an example of women entrepreneurship in her community. This has inspired others like her to become financially self reliant.
23. Laxmi Dutt Bhatta Dipjyoti Aadhunik Mauripalan Cooperative - Agriculture | Baitadi 9848 770 995
This cooperative promotes the use of modern beekeeping methods as a means to provide livelihood and conserve the environment. Through training and support of interested individuals, it provides income generation opportunities for locals. Marginalised individuals are provided this training without charge. And through promotion of beekeeping, it hopes to promote afforestation and increase awareness about the importance of a balanced ecosystem.
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24. Muna Shrestha Jamarko - Environment | Kathmandu 9841 581 677, 01 4351 050 | [email protected]
Jamarko promotes recycling and use of recycled products. It produces recycled paper and paper products. Apart from working to promote recycling and raising awareness about proper waste management, the venture also trains and employs marginalised women. A majority of the workforce is comprised of women from low income groups.
25. Nishesh Rai PANN Brick - Environment, Livelihood | Dhankuta 9842 054 866, 9852 047 707 | [email protected]
PANN Brick produces eco friendly clay bricks in Dhankuta district of Nepal using Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln methodology to use less raw resources, produce less pollution and ensure economic viability. It produces considerably less smoke emission than traditional brick kilns. In its efforts to optimise the utilisation of local resources, the venture uses the bare land in off season for planting seasonal vegetables, providing income to workers year round.
26. Om Thapaliya HomeNet Nepal - Community Development | Kathmandu 9801 013 358, 01 4222 176 | [email protected]
HomeNet Nepal is a membership based advocacy group. It supports the rights of workers in the informal sector, mainly domestic workers and home based workers. It works for the urban impoverished, especially women, who may fall through legal and social gaps and not have the right representation and support from civil society. It also works to raise occupational ability of economically marginalised individuals and conducts research in this focus area.
27. Prakash Phuyal Swachha Nirman Enterprises - Waste Management | Kathmandu 01 4436 621 | [email protected]
Swachha Nirman Enterprises works in the waste management sector. It designs, installs and maintains sewage treatment plants. It encourages the reuse of water and minimisation of groundwater usage. It plans to work with the Government to create decentralised units of treatment plants in various rivers. And use the resulting sludge as an organic fertiliser, while pumping clean water back into the rivers.
28. Radha Paudel Miteri Recycle Center - Community Development, Livelihood | Kathmandu 9849 596 298, 01 4227 730 | [email protected]
Miteri Recycle Center collects and sells donated clothing to impoverished communities. It uses women’s groups to clean and fix old clothes, and sells clothing at a reduced rate. This creates employment opportunities for the women and helps prevent cold weather related morbidity. It hopes to preserve the dignity of impoverished individuals by selling clothing at an affordable rate, instead of providing donation.
29. Rakesh Shah Creative Services & Sales - Livelihood | Parsa 9855 023 862, 9802 923 862 | [email protected]
Creative Services & Sales is a training and employment agency. It is targeted towards marginalised youth that come from low income backgrounds. It uses Rapid Market Appraisal to find gaps in the market, and provides vocational education and training. It also helps trainees find employment outside of the venture. The training is focused towards females and it runs operations in the central Terai region. Some training is also provided free of cost.
30. Riddhi Amatya Bluebell Herbal Products - Environment, Well Being | Bhaktapur 9841 472 949, 6612 998 | [email protected]
Bluebell Herbal Products manufactures beauty and well being Ayurvedic products. It also promotes the preservation of aromatic and medicinal plants and herbs. It works in communities to help develop a sense of responsibility in locals towards their environment. It has also been providing training and employment to individuals from low income households.
31. Sabanam Shrestha Women in Floriculture - Livelihood | Kathmandu 9841 252 439, 01 4168 665 | [email protected]
Women in Floriculture provides gardening and floriculture related services. It gives women of low caste, and those that are economically disadvantaged, an opportunity to earn a livable wage and become financially independent. The main focus area of this venture is to train and employ women to provide goods and services like flower arrangements, seeds, equipment, and landscaping.
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32. Samrat Singh Basnet Electro Medical Solutions - Health | Kathmandu 9851 015 746, 01 4428 388 | [email protected]
Electro Medical Solutions have set up the first biomedical service center in Nepal with the dedicated tools and skilled manpower needed to check and maintain medical devices from a range of manufacturers. They also work with healthcare organisations, patients and medical equipment users across Nepal to provide technical assistance and training in the proper use of medical equipment.
33. Saroj Koirala Kushal Byabasaya Paramarsha Thatha Talim Kendra - Livelihood | Bara 9845 136 377, 05 3540 457 | [email protected]
This center provides shoemaking and tailoring training and services. It gives unemployed and untrained youth a chance at employment, and the production of clothing generates revenue for the venture. It also provides entrepreneurship training and provides youth an option other than going abroad for employment.
34. Shanta Baskota Koirala Kanchenjunga Tea Estate & Research Center - Agriculture | Panchthar 9851 082 828, 9851 055 155 | [email protected]
This tea estate and research center was started by a cooperative of farmers and it produces orthodox tea using organic farming methods. It also cultivates and markets various spices and herbs. This venture has also facilitated a cow husbandry program in the community, and scholarships for children of farmers. It also trains farmers on the importance of environment conservation.
