Enterprise Support Program
One of the key lacunae in the crafts sector, especially for producer groups and entrepreneurs located in rural areas, is that despite the commercial potential of the product itself, such groups are not able to access the knowledge and professional expertise required to scale up their business operations. Enterprises and NGOs that have commercially viable products face various difficulties in establishing commercially viable businesses that move out of dependence on grant funding.
To assist these craft entrepreneurs and groups, AIACA has initiated an Enterprise Support Program. The program seeks to provide concrete business-development and capacity building inputs to help producer groups and entrepreneurs to expand their operations and become commercially sustainable. Focus areas will include design and product development, production planning, marketing strategies, supply-chain logistics, and assistance to connect to sources of debt and equity. AIACA will also assist the groups to connect to bulk commercial buyers in India and abroad.
Up to 5 groups will be chosen through a competitive application process every year to participate in the program. AIACA will first conduct an assessment of the business operations of the selected producer groups, based on which it will develop an individual assistance plan for each of them. Producer groups will be helped to professionalize their operations ? in a time-bound manner to enable enhance their competitiveness in mainstream markets. All groups that AIACA works with will be expected to contribute portion of the costs of the interventions to ensure that they are committed to making the changes required to operate as a viable business entity.
The Enterprise Support Program will be executed by a team of professionals within AIACA and consultants with expertise in specific business areas. Entrepreneurs and groups interested in participating in the program can contact:
Snigdha Bisht
Coordinator- Enterprise Support Program
18 Community Centre,
3rd Floor, East of Kailash
New Delhi – 110 0 65
Ph: 91 11 26416492/93/94 (Ext -103)
Email: s.bisht@aiacaonline.org
Application Form - Enterprise Support Program[pdf]
