2013

28th March 2014

organised by About this Booklet

Surya Private Limited Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award seeks out, celebrates and inspires change makers of Nepal. It works to promote the ideals of social entrepreneurship by rewarding deserving change makers who have made a positive impact in their communities and inspire future change makers.

This booklet provides an overview of the method behind Surya Nepal Private Limited Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award 2013 and showcases the finalists and semifinalists for this year. Brief introductions of all social entrepreneurs and change makers who applied or were nominated are also included. It also profiles the winners and semifinalists from previous years.

Surya Nepal Private Limited Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award (SNASEA) is sponsored by Surya Nepal Private Limited (SNPL) and organised by ChangeFusion Nepal (CFN). Message from Managing Director Content Surya Nepal Private Limited (SNPL)

We are aware that the Government of Nepal has identified SNASEA 2013 promotion of Small and Medium size Enterprises as the mainstay General overview 1 of the country’s socio-economic development, maximization of revenue potential from Tourism and the strengthening of Social Process overview 4 and Community Forestry programmes. Being a responsible Applications and nominations summary 5 Corporate citizen, Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd.’s Integrated Community Profiles | Advisers and jury panel 6 Vision is woven around and is in alignment with these priorities Profiles | Finalists 8 of the Government of Nepal. Profiles | Special recognition 18 Drawing upon this approach, SNPL pursues an Integrated Profiles | Semifinalists 19 CSR Strategy with the stated objective of Creating Enduring Profiles | All applications and nominations 26 Value for the Society that it operates in through four Distinct Platforms: Asha (Community empowerment), Khel Paryatan (Sports Tourism), Prakriti (Environment) and Suswasthya (Community Health). SNASEA 2012 In 2011 under “Asha”, with the help of ChangeFusion Overview 35 Nepal, SNPL pioneered and instituted the Annual Social Profiles | Seminar speakers and investors 36 Entrepreneurship Awards, under which five entrepreneurs from Profiles | Winners 38 amongst a large number of nominees engaged in enterprises for the development of society with a focus on employment Profiles | Semifinalists 41 generation and sustainability. The event serves not only to award and recognize “hidden heroes” in the field of social entrepreneurship but also aims to help the winners reach a larger number of stakeholders in the form of investors, new SNASEA 2011 consumers and policy makers so as to scale up their venture. Overview 43 Profiles | Winners 43 We at SNPL are committed to continued support for the Asha Social Entrepreneurship award (SNASEA). Profiles | Semifinalists 45

With best wishes for a successful SNASEA 2013.

ChangeFusion Nepal 46 Abhimanyu Poddar 2013

Overview of Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award (SNASEA) 2013

The concept of social entrepreneurship is centuries old and has been prevalent across the globe where we have had individuals working selflessly for the benefit of society while sustaining themselves. Social entrepreneurs start and manage innovative businesses that address social and environmental issues thereby becoming society’s change agents. They identify problems, develop innovative solutions, and create new patterns that can be replicated across the country, or even the globe, along with constant positive impact.

SNASEA is the first, and only, award of its kind in Nepal. It recognises Nepalese social entrepreneurs who work with the intention of creating positive social change while being self sustainable.

The long term vision of SNASEA is not only to award hidden heroes but also to showcase their ventures, ideas and impact, which can act as inspiration for future change makers. The extraordinary achievement of ordinary people sets an example of self reliance and positivity.

SNASEA works with four broad objectives: 1. Identifying, awarding and promoting social entrepreneurs. 2. Fostering a community and inciting exchange of ideas and support between social entrepreneurs. 3. Establishing a network of supporters and promoters who can help existing ventures and action new ideas. 4. Creating awareness about social entrepreneurship and inspiring prospective social entrepreneurs. To reach these objectives, SNASEA is divided into three segments: The Award is a gala event attended by local and international luminaries. The winning social entrepreneurs are announced from among the finalists and given an award and a cash prize. Remarks are made by the guest of honor.

SNASEA 2013 Award will be held on the eve of 28 March 2014.

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The Bazaar is a marketplace for ‘Transaction and Transformation’. It showcases the products, SNASEA 2013 Seminar ran concurrent to the Bazaar in surrounding premises. Social services and ideas of social entrepreneurs. The aim of the Bazaar is to be a platform for entrepreneur Ram Sapkota started proceedings by talking about his personal journey transaction of ideas, learning and experiences of social entrepreneurs, stakeholders and promoters of development. Networking and relation building are the key focus.

SNASEA 2013 Bazaar was held on 1 March 2014 in the courtyard of Embassy Restaurant. Thirty two semifinalists were on hand to showcase their products and services, and to network with each other and supporters of social entrepreneurship. Representing diverse enterprise fields like health, education, handicraft, energy, environment and technology, the semifinalists came from different districts of Nepal, like Parsa, Kailali,

from being a porter to a successful social entrepreneur. He is a winner of SNASEA 2011, and runs Tukee Nepal Society and Mountain Delights Treks & Expedition. He was awarded for his contributions to community development in his native village of Jyamrung in Dhading. The talk focused on his challenges and accomplishments. A brief question and answer session followed.

