Uplifting women startups owners by providing tools to amplify their entrepreneurial skills
Women Startup Program
Uplifting budding women entrepreneurs by providing them
with tools to amplify their entrepreneurial skills
Women Startup Program
*Note - This form is only for expressing interest in the program. The actual application form is the final step in the registration process.
NSRCEL’s Women Startup Program at IIM Bangalore, a CSR initiative by Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, aims to support ambitious and innovative women entrepreneurs by enabling them to transform their idea into business ventures. First ideated in 2016, the Program is designed to focus on the enhancement of the entrepreneurial and managerial skills of women leading early and ideation stage ventures.
The program at NSRCEL begins with Foundations of Entrepreneurship (FOE), providing entrepreneurs with essential business knowledge. Selected candidates then progress through a hybrid pre-incubation program focused on prototype development and MVP design, followed by incubation for product development, scaling, and growth.
Our Impact So Far
Stages in Focus
What to expect?
Mentoring
Unparalleled access to our extensive mentor network including alumni, industry experts and VCs.
Network
Connects to prospects for sales, business development and technology, as well as access to researchers and academicians shall be facilitated.
Need Assessment
Focusing on area specific development of ventures and ecosystem mapping of their requirements.
Grant Support
Access to grants of up to INR 3 Crores for selected ventures.
Co-incubation with Partner Institutes
Founders get to Co-incubate with our Partner Institutes to enhance engagement and support startup growth across India.
Legal and Compliance
Pro-Bono legal and company secretarial advice from our experts.
Business Acceleration
Opportunities to showcase ventures periodically at startup events or exhibitions
Milestone Tracking
Timely track of Milestones to track the venture’s progress
Cohort-based Learning
Community-driven learning model promoting the potential of “women supporting women”.
Sustenance and Scale
Guidance and Interventions aimed at helping startups across stages build roadmaps to ensure sustained growth.
Partner Institutions
Ecosystem Partners
Hear from our Ventures
Anuja Amin
Founder, Circles of Safety
7 years ago, I started Circles of Safety as a passion project with a single-minded focus on putting an end to child sexual abuse. In 2022, the WSP4 program has brought tremendous strategic clarity, customer focus and mentorship support to guide us every step of the way! Eternally grateful to WSP team and this exceptional program for grounding my purpose! 50+ sessions 100 jargons later, I can explain my business to my grandmother, daughter and an investor. The contribution of this program to venture and my existence is priceless!
Priyanka Khandelwal
Founder, BING Studios
Overall, NSRCEL was a game-changer for me. The program facilitated a seamless transition from bookish knowledge to practical insights, phenomenal networking opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs through the country and globally and a solid learning setup. This program really helped me grow as an entrepreneur and gave me the skills I need to handle the challenges of business life.
Swathi Gopalakrishnan
Founder, Base’P Solutions
My involvement in the Women Startup Program has been transformative, equipping me with essential skills, knowledge, and support to navigate the entrepreneurial journey successfully. The guidance of mentors was instrumental in taking my startup from the idea stage to successfully entering the commercial market. From initially seeking funding to navigating the intricacies of venture financing, WSP has been instrumental in propelling my startup from my brainchild to growth.
FAQs
Getting Started
Who is eligible to apply?
If one of the co-founders is a female and above the age of 18, and fully dedicated to the business and not employed in any capacity by any other company
Does the program focus on specific sectors or geographies?
We are sector agnostic and are open to startups in the idea, prototype and revenue stage from across the country
Can a single founder apply to the program?
Yes, we accept applications from solo founders as well.
I have two ideas? Can I submit two applications?
Each applicant must apply with a single idea
I applied for the program previously. Can I re-apply?
You can apply to the Women Startup Program if you meet the eligibility criteria. Please highlight any additional information on your progress from your application for a previous cohort, to improve your chances of selection
How much equity will NSRCEL take from my startup?
NSRCEL does not take equity from ventures part of the Women Startup Program.
When can I apply?
What stage should the startup be in to be eligible?
We welcome startups across stages. Click here to know more about the stages we address.
How much does it cost to apply or participate in the program?
The program is free of cost and no equity is taken from the startups. The program is fully supported by NSRCEL and Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.
What do we look for in an applicant?
Founders are required to be committed to their idea full-time and must demonstrate the ability and entrepreneurial mindset to build and grow an organization.
Can I apply for multiple Verticals under this program?
We recommend applying to one vertical or stage during the application process. Kindly choose the one that aligns best with your venture’s stage and requirements.
During the Program
What is the duration of each stage?
Each stage has its specific timeframe, Foundations of Entrepreneurship (FOE) – 5 Weeks, Pre-Incubation – 2 Months, Incubation – 5 Months.
Where will the program take place?
All the activities related to Foundations of Entrepreneurship (FOE) will be conducted online, Pre-Incubation and Incubation will be delivered in hybrid mode. We will be introducing you to certain tools and platforms during the induction session to facilitate all the activities.
Do I need to be present for the entire duration of the program?
We recommend that at least one of the founders attend the sessions and activities organised as part of Foundations of Entrepreneurship (FOE), Pre-Incubation and Incubation to benefit from the sessions and workshops designed for the program.
What does NSRCEL expect from you?
We expect you to be an active participant in all the efforts we put to nurture your venture.
Will my startup get funding in the process?
The program does not ensure funding for your venture at this point in time, we will keep you posted on this over the period of incubation. Through the program, you get to pitch for grants and access connects to various VCs within NSRCEL’s vast network.
My question is not answered here. What do I do?
Reach out to us at – wspqueries@iimb.ac.in