What is the Kudumbashree program? 

• The Kudumbashree program is an initiative aimed at supporting women self-help groups (SHGs) in Kerala through incubation and mentorship to grow their micro enterprises.

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What are the main objectives of the program? 

• The main objectives of the program include supporting enterprises connected to Self Help Groups (SHGs), especially those owned or led by women. It aims to promote commercial sustainability and increase turnover for these businesses, encourage job creation and economic growth within the community, and ensure inclusivity by representing businesses from remote areas. Additionally, the program provides financial assistance through grants or soft loans to enterprises with significant growth potential, fostering economic empowerment and sustainability within SHG communities.

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Who is eligible for the program?

• The business must be part of a household that is involved in a Self Help Group (SHG). It should preferably be owned or led by women. Additionally, the program wants to include businesses from remote areas to ensure a diverse representation. This means the program supports SHG-connected businesses, especially those run by women, and aims to include enterprises from various regions.

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How are enterprises selected for the program? 

• Enterprises are selected based on revenue parameters, number of employees, replicability, and the growth potential​of the enterprises. The selection shall be made by the selection committee constituted by IIMK LIVE as per the gudelines of the scheme. 

 

 How to apply for this program?

• Applications are invited jointly by Kudumbashree Mission and IIMK LIVE. The applicants have to visit the website www.iimklive.org to fill in the application form for the program. Only fully filled applicants shall be considered for the selection process. 

 

How is training conducted under this program?

• Training sessions are conducted during 18 months of Incubation Program, with a mix of online and offline sessions. The training session shall mostly cover basic business concepts and advanced topics on sales, marketing, finance, operations, distribution, branding and supply chain.

 

Is there any mentorship support available in this program? 

• Yes, the program offers 21 rounds of one-to-one mentorship sessions, each lasting 30-45 minutes, totalling 15 hours per unit over 18 months. The focus of the mentorship program is to build and execute a scale-up plan for the enterprise, tailored to their individual needs and growth stages. 

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What funding opportunities are available? 

• Challenge Fund of Rs. 6.33 Crs. shall be disbursed to 150 enterprises selected in this program. In this 1.05 Crs. shall be disbursed as grants/rewards to the top performing 18 enterprises in this program and the remaining Rs. 5.28 Crs. shall be disbursed to 132 entrepreneurs in the program.

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How is the challenge fund disbursed? 

• The challenge fund is disbursed through a competitive process. The incubator and SRLM coordinate to organize a competition where interested enterprises apply. Applications are evaluated by an independent jury based on criteria such as commercial sustainability, potential to increase turnover, job creation, and replicability. Selected enterprises receive either a grant or a soft loan. The SRLM transfers the funds to the incubator, which then disburses the funds to the chosen enterprises within 15 days. The entire process is transparent and aims to support enterprises with significant growth potential​

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What is the duration of the soft loan? 

• The duration of the soft loan will be specified by the panel at the time of awarding the loan, but the duration cannot be more than 3 years. The panel may also decide to grant moratorium period of up to 6 months to the enterprise depending upon the business case.

 

What are the expected outcomes of the program? 

• Expected outcomes include growth in revenue and profits, improved business knowledge, operational efficiency, business growth and financial stability

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 What is the role of IIMK LIVE in the program? 

• IIMK LIVE is responsible for conducting training, mentorship, and overseeing the incubation process to support the growth of selected SHGs.

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Is there any requirement to receive grants and soft loan under this program?

• Yes, the enterprise has to complete 50 hours of training /Mentorship before the challenge fund is disbursed to the enterprises.  

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How is the progress of the enterprises monitored in this program? 

• Progress of the enterprise shall be documented through periodic reviews, progress reports, and action plans prepared in consultation with mentors and IIMK LIVE representatives.

 

What support is provided for raising finance? 

• The program prepares entrepreneurs for raising funds from other lending institutions and connect with other governmental and non-governmental agencies. Banks and micro finance institutions. 

 

Can the overall program structure change during the execution phase of the program?

•  Yes, the program structure may be adjusted/modified based on the feedback from participants and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the incubation program. 

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Who are eligible to receive support from IIMK LIVE under Kudumbashree ?

• Enterprises must be owned by SHG members or SHG-member households. In the case of Non-SHG members the project can provide support to the spouses, unmarried children, siblings, or parents of SHG members can also receive support.  

 

Which types of enterprises will be supported by IIMK LIVE?

• IIMK LIVE will support enterprises involved in manufacturing of goods or rendering of services. Enterprises primarily engaged in agriculture and primary production, backyard activities, trading/retail, non-compliant with health and safety or environmental standards, and those operated by project staff are ineligible for support.

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What are the turnover requirements for enterprises to qualify for this program?

• Three categories of enterprises can qualify for this program 

• Large enterprises (GST registered with a turnover of at least INR 20 lakh in the previous two financial years.

• Group enterprises (owned by more than one entrepreneur with a turnover of at least INR 15 lakh in the previous two financial years. 

• Individual enterprises (owned by an individual with a turnover of at least INR 12 lakh) in the previous two financial years.

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What services will the incubator provide to the supported enterprises?

• Services provided by IIMK LIVE include preparing growth plans, providing professional mentoring and capacity building, assessing input needs, developing strategies for quality control and supply chain, facilitating market linkages, raising finance, facilitating registrations and certifications, providing handholding support, and developing partnerships for technology adoption.

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Is there financial support available for the enterprises?

• Yes, each enterprise supported under NRETP will receive financial rewards or soft loans (at 0% interest) through a challenge fund to support their growth initiatives. 18 Enterprises will get grant up to Rs. 10 lakhs and the remaining 132 enterprises shall receive soft loan of Rs. 4 lakhs at 0% interest rate. Selection of enterprises for funding is subject to approval by the selection committee and enterprises meeting the milestones set as part of this program.  

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Are there any enterprises that are ineligible for incubator support under this program ?

• Yes, enterprises engaged in agriculture and primary production, backyard activities, trading/retail, non-compliant with health and safety or environmental standards, and those operated by project staff are ineligible for support.

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