35. Shrawan Pradhan Gham Power Nepal - Energy | Kathmandu 01 4438 950, 01 4006 623 | [email protected]
Gham Power Nepal provides solar power related services in both urban and remote areas. It covers all aspects of installing and maintaining solar panels - from initial feasibility studies and design to arranging finance, installation and maintenance. It constructs micro grids in rural areas that can bring electricity to villages. It has also installed solar powered lights in heritage sites and local bus stands.
36. Sudha Basnet Women’s Dream Beauty & Multi Service - Women Empowerment | Kathmandu 9808 089 224, 01 4428 388 | [email protected]
This venture works to promote entrepreneurial spirit in unemployed housewives, and to manufacture handmade paper products. It is famous for its paper pencils that are made from recycled waste paper. It provides educational classes on waste management, training on sewing, cosmetic beauty and baking. It also helps to market products made by home based workers.
37. Tenzin Gonsar EduLift Academy - Education | Kathmandu 9808 066 017, 9813 160 270 | [email protected]
EduLift is an after school educational venture that promotes practical learning and student development through academic assistance, college and career counselling and life skills training. It aims to provide an alternative to the exam based curriculum of the education system in Nepal that does not address the necessary life skills and mindset needed for the workforce and everyday life.
38. Thaneshwar Bhusal Samudayik Khadya Prasodhan Udyog - Agriculture | Parbat 9857 622 255, 06 7690 600 | [email protected]
This venture processes and packages produce, fruit and coffee. It uses locally available resources that may be going to waste to help create an income source in the community. It processes, packages and markets various products like lapsi (Nepalese hog plum), oranges, lemons and ginger. It also runs a lapsi nursery and rice mill. This venture also facilitates training programs on food processing for local farmer groups from marginalised communities.
39. Uttam Thapa Sanjel Samata Shiksha Niketan HSS and College - Education | Kathmandu 9851 071 468 | [email protected]
This Higher Secondary School and College provides academic courses from Nursery to Bachelors for impoverished individuals. They charge a nominal fee of NPR 100 per month. The institute has taught over thirty thousand students till date. The school has branches in twenty districts of Nepal and focuses on extracurricular activities and helps provide employment to graduates.
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40. Women Development Advocacy Center - Technology, Livelihood | Dhanusha 9817 684 555 | [email protected]
The Women Development Advocacy Center (WDAC) establishes ICT centers in rural areas of Dhanusha to train and help generate employment for marginalised communities through the use of technology. Since most skill development trainings take place only in more urban areas in the region, WDAC has been able to impact over one hundred rural youth and women.
Profiles | All applications and nominations
41. 3 Angels Nepal, Pokhara
3 Angels Nepal provides preventative and rehabilitation services to young girls who are at risk of trafficking or have been trafficked. It also provides a safe haven and education to orphans and destitute children.
42. Ambesh Rajbhandari - Rato Mato Organics, Kathmandu
Rato Mato Organics produces, sells and promotes organic produce through its farm and restaurant.
43. Ameeta Pradhan Shilpakar - Sai Interiors, Lalitpur
Sai Interiors develops and markets decorative wooden products.
44. Annapurna Eco Village, Kaski
Annapurna Eco Village is an eco resort that promotes organic farming, solar power use and efficient waste management.
45. Aruna Shakya - Lumana Knitcraft, Lalitpur
This venture manufactures and markets knitwear that is exported internationally.
46. Batuk Prasad Rajbhandari - Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy, Nepal, Lalitpur
This organisation carries out various rehabilitation services for children with cerebral palsy and other neurological diseases.
47. Binesh Maharjan - Rohan & Binisha Felt, Kathmandu
This venture employs local women and youth to create felt products.
48. Birthday Forest, Kathmandu
Birthday Forest promotes afforestation and environmental conservation by encouraging individuals to plant a tree through their venture on special occasions or as a corporate social responsibility initiative for organisations.
49. Boudhikalaya, Kathmandu
Boudhikalaya is an Ayurvedic clinic, using the principles of homeopathy and Ayurveda to provide treatment.
50. Buddhi Maya Sunar - Shashi Dhaka Udyog, Nawalparasi
This venture manufactures clothing from Dhaka fabric.
51. Chandika Siwakoti - ‘Tailoring’, Dolakha
This venture provides training, tailoring services, makes readymade clothing.
52. Chiranjeevi Pandey - Pandey Tile Udyog, Surkhet
This venture uses local resources to provide building and hygiene related materials to the community at a nominal rate.
53. Chitra Chand - Sapana Garment Udyog, Banke
Sapana Garment Udyog provides low cost tailoring training to marginalised women in Sitapur of Banke district.
54. Chitrakali Budhamagar - ‘Nettle processing’, Pyuthan
This venture processes nettle to make fabric and clothing.
55. Creative Hands of Deaf Women, Lalitpur
Creative Hands of Deaf Women was setup to provide sign language training, and livelihood related training to at need deaf women in Nepal.
