A first-of-its kind public-private partnership (PPP) social enterprise in Kerala will see the creation of a network of trained women entrepreneurs running micro units that will offer localised and high impact solutions covering waste management, renewable energy, agriculture and healthcare.
'Sandesh One' 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 highly successful venture 'She Taxi'.
Under the project, a woman will be selected from each of the more than 1,000 panchayats in Kerala to undergo an IIM Ahmedabad certification programme in entrepreneurship with a curriculum developed by the skill development firm IL&FS Skills.
The six-month residential training programme will focus on developing and improving entrepreneurial skills and knowledge management. Individuals will additionally go through a product orientation programme to get familiarised with the products and services offered by the Sandesh One network.
The initiative will provide technology solutions to interested entrepreneurs and help them start enterprises in areas such as modern agriculture, preventive healthcare, water management, waste management, renewable energy, deforestation and other interventions that can help improve the quality of lives.
The Sandesh entrepreneurs starting projects would receive support from KSWDC, which will facilitate loans, provide promotional support and ensure tie-ups with other stakeholders.
"With Sandesh One centres being set up in every local body in Kerala, there will be huge employment generation opportunities at the grassroot level," said Dr MK Muneer, Minister for Panchayats and Social Justice.
"We also expect Sandesh to have a multiplier effect by helping unemployed youth in their locality to come up with new micro enterprises."
PTM Sunish, managing director of KSWDC said as an entrepreneur-driven venture Sandesh One creates a win-win situation all round. "It will be the biggest social entrepreneurship platform and network for women in the country", he added.
He said the Sandesh entrepreneurs will hold the rights to all solutions offered on the network and they will be able to make incomes as professional consultants or by setting up micro enterprises and selling products and solutions."For the government it offers high social returns with no financial investment, through employment generation and empowerment," he said; for innovators this is a ready-made network to market their products and services at the grassroots level; for the entrepreneurs a chance to make sustainable income and for the end customers, cost-effective services available at their doorsteps," he said.
Sandesh One initiative is scheduled to be launched on January 12.
