In India, over 4.75 million people join the labour force annually, with about 70% coming from rural areas. Despite this, the labour participation rate has seen a decline, and a significant portion of the population remains multi-dimensionally poor. Entrepreneurship and livelihood development interventions are crucial for accelerating poverty reduction and economic growth. Although there has been notable progress in promoting entrepreneurship and startups, certain challenges remain, particularly for micro-entrepreneurs and women. Access to capital, market channels, mentoring, and peer support are areas that need further development. Despite the perception of ample entrepreneurial opportunities in India, the fear of failure is a significant barrier for many and the ecosystem required to foster successful entrepreneurship is still in the process of development. Read more.
Centum Foundation places its interventions within this context. We recognize that entrepreneurship involves making well-informed choices and dedicated effort. Our model for developing entrepreneurship is crafted to assist first-generation micro-entrepreneurs by providing education, fostering innovation, and offering direct support, empowering them to unlock their entrepreneurial capabilities.
The model of entrepreneurship development followed by Centum follows a bottom-up facilitative approach having four distinct stages as explained below:
Our solutions are tailored to support sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship development:
Micro and Nano Business Support: We provide training on entrepreneurship development, covering business planning, market linkages, and financial literacy, followed by extended handhold support for new and existing entrepreneurs who are aspiring to set up or grow micro or nano businesses.
Livelihood generation and enhancement through Sustainable Agriculture Practices (SAPs): Our capacity-building programs for farmers focus on reducing cultivation costs and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
Agroforestry and Green Businesses: We offer training and support in agroforestry and establishing green enterprises, enhancing livelihood generation and diversification.
Wage labour exchange (Shram Mitra at block/village level): Our Shram Mitra initiative at the block and village level provides services to the rural workforce, including job availability, upskilling, and social protection.
Capacity building of FPCs and FPOs: We aim to make FPCs and FPOs sustainable through product diversification, market linkages, and good governance practices.
Off-farm capacity Building, Promotion and Implementation of income generating Activities
Nurturing group businesses in the local market for growth, value enhancement, and market expansion: We nurture group businesses in local markets for growth, value enhancement, and market expansion, supporting both farm and off-farm enterprises.
Brandon Hall Gold Award for ‘Best Corporate Outreach to Promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in Communities’, 2024
Brandon Hall Gold Award for 'Best Initiative for Philanthropy and Corporate Giving', 2023
Brandon Hall Silver Award for 'Best Corporate Outreach to Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Communities', 2023
Excellence in the 'Women Empowerment' category at the '11th World CSR Congress & Awards 2022'