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56. Dendi Sherpa - Center for Disabled Children Assistance, Kathmandu
This center works with children with physical disabilities. It helps to rehabilitate, provide schooling, medical treatment and psycho social counselling.
57. Dharma Raj Shakya - Arniko Stone Carving, Lalitpur
Arniko Stone Carving promotes, produces and markets stone carved statues and traditional art.
58. Dinesh Kaini - ‘Bamboo products’, Kailali
This venture uses local resources to make products from bamboo.
59. Dinesh Kumar Thapa - Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts and Spa, Pokhara
This venture trains and employs deaf and visually impaired individuals to make pashmina products and provide massage and spa treatment.
60. Doma Paudel - Bar Pipal Farmers’ Group, Chitwan
The group hopes to establish Bachhauli, Chitwan as a model organic farming village by providing technical and market oriented support.
61. Dr. Pranav Raj Joshi - Bhaktapur Animal Welfare Society, Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur Animal Welfare Society spays and neuters stray dogs and cats in Bhaktapur, provides them medical treatment and shelters stray dogs in need.
62. Durga KC - ‘Soap making’, Pyuthan
This venture manufactures and markets herbal soap made from local cheaure tree leaves.
63. Fulwa Devi Sada - ‘Watermelon and produce farming’, Sarlahi
This venture cultivates and markets watermelon and other produce. It works to provide income for low income and low caste individuals in the community.
64. Ganesh Prasad Ghimire - Masala Kutani tatha Packaging, Sindhuli
This venture processes, packages and markets spices using locally available resources.
65. Gopal Thapa - ‘Animal husbandry’, Morang
This venture rears and sells goats. It helps small scale farmers earn an income in the community.
66. Harish Agrawal – Shine Exhibits, Kathmandu
This company provides eco friendly alternatives to light up public areas across the country like solar lit bus stands.
67. Indradev Sharan Bhatta - Shree Pragatisheel Beekeeping Cooperative, Baitadi
The cooperative has been working to promote beekeeping as a viable business to increase livelihood, and help conserve the environment.
68. Jeet Bahadur Giri - ‘Lapsi processing’, Sindhupalchok
This venture processes Lapsi (Nepalese hog plum) and manufactures candy.69. Kalpana Tamrakar - Buddhist Treasure International, Lalitpur
Buddhist Treasure International sells Buddhist artifacts like Thankas, statues and ritual items.
70. Kalyani Ghising - ‘Tailoring’, Sindhupalchok
This venture aims to train local women in tailoring to prevent them from seeking employment abroad by creating opportunities at home.
71. Kathmandu Balaju Height Leo Club, Kathmandu
Leo club conducts programs in youth leadership development, community awareness, various services to people in need, fellowship programs, and training programs.
72. Kesh Kumari Damini Darji - Manisha Sewing Cutting and Training Center, Parbat
This center trains and helps provide employment opportunities to marginalised women from low income and low caste families.
73. Khadananda Shiwakoti - Shiwakoti Bag Udyog, Kathmandu
Shiwakoti Bag Udyog manufactures and markets different varieties of bags.
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74. Krishna Bahadur Mahara Chhetri - Devotee Training & Research Center, Dhangadhi
This center identifies gaps in labor supply in the market and provides training and placement services to unemployed youth accordingly.
75. Krishna Nath Sanyasi - Barannath Aadhunik Mauripalan Multipurpose Cooperative, Baitadi
The cooperative works to promote modern beekeeping methods as a means to create employment and increase plant yield.
76. Krishna Prasad Poudel - Haatemaalo Savings and Credit Cooperative, Bara
This cooperative provides financial support and services to marginalised individuals like people from low castes, ethnic groups, landless farmers, and those with low income.
77. Lal Maya Pun Magar - ‘Nettle processing’, Parbat
This venture processes and produces fabric from nettle plants. It uses locally available resources to provide an income source to the community.
78. Lal Singh Dhami - ‘Ginger cultivation and processing’, Baitadi
This venture cultivates and sells raw ginger and processed ginger products like pickle, sweets and powder.
79. LCCI Nepal, Lalitpur
LCCI Nepal provides skill based training and certification for young people across Nepal.
80. Life School Center, Dhanusha
Life School Center works towards social, economic and institutional development with capacity building of the district with special focus on the impoverished, vulnerable and socially excluded sectors of society.
81. Lila Devi Pun - Lagansheel Dhaka Kapada Udyog, Myagdi
This venture manufactures clothing from Dhaka fabric.
82. Lok Prasad Khanal - Satkaar Food Products, Bardiya
This venture produces snack foods sourced from local resources while employing visually impaired individuals.
83. Madhav Karki - Damsidole Jadibuti Prasodhan Kendra , Lalitpur
Damsidole Jadibuti Prasodhan Kendra aims to produce, process and export essential oils made from, both cultivated and wild, wintergreen herbs.
84. Matt Dawes - Milkmandu, Kathmandu
Milkmandu sources, treats and delivers high quality organic buffalo and cow milk, along with other dairy products, directly to households within the Ring Road area in Kathmandu.
85. Mohan Bahadur Raut - IT Aim Nepal, Bara
IT Aim Nepal provides computer hardware and software, as well as, skill development training to teachers at community schools across Nepal.
