Margshala Swarozgar Fellowship
Application deadline 12th Aug 24
Margshala Foundation is a non-profit organization working towards the goal of creating opportunities for young people in the most remote of communities.
Since 2019, we have run a number of innovative experimental pilots related to livelihoods, entrepreneurship, career awareness and
environmental sustainability for close to 2000 young people across Uttarakhand. Our flagship program – the Swarozgar Fellowship – has grown into one of the few well-recognized youth entrepreneurship programs in the Himalayan region. We also work to create a
supportive ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship, by connecting young entrepreneurs with mentors, investors and other resources.
We believe that young people are the key to building a sustainable future for rural India, and are committed to empowering them with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to create their own businesses and livelihoods.
Are you interested in learning more about our work? Visit our website or contact us at hello@margshala.com.
The Swarozgar Fellowship is a 9-month program for emerging young entrepreneurs from Uttarakhand, who are in the early stages of setting up their own business enterprises.
Building your own business can be a daunting and difficult process, and through the fellowship, we provide motivated young entrepreneurs with the right support at the right time.
Over the course of 9 months, you will work on refining your product and your business model, identifying the right levers for business growth and expansion, and making your business sustainable and profitable in the long run.
Through the fellowship, you will also meet and network with like-minded fellow entrepreneurs who can be collaborators and friends through your journey.
Are you ready to take the leap?
What can I except to grain from the Fellowship?
You will grain access to workshops and learning resources
Explore different principles of business development and product differentiation, sales and marketing, customer acquisition, entrepreneurial mindsets and much more through a combination of offline and online workshops as well as self- paced learning resources. Learn while you build your business!
A Community of Mentors and Peers
Exchange ideas with mentors from Margshala’s Local Livelihoods focus areas, past fellows as well as subject matter experts in marketing, branding and finance. Working on your business throws up challenges from time to time, and your Margshala mentors will be readily available to support you when you need it.
Seed Grant Funding
As a Margshala Fellow, you can pitch for seed grant funding of upto INR 50,000. Margshala provides selected fellows with
funding support to help you meet the running costs of a business while supporting your personal expenses, which is often difficult to do in the early stages.
Who is an ideal Margshala Fellow ?
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants aged 18 to 35 can apply. Your application will be evaluated based on your motivation and the strength of your business idea.
Business Experience Entrepreneurs must have been developing their business idea for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years.
You must be from the following 9 districts of Uttarakhand (candidates from both rural and urban areas are eligible):
Tourism and Hospitality Homestays, Adventure Tourism and Trekking, Nature Guide
Handicrafts Natural Fibre Handicrafts, Craft-Based Products, Aipan, Embroidery, Weaving, etc.
Farm based Livelihoods Vegetable and Fruit Processing, Nursery Management, Other Niche Products
Digital Media Services Graphic Design, Photography, Videography, Website & App Development, Social Media Marketing
Who is an Ideal Margshala Fellow?
- You are motivated to learn new things, take lots of action and meet new people.
- You have a smartphone & internet access to attend Margshala meetings and sessions.
- You are willing to commit 3-5 hours each week to work on your business through the Margshala fellowship.
- You must be willing to travel within Uttarakhand to attend workshops and meet your peers.
Important Dates & Application Details
Please visit our website at www.margshala.com and apply using the “Apply Now” button. You can read more about the program on the
website, which has information available in both English and Hindi.
Once we receive your application form, the Margshala team will contact you if you are shortlisted for a selection interview.
June 2024 – Applications Open
21 to 25 August 2024 – Fellows onboarding
12 August 2024 – Applications Last Day
September 2024 – Program Begins
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to be a graduate to apply for Margshala?
Margshala is for everyone. There are no eligibility criteria of education levels – apply whether you’ve completed school, college, or even if you haven’t been able to complete your education so far.
Is there a fee for participating?
There is no fee for participating in the fellowship program. All you have to do is apply and let us know why you want to join
the program and how you think Margshala will benefit you.
How long is the program?
The program duration is 9 months, from September 2024 till May 2025.
I am from Uttarakhand, but do not live there. Am I eligible?
The program is open to fellows residing in Uttarakhand and plan to start a business within Uttarakhand itself.
I live in Uttarakhand, but am originally from elsewhere. Am I eligible?
Yes, you are eligible to apply for the Margshala program if you currently reside in any above mentioned 9 Uttarakhand district.
What if my business is just an idea?
The program is open to fellows residing in Uttarakhand and plan to start a business within Uttarakhand itself.
What if my business is just an idea?
If your business is an idea, you must have worked on the business idea for at least six months, which can be evidenced in the form of a proposal, brand, product, customer testimonial or early sales.
