TechnoServe strives to build 1000 social impact entrepreneurs over the next 10 years, one entrepreneur at a time.

Enrich Engage Enable is as a business plan competition that works to foster the broader concept of social entrepreneurship in India. Socially relevant entrepreneurs compete for the opportunity to win seed capital and business development services. All participants receive training on business planning, financial analysis, and marketing.

In 2009, TechnoServe and Deshpande Foundation implemented the program in the Sandbox region of Northern Karnataka. TechnoServe reached out to 400+ entrepreneurs, accepted 80 applicants into the program, and selected 30 for participation in a 200+ hour training program. Of these 30 entrepreneurs, 10 were then selected for a final business competition with $5000 in seed capital for five winners. Building on the success of this program, TechnoServe is planning on expanding the program throughout India in 2010.

The Need:
According to the Reserve Bank of India, the country’s current GDP growth rate is expected to be 8.45% in 2011. While this is promising news for India as a whole, an estimated 421 million Indians still live on less than $1.25 a day. Moreover, India must add 15 million skilled jobs per year through 2022 to continue its 8% GDP growth. TechnoServe India works to address this income and employment inequality by working to build social impact focused Micro and Small to Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

MSME entrepreneurs face several challenges that inhibit their growth. Many entrepreneurs lack business expertise, access to capital, access to business development services, roles models, and access to the right networks. TechnoServe helps entrepreneurs overcome these challenges by through collaborations with the private sector.

Social Impact Entrepreneurship
Ventures that address a social need through customer base or product and/or generate employment for the economically disadvantaged