86. Narjit Damai - ‘Tailoring’, Jumla
This venture provides tailoring services and promotes self employment and creation of micro enterprises.
87. Indra Prasad Dahal - Nepal Rural Development & Environment Protection Council, Kathmandu
This organisation works in various fields to help with community development, like manufacturing Cristal Bag products to generate livelihood for marginalised individuals.
88. Pansara Roka Magar - ‘Nettle processing’, Kalikot
This venture processes nettle to make thread and fabric.
89. Parbati Rai - ‘Incense manufacturing’, Udayapur
This venture sources local raw materials to manufacture incense.
90. Patlegaun Organic Farm, Kavrepalanchok
This farm cultivates and markets, locally and internationally, organic produce, fruit and dairy products.
91. Pinky Devi Das - Pinky Laha Chura Udyog, Dhanusa
This venture manufactures beauty accessories for women while employing women from low castes.
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92. Prem Shah - ‘Tuberculosis laboratory’, Banke
This initiative works in the local area to diagnose tuberculosis, provide medicine, and raise awareness about the importance of diagnosing and treating the disease.
93. Prof. Dr. Lochana Shrestha - Health Home Care Nepal, Lalitpur
Health Home Care Nepal provides holistic health and social care services to elderly individuals and advocates on their behalf.
94. Radha Khadka - Asmita Tailoring and Training Center, Sindhuli
The center is a micro enterprise that produces clothing, and provides training to interested individuals in the community.
95. Ram Kaji Paudel - Vajra Academy, Lalitpur
Vajra Academy is an eco friendly school that focuses on providing equal access to education for all social and economic classes of students in the community.
96. Ramesh Basnet - ‘Vegetable farming’, Morang
This venture cultivates produce, and packages them to sell in the market.
97. Rima Lamichhane - Technical Associates Services, Kathmandu
Technical Associates Services installs sewage treatment plants to treat and reuse water, as well reduce river pollution and environmental damage.
98. Rita Shrestha - Newa Decor, Lalitpur
Newa Decor works with craftsmen to promote and sell wooden and metal artwork, and works with women’s groups to promote and sell handicrafts.
99. Sabitri Devi Chaudhary - ‘Jute products’, Sunsari
This cooperative processes and manufactures jute products. It provides employment opportunities to women in the community and has helped to make them self reliant.
100. Sameer Pahari - Sunaulo Bihani, Kathmandu
Sunaulo Bihani provides health awareness programs on diseases like diabetes, hypertension and malaria. And it conducts leadership training programs for school children.
101. Sangita Pant - Entire Power in Social Action, Kathmandu
This initiative employs and empowers marginalised women and those with disabilities. It provides skill training and sells hand made products, candles and soap.
102. Sanu Maya Gurung - ‘Tailoring’, Sindhupalchok
This venture provides tailoring services and trains local women to manufacture clothing.
103. Shanti Bhatta - Sapana Garment Udyog, Banke
Sapana Garment Udyog provides low cost tailoring training to marginalised women in Khajura Gard of Banke district. It also provides tailoring services in the community.
104. Shanti Devi Dhimal - ‘Tailoring’, Jhapa
This cooperative manufactures and markets traditional Dhimal community clothing using Dhaka fabric.
105. Sharada Rijal - Milan Garments, Lalitpur
Milan Garments produces wool and felt products, specialising in hats. It employs conflict affected and economically disadvantaged women.
106. Shatrudhan Mukhiya - ‘Fish farming’, Saptari
This venture farms and markets fish.
107. Shova Shrestha - Versatile Boutique, Kathmandu
The boutique provides designing, embroidery, dyeing and stitching services. The employees are mostly housewives who work from home.
108. Shreejani Tuladhar - Shreejani Fashion Wear & Tailors, Kathmandu
This venture manufactures readymade clothing, provides tailoring services and sells fabric. It promotes the use of Nepali Kora Dhaka fabric.
109. Shyam Sundar Bhattarai - Basisth Dairy Udyog, Nawalparasi
This venture processes and markets dairy products using milk collected from local farmers.
110. Sitara Rajbhandari - Spicy Home Spices, Kathmandu
This venture manufactures and markets spices.
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111. Sobha Danuwar - Sobha Dalmot Bhujia Udyog, Udayapur
This venture manufactures and markets dalmot and bhujia snacks. It employs marginalised individuals, especially women, and provides them a source of income.
112. Subhadra Kumari Rajbhandari - Saraswoti Dhaka Kapada Udyog, Tehrathum
This venture manufactures and sells various items of clothing and accessories made from Dhaka fabric.
113. Suna Pandey - ‘Vegetable farming’, Baitadi
This venture uses modern farming techniques and non chemical based fertilisers and pesticides to cultivate produce.
114. Tej Bahadur Rana - Milijuli Beehive Production, Baglung
This venture markets and promotes beehives as a means to create self employment for local individuals.
115. Til Kumari Khadka - Himal Silai Center And Prashikshan Kendra, Pyuthan
This venture provides tailoring services, and supplies sewing equipment to local stores.
116. Tota Devi Bogati - Tailoring Training Center, Sindhuli
This venture provides tailoring services. It also conducts training for nominal fees.
