Yet another Incubator?
The question of whether we are just any other incubator or offer something unique has often come up. This first-of-its-kind incubator has the following advantages.
Iconic Eco Rejuvenation Campus
Strategic network
GIC is India’s only rural-based incubation centre focusing on rural nano entrepreneurship. It operates from an expansive eco-friendly campus with residential facilities & scenic hillside view. It is located right in the heart of rural Visakhapatnam.
Piggybacking on the extensive reach of BCT over the past 46 years in over 200 villages, GIC is strategically located, making it accessible to nearby villages.
Unique rural-intensive model
Growth & relevance
GIC operates via a unique model for nano entrepreneurship by empowering rural entrepreneurs to establish or scale up their enterprises through mentoring, training and finally financial linkage for better growth trajectory and focus on creating 'rural startups for rural India'.
With a strong talent pool, GIC has established cutting edge training sessions and residential facilities in a sprawling 50 acre campus with scenic hill side view in the village of Haripuram, Andhra Pradesh.
Women Entrepreneurship Program
Women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in the business and economic growth in our country. Women owned enterprises not only lead to their self sustenance but also to high employment opportunities in the region. This is increasingly visible in rural areas too, where women were once confined only to their homes and household chores. With a vision to promote sustainable development of rural women entrepreneurs, GIC is committed towards strengthening women led businesses through training, mentoring and financial assistance through peer organisations and investors.
PwD Entrepreneurship Program
People with Disabilities are often considered a burden on their family, especially in rural areas. The GIC PwD support platform has been created to empower them and enable them as self-reliant individuals who can contribute to society. Despite their disabilities hampering the day to day functioning of PwD’s, there are many success stories of PwD entrepreneurs under GIC, who have overcome their challenges. GIC assists them in establishing their livelihood, thereby making them self-reliant and be part of the workforce.
Operational Process
The operational model of Grameena Incubation Centre is based on a successful and dedicated community-driven ideology. Our work process, involves the following aspects.
Exploratory Meetings
Conduct exploratory meetings with village-level communities
Selection process
Identify vulnerable and needy with interest in entrepreneurship through self-selection
Launchpad
Create a platform for the selected entrepreneurs& provide support at the incubation center& at their homes.
Incubation
Provide guidance, mentoring and other assistance to strengthen business plans, validate business scalability & provide linkages with NBFCs for financial support.
01
Primary challenge: Lack of awareness
Primary challenge: Unpredictability with Covid 19
02
03
Primary challenge: Lack of reach and unique business ideas
Primary challenge: Lack of low interest loans, failure of banks, tough loan disbursement.
For the 4th batch of COHORTS, GIC surveyed more than 100 women retrenched from nearby SEZ's and were looking for support in establishing a business to help them earn a respectable livelihood. Mentoring of the fourth batch of 30 entrepreneurs commenced in December 2022, out of which 15 entrepreneurs have been provided loans and financial aid for establishing their business.
04
Linkages
Serving rural entrepreneurs and connecting local and nationwide startups
SMERKATO
Connecting with local kirana entrepreneurs
TATA AIG
Mentoring and grounded 10 women/PwD's
MERA BILLS
Training, implementation of Smart accounting system for rural entrepreneurs
RANG DE
Assessing of loans, collection, security and monitoring of timely payouts to NBFC
BUSI WORLD
Mentoring, assisting in setup of portfolio, items for webportal
YOUNG INDIANS
Facilitating and Knowledge partner