'Sandesh One' to prepare women entrepreneurs in Kerala

A first-of-its-kind public-private partnership (PPP) social enterprise is being set up in Kerala to develop a network of trained women entrepreneurs.

'Sandesh One', to be launched here Monday, is an idea conceived by the Kerala State Women's Development Corporation (KSWDC), an organisation under Kerala's Department of Social Justice which is also behind the hugely successful She Taxi venture.

Under the new project, one woman will be selected from each of the over 1,000 panchayats in Kerala for undergoing an IIM Ahmedabad certification programme in entrepreneurship. Its curriculum has been custom developed by IL&FS Skills, one of the largest skill development companies in India.

The six-month residential training programme will focus on developing and improving entrepreneurial skills and knowledge management.

The individuals will additionally go through a product orientation programme to get familiarised with the products and services offered by the 'Sandesh One' network.

"With 'Sandesh One' centres set up in every local body in Kerala, there will be huge employment generation opportunities at the grassroots level," said Panchayats and Social Justice Minister M.K. Muneer.

"Unlike conventional industries, social enterprise is about developing solutions for pressing societal challenges," he added.

The initiative will provide technology solutions to interested entrepreneurs and help them start enterprises in areas such as high-tech agriculture, preventive healthcare, water management, waste management, renewable energy, deforestation and others interventions that can positively influence the society and improve the quality of lives.

Sandesh entrepreneurs starting projects will receive support from KSWDC which will facilitate loans, provide promotional support and ensure tie-ups with other stakeholders.

P.T.M. Sunish, the managing director KSWDC, said as an entrepreneur-driven venture 'Sandesh One' creates a win-win situation all round.