117. Tulsi Budha - ‘Mushroom farming’, Dang
This venture cultivates and markets mushrooms.
118. Ujwala Amatya - Tulajas Herbal Products, Kathmandu
This venture manufactures and markets herbal and beauty products.
119. Yam Bahadur Bhujel - Kharwang Cheaure Herbal Soap, Baglung
This venture collects and processes local cheaure tree leaves to manufacture herbal soap.
SNASEA 2012 | OverviewSNASEA 2012 took place between October and December 2012. A special category was included in the Award - the NBI Agent of Change. It recognised businesses that supported enterprise development and startups. National Business Initiative (NBI) is a Non Governmental Organisation that promotes sustainable and inclusive economic development.
The Award took place on the eve of 18 December, and it celebrated five SNASEA winners and recognised three NBI Agents of Change. Three social entrepreneurs were also recognised for their long standing support to community development through business. Guest of honor, Dr. Ashwin Naik (Vaatsalya Healthcare, India) made remarks on the possibility of inter country exchange of ideas between social entrepreneurs in Nepal and India.
The Bazaar took place in Baber Mahal Revisited over three days in October and showcased the products, services and ideas of sixty social entrepreneurs. It brought together twenty exhibitors per day from sectors like handicraft, tourism, health and well being, energy, education, and agriculture. The Bazaar was open to the public and also included additional attractions like live pottery making demonstration, caricature and portrait artists, live folk music and costumed artists.
The Seminar was held at Yalamaya Kendra over three days in November. The first day focused on business plan development and the second day on issues social entrepreneurs face and solutions to their challenges. The third day allowed social entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to potential investors and featured an open panel discussion on Social Entrepreneurship and Opportunities in Nepal.
Each evening also featured an open networking session, to provide opportunities for social entrepreneurs, speakers and participants to interact and build a network. The Seminar ended with closing remarks by Steven Lee from LGT Venture Philanthropy, Korea.
Profiles of the speakers and investors at the Seminar, along with the winners and semifinalists of SNASEA 2012 follow.
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Profiles | Speakers and investorsSpeakers:Alex Shrestha, Managing Director of Wonaw & Associates and faculty member for Project Management at ACE Institute of Management.
Anil Chitrakar, respected social entrepreneur, scholar and writer on social, political and environmental issues in Nepal.
Bal Joshi, Co Founder and Managing Director of Thamel.com. He has over ten years of experience as an entrepreneur in both Nepal and North America.
Dr. Ashesh Ambasta, Vice President and Head of Social Investment Program at ITC Limited, India.
Gyan Shakya, banking lawyer with over fifteen years of experience, and in house lawyer at Nepal Bank.
Hermann Rune, Senior Adviser at Rural Microfinance Development Center in Nepal, and Country Representative of Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation.
Kunda Dixit, Founder, Editor and Publisher of the Nepali Times, and Co Publisher of Himal magazine.
Laishram Buddha Singh, expert on marketing strategy, ITC Limited, India.
Saurabh Rijal, Director of Saadhya, a consulting and outsourcing firm and adviser on business management and financial strategy.
Shabda Gyawali, Investment Manager at Dolma Impact Fund. He has been working to tackle poverty in South Asia through entrepreneurial approaches.
Suvash Thapa and Sudeep Bhaju from Beed Management, which is an international management consultancy and financial advisory services firm.
Ujwal Thapa, Founder of Entrepreneurs for Nepal, who has over a decade of experience in business management in the information technology field.
Investors:Business Oxygen, a fund management company supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that provides risk capital financing and complementary advisory services to small businesses.
Steven Lee, a graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology and INSEAD MBA Program. He is currently directing the impact venture accelerator program at LGT Venture Philanthropy.
Vidhan Rana, Founding Partner at Biruwa Ventures, which provides an entrepreneurial atmosphere for sharp and driven individuals to interact, share and nurture ideas into sustainable ventures.
Panel for discussion on Social Entrepreneurship and Opportunities in Nepal:
Anil Chitrakar, social entrepreneur.
Barsha Shrestha, General Manager, Clean Energy Development Bank.
Tika Jit Rai, Founder of Magnus Consulting Group and an expert in Information and Communications Technology.
Upendra Adhikari, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children & Social Welfare, Government of Nepal.
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Profiles | Winners - SNASEA 2012
1. Chiranjeevi Poudel - Seeing Hands, Kathmandu 4253 513 | [email protected]
Seeings Hands is a remedial massage clinic that trains and employs visually impaired individuals. The Award contributed to the personal motivation of Chiranjeevi, and helped him become accepted by local businesses and clients. A new branch is being planned in Lalitpur.
“This Award has played an important role in promoting Seeing Hands and our activities. More awareness has been raised and people who had negative attitude towards massage have become more positive. After this national recognition our Nepalese clients have increased and this has encouraged me to expand Seeing Hands all over Nepal as much as possible.”
2. Dr. Bishal Dhakal - Health at Home, Kathmandu 9841 515 934, 4116 024 | [email protected]
Health at Home provides medical services at patients’ residences. Promotion and networking opportunities from SNASEA helped Health at Home gain media and communal acceptance. It has two new branches in Itahari and Pokhara, with plans for expansion and inclusion of other related services.
