Five-Day Bootcamp Kicks Off in Surkhet to Equip 300 Ecopreneurs with Entrepreneurship Skills

Surkhet, Nepal: A five-day residential bootcamp aimed at equipping 300 agriculture-based entrepreneurs, or ecopreneurs, from seven municipalities of Karnali Province with essential entrepreneurship skills began today in Surkhet.

The bootcamp, organized by Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab) in collaboration with the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Co-operatives (MoLMAC) of Karnali Province and seven local governments, seeks to bridge the gap in current skill development programs by providing smallholder farmers with comprehensive training, mentorship, and access to markets and resources.

This initiative is a key component of the "Business Incubation for Strengthened Local Agri-food System in Karnali" project, implemented by YI-Lab and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Nepal under the GRAPE project. The project aims to enhance green marketplaces in Karnali Province by offering business incubation services to ecopreneurs focused on environmentally sustainable businesses. It is being implemented in Barahtal, Bheriganga, Birendranagar, Bhagawatimai, Bhairabi, Dullu, and Naumule municipalities and rural municipalities of Surkhet and Dailekh districts. The GRAPE project is funded by the European Union, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The bootcamp is divided into two phases: the first phase for 150 farmers runs from May 27-31, and the second phase for another 150 participants will be held from June 3-7. From 431 applicants who applied via apply.merokheti.org, 300 participants were selected, including 236 women and 135 individuals from ethnic minorities and the Dalit community.

"This bootcamp provides an opportunity for smallholder farmers to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's agricultural landscape. Our Secretariat supports initiatives like these that empower our farmers and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Karnali Province," said Chitra Bahadur Rokaya, Director of the Agriculture Development Secretariat under MoLMAC.

Participants will explore various topics crucial for entrepreneurial success, such as value chain mapping, networking, entrepreneurship development, market analysis, legal compliance, and business planning. Through interactive sessions and practical workshops, they will gain invaluable insights and skills to navigate the agricultural business landscape.

"This collaboration aims to strengthen the local agriculture-based entrepreneurship ecosystem by offering comprehensive support to agri-entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools to succeed. We are committed to fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing food security in Karnali Province," said Axel Binder, Programme Manager of the GRAPE project.

This bootcamp is a significant step towards promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in Karnali Province. By equipping ecopreneurs with the necessary knowledge and tools, this initiative aims to create a pathway towards a prosperous future for local communities.

"We are dedicated to empowering local communities through enhanced food and nutrition security. Our agro-ecological approach addresses community needs through innovative and transformative interventions. This project exemplifies our commitment to supporting ecopreneurs and building resilience in Karnali Province," said WHH Nepal Country Director Shakeb Nabi.

At the bootcamp's conclusion, ecopreneurs will be able to pitch their ideas and develop business plans. Additionally, they will receive ongoing mentorship from 40 mentors over the next three months.

"YI-Lab champions innovation and technology. We work with young innovators to make a difference. This bootcamp demonstrates our commitment to providing ecopreneurs, including young agri-entrepreneurs, with the tools and support they need to positively impact their communities," said YI-Lab Executive Director Pradip Khatiwada.

Prior to the bootcamp, an online course titled "Agri Entrepreneurship 1.0" was developed, featuring five modules with lectures, learning materials, and quizzes on the general landscape of agri-business in Nepal. This course is publicly available on shikshya.org, and the 300 ecopreneurs were introduced to it through a video.

Additionally, the project will include another bootcamp for 40 business intermediaries from Surkhet and Dailekh, aimed at enhancing service delivery between ecopreneurs and traders, focusing on input supply and market relations.

A demo-day event, also called an exhibition, will provide ecopreneurs and business intermediaries the opportunity to showcase their products or prototypes, serving as a platform to gain market experience and establish a strong network.