Nabil School of Social Entrepreneurship (Nabil SSE)

Nabil School of Social Entrepreneurship (Nabil SSE)

Nabil Bank launched the SSE program in 2021 (2078 BS) to nurture entrepreneurs in Nepal. The program operates in two formats: Fellowship and Certification. As of now, four cohorts have completed the fellowship program, training a total of 76 individuals. Among them, 60 enterprises have been established, creating around 1,500 jobs, according to the bank. An additional 20 individuals have been selected for the fifth cohort.

Focus Areas and Support Provided

The program supports entrepreneurs in sectors such as:

• Information Technology (education, transportation, e-commerce, health)

• Agriculture

• Food processing

• Handicrafts

• Hospitality

• Organic production

• Environmental conservation

• Arts and music

• Tourism

It offers consultation and assistance in business expansion for ventures in these areas.

Background and Purpose

During the fiscal year 2077/78, the domestic economy weakened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and global supply chains were also disrupted. In response, Nabil Bank initiated this program as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), aiming to restore hope and promote local entrepreneurship within Nepal.

At the time, India had been successfully running a similar program through the School for Social Entrepreneurship India, targeting entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. Inspired by its success, Nabil Bank introduced the initiative in Nepal, led by Board Director Nirvana Chaudhary, to promote social enterprises here as well.

Motivation Behind the Program

Although Nepali youth possess energy and enthusiasm, many lack the guidance, skills, and experience required to start businesses. This program was launched to address these gaps. It aims to support passionate entrepreneurs who seek to tackle social, environmental, and economic challenges.

According to Gyawali, the initiative was designed to:

• Improve financial access for social entrepreneurs

• Increase their visibility

• Highlight the importance of social enterprises

• Support individuals already bringing change in their communities

• Help align with the goals of sustainable development

Program Framework

The SSE program operates on four core pillars:

• Knowledge

• Skills

• Mindset

• Resources

Interested participants may apply through multiple channels, provided they meet the following criteria:

• Must be a Nepali citizen

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Must commit to attending monthly physical sessions in Kathmandu for 3–4 days over six months with at least 90% attendance

Fellowship Program Structure

The Fellowship Program is run in partnership with the School of Management under the Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University. It provides a platform for entrepreneurs seeking to solve social issues through entrepreneurship.

This six-month course is entirely free. Unlike traditional classroom teaching, participants attend three days of learning sessions every month for six months. These sessions are led by experts and involve active discussions and exchanges among fellows.

Core Fellowship Components

Over six months, fellows engage in practical sessions on:

• Business registration and legal processes

• Tax systems

• Business model development and strategic planning

• Human resource management and leadership development

• Customer identification and market strategy

• Financial management

• Business plan development and professional presentation

Fellows also go on field visits to gain hands-on exposure.

Each fellow is paired with an experienced mentor who:

• Offers guidance

• Provides constructive feedback

• Helps expand professional networks

Certification Program Details

The ‘Certificate Course’ is being run in all seven provinces through partnerships with 11 educational institutions. Its goal is to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in youth and equip them with necessary business startup skills.

The certificate course runs for three months. Throughout the course, participants learn:

• How to build a business plan

• How to develop entrepreneurial thinking

• How to structure effective social enterprises

Sessions are conducted by experts and practicing entrepreneurs. To date, 833 individuals have completed this course, leading to the establishment of over 72 enterprises, as claimed by the bank.

Partner Institutions Across Nepal

The Certificate Program is conducted in partnership with the following institutions:

• Mahendra Morang Adarsh Multiple Campus, Biratnagar

• Birgunj Public College, Birgunj

• Monastic Secondary English Boarding School, Janakpur

• Campion College, Saneepa, Kathmandu

• Budhanilkantha School, Budhanilkantha

• La Grande International College, Pokhara

• Kshitiz International College, Butwal

• Divya Jyoti Multiple Campus, Bardaghat

• Kohalpur Model College, Kohalpur

• Surkhet Model College, Birendranagar

• Sudurpashchimanchal Academy, Dhangadhi