“The prestige and promotion from winning the Award has helped my venture to find new clients, and has been a big achievement for me personally. While I may not have been able to complete my MD in Pakistan, I feel that I have created my own degree through Health at Home by learning to run an enterprise, and solve a social problem, and winning the 2012 SNASEA was my graduation certificate.”
3. Prachanda Shakya - Nepal Traditional Handicrafts Training Center, Lalitpur 9841 366 671, 5009 078 [email protected]
This center teaches traditional fine arts and handicrafts skills to preserve Nepalese culture and provide employment opportunities for youth. Enrolment and media promotion of the center has increased since SNASEA.
“The Award has helped a great deal in increasing the number of trainees, thus helping us promote traditional arts and crafts even more and reach out to more youth. The Award has encouraged us to upgrade and provide better quality service.”
4. Shanti Shakya - Kakani Himalayan Natural Dyes, Nuwakot 9808 801 708 | [email protected]
This venture produces natural dyes and provides dyeing services. Winning the Award was able to help it find new markets - increasing demand and providing employment for more workers in the community.
“After the Award, we have been able to reach and introduce more of our products in the market. The appreciation earned has made us feel proud, encouraging us to engage more women from the community in our business.”
5. Jasmaya Pun - Hampaal Allo Tatha Kapada Bunai Udyog, Parbat 9847 652 761, 9847 636 543
This venture processes nettle plants to make yarn and clothing. It also provides training to help with income generation. Since SNASEA, the venture has started exporting its products and has been recognised by the media and the FNCCI as a change maker.
“Being recognised as a change maker has really boosted my confidence. The award money helped me buy modern equipment for my venture and I have now also started exporting to the US.”
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Recognised social entrepreneurs:
1. Govinda Ghimire - Alternative Herbal Product, Kathmandu 9851 120 541, 01 4036 359 | [email protected]
Recognised for supporting local producers to deliver high quality herbal and organic products. It links their products with national and international buyers - helping to increase their income.
2. Som Prasad Gauchan - Everest Tea Estate, Sindhupalchok 9851 086 168, 01 4279 113 | [email protected]
Recognised for addressing the pressing problem of extreme economic backwardness of Bhotechaur village by starting a tea estate and providing an income source for the community.
3. Tara Baskota Adhikari - Shangrila Agro World, Panchthar 9851 064 659, 9851 024 312 | [email protected]
Recognised for providing fair prices to local tea farmers by processing and marketing organic tea from Panchthar district.
NBI Agent of Change:
1. Brihat Investments
For developing ancillary businesses to provide essential services in the real estate sector. It invests in local businesses and provides them direct assistance in procurement, credit access, cash assessment, client identification, market research and logistics.
2. Himalayan Naturals
For providing technical support to establish community enterprises, developing systems for quality assurance, and assisting in enterprise management. It explores rewarding markets for community produced natural products. Himalayan Briquette is its flagship product.
3. Lotus Holdings
For facilitating access to funds for enterprise startups, growth and expansion of ventures, providing support services related to finance, marketing, research and development, and administration. It adheres to the principles of social justice.
4. Women Support Saving and Credit Cooperative Society
For providing funding and support to women for income generation through collateral free loans, income generation workshops and consulting, and providing market access to women community groups, collectives and enterprises.
Profiles | Semifinalists - SNASEA 20121. Amrit Ratna Shakya - AR Fashion Design & Sewing Institute, Lalitpur
9841 304 272, 1 5526 730 Training and employment opportunities in fashion and tailoring for persons with disabilities.
2. Aparna Prajapati - The Peacock Shop, Bhaktapur 6610 692, 6610 820 | [email protected]
Preservation and promotion of traditional handicrafts and paper making.
3. Bijay Kumar Shrivastav - Sanaa Byabasaya Paramarsha Kendra, Parsa 9855 025 470, 5152 500 | [email protected]
Life skills training, business oriented services and loans for women.
4. Bishnu Thakali - Women Environment Preservation Committee, Lalitpur 9841 208 620, 01 5541 068 | [email protected]
Engagement of women in environment conservation programs.
5. Govinda Ghimire - Alternative Herbal, Bhaktapur 01 4036 359 | [email protected]
Training and income generation provisions for households related to herbal products.
6. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan - Hydro Solutions, Kathmandu 9801 021 222, 01 4434 003 | [email protected]
Infrastructure and community development initiatives.
7. Janaki Pradhan - Leading Women’s Association, Lalitpur 9849 668 599, 9741 122 060 | [email protected]
Training and market promotion services to low income women.
8. Khil Narayan Shrestha - ‘Agriculture and animal husbandry’, Dhading 9841 417 132, 10 690 403
Training and market promotion services for impoverished farmers.
9. Kiran Khadgi - Kumbeshwar Technical School, Lalitpur 01 5537 484, 01 5539 216 | [email protected]
Vocational training and employment in knitwear, carpet making and carpentry.
10. Kumud Singh - Alpine Coffee Estate, Nuwakot 9851 116 163, 9851 030 950 | [email protected]
Promotion of organic coffee and training and employment to local farmers.