Social entrepreneurship expert, Jo Hill (former Director of Ventures at UnLtd - The Sindhuli, and Bara. Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs) held a session with social entrepreneurs - sharing her expertise and knowledge about what makes a social venture and social entrepreneur Ambica Shrestha (The Dwarika’s Group of Hotels and Resorts), Ganesh Shah (former successful in the long run. It was an interactive session and participants were able to share Minister for Environment, Science and Technology) and Sujeev Shakya (Beed Management) their stories. were among the prominent guests. The third session was conducted by French researchers, Souaad Souici and Lou Salomon, The Seminar consists of sessions on ideas, issues and inspiration related to social who shared their experiences from their seven month long visits of social enterprises in entrepreneurship. These sessions are led by experts in the field of business and South Asia. They also conducted a workshop with interested participants about starting a social enterprise. Open to the public, they help people understand what social social venture and shared tools to run it successfully. entrepreneurship is and why it is a good tool for development. Sessions are also conducted for social entrepreneurs and prospective change makers that focus on issues they may face and best in practice solutions to those challenges.

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SNASEA 2013 | Process overview Final evaluation: The selection criteria encompasses both the person and the project. The person must have a track record of trustworthiness and good stakeholder relations. Grit, There are six major steps in application processing and awarding of winners: vision and passion are important. The project must address pressing social, economic or environmental problems, have a solution that is effective and be financially sustainable. Winning ventures and social entrepreneurs are announced and awarded in a gala event.

SNASEA 2013 | Applications and nominations Preparation: This includes laying the groundwork of SNASEA. An updated database of relevant networks and social entrepreneurs is created. The implementation plan and summary application forms are also amended based on experiences from the past year. Received: 119 Call for applications: Promotion is done through all available channels including Semifinalists: 40 mainstream media, social media, personal networks and a large number of diverse Finalists: 10 organisations related to the field. Special recognition: 1 SNASEA 2013 saw a record number of applications and nominations. One hundred and nineteen applications were received from all fourteen zones and forty districts across Growth stage Nepal. The call was open between 19 December 2013 and 19 January 2014. Seedling (up to one year of operation) 8 Toddler (between one to five years of operation) 45 Screening: All applications are screened by a panel of experts. Applications are shortlisted Adolescent (between five to ten years of operation) 37 and semifinalists announced based on the information provided in the application. Each Mature (over ten years of operation) 29 application is judged by multiple experts, to ensure fairness.

Location For SNASEA 2013, a total of forty applications were shortlisted and announced as Urban (metropolitan and sub metropolitan areas) 59 semifinalists. Semi urban (municipalities with basic facilities) 16 Rural (villages and rural areas) 44 Jury panel: Shortlisted ventures are then scored by multiple jury members for a second round of evaluation. The jury panel consists of experts from Government, Finance, Development, Education, Business, and Social Entrepreneurship. Each application is New and repeat applications and nominations judged by multiple jury members, to ensure fairness. The tallying of scores given by jury New applications and nominations 98 members leads to the announcement of finalists. Repeat applications and nominations 21 SNASEA 2013 was kindly supported by seven jury members and three advisers. Ten finalists were announced, with one specially recognised winner - Dr. Sanduk Ruit and his team from Gender Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology. Female 51 Male 48 Reality test: Field visits and interviews are conducted of the semifinalists. Reality tests Organisation 20 allow for an in depth look at the innovation, impact and income of the venture. These tests lead directly to the final evaluation. Profiles of the advisers, jury panel, winners, semifinalists and all applicants and nominated For SNASEA 2013 the team visited front running ventures and entrepreneurs - interviewing change makers of SNASEA 2013 follow. them, observing their work and assessing suitability of the candidate and venture.

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Profiles | Advisers and jury panel Ashish Shrestha - Energy Specialist, The World Bank Ashish Shrestha is a consultant at The World Bank. He specialises in Energy Economics and Advisers: has been part of the Development Economics Research Group.

Anil Chitrakar Dr. Usha KC Bhandari - National Program Officer, Swiss Agency for Development and Anil Chitrakar is an Ashoka Fellow, Rolex Award and Silicon Cooperation, Nepal Valley Tech Award winner. He is also a published author and was Dr. Usha KC Bhandari is an expert on training design and development, methodologies heralded as a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic and evaluation. Forum. He is an entrepreneur himself, and co founder of the Himalayan Climate Initiative. Ganesh Kumar Shrestha - Executive Committee Member, Nepal Bankers’ Association Ganesh Kumar Shrestha is CEO of Century Commercial Bank. Mr Shrestha spent close to three decades at Nepal Rastra Bank, retiring as Executive Director.