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11. Nishesh Rai - PANN Brick, Dhankuta 9842 054 866, 9852 047 707 | [email protected]
Manufacture and marketing of eco friendly clay bricks.
12. Padmasana Shakya - Manushi, Lalitpur 01 5552 997, 01 5553 896 | [email protected]
Micro credits to women for development of enterprises, and life skills training.
13. Purna Bahadur Bhandari - Aguwa Kishan, Jhapa 9808 935 704
Cooperative of farmers that promotes commercial farming.
14. Sangita Pant - EPSA Differently Abled Women Skill Training Center, Kathmandu 9851 136 554, 9841 526 525 | [email protected]
Training and employment opportunities for differently abled women.
15. Sanu Kaji Shrestha - Foundation for Sustainable Technologies, Kathmandu 01 4361 574, 01 4351 225 | [email protected]
Introduction of high efficiency, low cost technologies in rural Nepal.
16. Saroj Koirala - Kushal Byabasaya Paramarsha Thatha Talim Kendra, Bara 9845 136 377, 05 3540 457 | [email protected]
Tailoring and shoemaking training and employment opportunities creation.
17. Shanta Baskota Koirala - Kanchenjunga Tea Estate & Research Center, Panchthar 9851 082 828, 9851 055 155 | [email protected]
Cooperative of tea farmers that conducts community development programs.
18. Sitara Rajbhandari - Spicy Home Spices, Kathmandu 9851 058 300, 01 4260 936 | [email protected]
Employment opportunities for women in the community while manufacturing spices.
19. Thaneshwar Bhusal - Samudayik Khadya Prasodhan Udyog, Parbat 9857 622 255, 06 7690 600 | [email protected]
Increment of income for local farmers through processing and packaging of produce, fruit and herbs.
SNASEA 2011 | OverviewThe first SNASEA took place between 18 and 21 November 2011, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week. The four days of activities and events marked a new chapter for social entrepreneurship promotion in Nepal.
The Award was held on the eve of 21 November and it celebrated five winners. The guest of honor, Vineet Rai (Aavishkaar, India), shared his personal and professional experiences with running a successful social venture.
The Bazaar was held in the picturesque Baber Mahal Revisited. Twenty selected Nepalese social entrepreneurs and their ventures in the central courtyard over two days.
The Seminar ran concurrent to the Bazaar. There were a total of eleven sessions, which were free to the public. Experts from business were on hand to conduct informational and interactive sessions. Two technical sessions were specially designed for the exhibiting twenty social entrepreneurs.
Profiles of the winners and semifinalists of SNASEA 2011 follow.
Profiles | Winners - SNASEA 2011
1. Chhahari Services, Kathmandu 01 4411 429 | [email protected]
Chhahari Services provides a safe haven and life and employment skills and opportunities for single women. SNASEA helped expand their existing network of national and international organisations.
“This Award has meant a great deal for us. The award money has been put to use for development of Chhahari Services and the media coverage has helped to make people understand our work. And more than that, people have come to appreciate the work done by single women.” - Sweta Tamrakar, Chhahari Services.
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2. Ram Sapkota - Tukee Nepal and Mountain Delights Treks and Expedition, Jyamrung 9851 089 497, 01 4700 190 | [email protected]
Ram Sapkota conducts community development projects through Tukee Nepal in his native Jyamrung. His trekking company conducts medical and clean up treks in the region. SNASEA helped him reach international markets and helped with promotion of his activities.
“The Award has changed my life and business. It gave a really positive effect. A lot of people know about me and my business because of the Award and a lot of people want to buy tours with us because of it.”
3. Sabita Maharjan - Kirtipur Hosiery, Kirtipur 9841 649 035 | [email protected]
Kirtipur Hosiery manufactures woollen knitwear and accessories, creating training and employment opportunities for women. The related cooperative also provides them support. Through promotion of her work by SNASEA, she was able to sign up as a supplier for Sherpa Adventure Gear.
“After winning the Award, I became ready to learn technical knowledge, management training and designing training. Winning the Award made me take a further step and encouraged me not to be fed up with challenges rather we should face every step.”
4. Shyam Badan Yadav - Kalash Milk Industry, Parsa 9855 022 287 | [email protected]
Kalash Milk Industry provides income generation opportunities to local farmers through its dairy collection center and livestock distribution scheme. Promotion from SNASEA helped this venture secure a collaboration with a Dutch firm and has expanded to include a cattle farm.
“Me and my company got recognition after I won the Award. Kalash Dairy upgraded to Kalash Milk Industries and capital investments increased overtime. I felt I could do even better in this sector and run this business in an even better way.”
5. Vijaya Development Resource Center, Nawalparasi 56 501 172, 56 501 100 | [email protected]
This center works in different areas of development. It runs a savings and credit cooperative, a community school, a local radio station dedicated to good governance and freedom of expression, and runs various training programs. SNASEA helped this center expand its network and activities.
“Winning the Award has inspired us to contribute more and we have decided to work more on enterprise development and conduct trainings.” - Khem Raj Sapkota, Vijaya Development Resource Center.
Profiles | Semifinalists - SNASEA 20111. Ananda Shova Tamrakar - Pesticide Monitor Nepal, KathmanduPromotion of environmental friendly farming and waste management.
2. Chitrakali Budha Magar - Koshi Himal Allo Kapada Udyog, Pyuthan 9846 820 814
Creation of clothing from nettle plant based fabric.
3. Devi Prasad Acharya - Nepal Pollution Control and Environment Management Center, Lalitpur 01 5541 976, 01 5520 512 | [email protected]
Waste management services and public awareness campaigns related to urban waste.
4. Dinesh Prasad Shrestha - Room to Read, Kathmandu 5552 987, 5534 116
Promotion and facilitation of literacy and educational initiatives for children.
5. Kanchaman Tamang - ‘Strawberry cultivation’, KakaniPromotion of strawberry farming and increase in income of farmers.
6. Kumud Singh - Alpine Coffee Estate, Nuwakot 9851 116 163, 9851 030 950 | [email protected]
Promotion of organic coffee and training and employment to local farmers.
7. Miraz Thakuri - Cafe Brown Sugar, KathmanduTraining and employment of former drug users to help with social inclusion and income generation.
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8. Prabin Neupane - Gorkha Energy and Environment, Gorkha 9841 320 062 | [email protected]
Promotion and training of locals in the making and use of bio briquettes.
9. Rishikesh Tiwari - Parbat Community Development Society 01 4673 156 | [email protected]
Local engagement in poverty reduction, using local resources.
10. Subarna Chitrakar - Sungava Women’s Training Center 01 4226 416, 01 4225 560 | [email protected]
Rehabilitation and basic life skills training center for girls with development disabilities, especially Down syndrome.
11. Tulsi Giri - The Bazaar 9849 154 973, 06 1460 415 | [email protected]
Retail outlet for environmentally friendly products, organic restaurant and creation of an organic farming cooperative.
12. Subechhya Basnet - Kheti Bazaar 01 4411 603
Organic produce retail store that links producers directly to consumers.
About the organiser | ChangeFusion NepalChangeFusion Nepal was founded in 2008 to help local youth direct their vision and skills towards benefiting people and the planet through social entrepreneurship. It aspires to steer the creative and constructive energy of Nepalese youth towards ventures that support their communities by solving social, economic and environmental issues through business.
Focus: To create successful social enterprises that impact the daily lives of the underprivileged youth in Nepal.
Vision: A society in which Nepalese youth are provided with the necessary resources to create long lasting social and economic benefits through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Mission: To support and empower young social entrepreneurs in Nepal with original ideas, solutions, dedication and vision for social change - in order to transform their dreams into reality.
Through four key components, CFN works towards achieving the above mission.
Knowledge - Develop, adapt and disseminate knowledge and tools that are required by young social entrepreneurs.
Networking - Connect young Nepalese social entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, other social entrepreneurs and interested stakeholders.
Mentoring - Structure a mentorship program associated with the seed grants to assist entrepreneurs with their business development.
Financing - Find donors or investors to provide seed grants to young social entrepreneurs who meet the selection criteria.
FellowshipIn the past, CFN supported efforts made by individuals towards running social ventures through its Fellowship program. It trained and mentored social entrepreneurs and helped them transform their ideas into action, or scale up existing initiatives. CFN Fellows included 2012 CNN Hero of the Year Pushpa Basnet (Early Childhood Development Center) who works with children of inmates, and Khom Raj Sharma (Inclusion Empowerment Center) who provides computer related training to visually impaired individuals.
Hidden Journeys Nepalhiddenjourneysnepal.com | fb.com/hiddenjourneysnepal
Hidden Journeys Nepal is an ongoing initiative of CFN to promote social ventures and provide inspiration and knowledge. It conducts specialised short tours of social ventures in and around Kathmandu. Such Journeys serve to showcase the amazing work done by Nepalese to benefit their communities and help build a network between them and prospective supporters.
Youth Action Fundfb.com/yafnepal
CFN is the implementing organisation for Youth Action Fund in Nepal. Supported by Open Society Foundations, Youth Action Fund works to identify, inspire and support small groups of young people to mobilise and influence larger numbers of their peers. Selected youth, or Grantees, are provided funding and mentoring support to run small scale community development projects.
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We are grateful to our advisers, jury members, venue partner and supporters. Thank you for your enduring and passionate support of our vision.
Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. (SNPL) SNPL’s philosophy believes that the people are its major asset. SNPL is dedicated to supporting community activities which contribute to sustainable development and help enhance access to basic development needs and efforts.
Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Head OfficeShree Bal SadanKantipath, Kathmandu, Nepal(w) http://www.snpl.com.np(e) [email protected]
ChangeFusion Nepal (CFN) – ChangeFusion Nepal has a vision to support, empower, and promote innovative social enterprises to create long lasting social and economic benefits in our nation.
ChangeFusion NepalBabarMahal Revisited,Kathmandu, Nepal(w) www.changefusionnepal.org(e) [email protected](t) +977 1 692 3423
Surya Nepal Private Limited Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award
fb.com/celebratingsocialentrepreneurshipsnasea2013.wordpress.comasha2012.wordpress.com
Thanks to our Partners
2013
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
- Winston Churchill