Ashutosh Tiwari Nugal Ananda Vaidya - Public Relations Chief, Rotary International Nepal Ashutosh Tiwari is the Country Representative for WaterAid in Nugal Ananda Vaidya is a board member of the Nepal Purwardhar Bikash Company Nepal, and previously held the position of CEO at Himalmedia, and Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal, and committee member of FNCCI, and is co founder of Entrepreneurs for Nepal. He was named a Infrastructure Development Forum. Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and has served as a small and medium enterprises expert at GiZ Nepal Prateek Pradhan - Editor-in-Chief, Nagarik News and the International Finance Corporation. Prateek Pradhan is former Editor of Karobar Daily and The Kathmandu Post. He is a graduate of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Jo Hill Jo Hill is former Director of Ventures at UnLtd - The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs. She developed the Big Venture Challenge, which helped match investors with ventures in need. She also managed various programs at Save the Children, The New Economics Foundation, One World International and Enterprise UK.

Jury panel:

Ambica Shrestha - President, The Dwarika’s Group of Hotels and Resorts Ambica Shrestha is a founding member of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal, President of Federation of Business and Professional Women Nepal, and Honorary Consulate General of Spain for Nepal.

Anuradha Koirala - Founding Director, Maiti Nepal Anuradha Koirala is a social activist who has won over thirty awards, including the UNIFEM Prize, Queen Sofia Silver Medal Award, The Peace Abbey - The Courage of Conscience Award, and was declared CNN Hero of the Year for 2010.

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2. Fulmaya Tamang Profiles | Finalists Bhattedanda Women Farmers Cooperative - Women Empowerment | Kavrepalanchok 1. Dipak Prasad Koirala 9841 006 619, 01 490 411 Junar Kendriya Sahakari Sangh - [email protected] Agriculture | Sindhuli 9844 045 355, 01 4111 872 Coming from an impoverished Tamang family [email protected] background, Fulmaya was never satisfied with the submissive nature so prevalent among the women This cooperative commercially produces, processes in her community. While on her daily errand, she and markets sweet orange (junar). It focuses saw a television program on women’s groups and on improving the socio economic standards of their activities, and that was what inspired her to do junar farmers, developing and extending market something for the women in her community. networks of junar products and shares technical and administrative knowledge and expertise. She convinced twenty women to join her to form the first, and only, women’s group in her village. They collected NPR 50 per month and started their own small informal savings Coming from a family of farmers, Dipak Prasad Koirala was well aware of the hardships account. But it was not easy. While some accused her of brainwashing local women, farmers from Sindhuli faced to earn a living. They were eking out a living, walking for many some tried to discourage the women who joined her, saying she would run away with days to sell their produce, and falling prey to unscrupulous middlemen - leading many to their money. Despite all this, Fulmaya was determined to take this cooperative forward, give up farming, or falling into heavy debt. To combat these problems, this cooperative scheduling secret meetings during their farm work and collecting money. was started to help farmers. From those twenty women, the cooperative has now grown to a membership of over four With its partnership with the Government, private sector and other cooperatives, it has hundred community people including men. The cooperative has been working to provide established a value chain model from farm to market, which helps farmers earn a fair living. low interest rate loans for buffalo husbandry and vegetable farming and helping members Currently, the cooperative represents seven thousand five hundred households, forty start their own small ventures. The cooperative also introduced an education program eight local level cooperatives, two district level cooperatives and one central umbrella where for every buffalo bought by a woman, the earnings from the buffalo’s milk, manure organisation. and calves would fund her child’s education and the back payments of the buffalo would then go into a revolving fund to help other such impoverished families in the village. This program has helped about fifty families and children in the community.

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3. Madhukar KC 4. Prem Bahadur Lama Matribhumi Urja - Ashapuri Organic Farm - Environment, Health | Pyuthan Agriculture | Kavrepalanchok 9841 152 254, 01 2298 185 9813 508 849, 01 4381 004 [email protected] [email protected]

Madhukar KC has invented a patented air flow supplier Suffering from arthritis, Prem Bahadur Lama had for wood fire stoves and innovated the design and tried many remedies to overcome his sickness. He manufacture of such stoves. Through an impact was unable to adequately control and cure the assessment in Lele, Lalitpur, it was found that the inflammation and other diseases. After watching a new stove helps to reduce the number of respiratory television report on the health benefits of organic diseases, used up to seventy percent less wood, and food, he changed his diet and started recovering. reduced cooking time by up to sixty percent. This incited him to research about and grow organic produce. Traditional wood fire stoves used in villages are located indoors, without proper ventilation. This causes respiratory problems particularly for women. The improved stoves uses less Many farmers in Nepal still use traditional farming fuel to increase heat while decreasing the amount of firewood used and the time required methods - using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, cultivating low yield crops, and, as for wood collection. a result, earn very little income while supplying food that may be harmful to the public. Organic farming, and cultivation of high yield crops, can have a positive economic, Madhukar KC had been a proponent of solar power for a number of years, before he set his environmental and societal effect. mind on innovating and increasing efficiency of stoves. He was fascinated by the idea that air flow from a pipe was used to melt gold by a goldsmith, and that creating a better air Prem Bahadur Lama has been working for the past twelve years to promote the use of flow system for stoves might be the answer to increasing efficiency. He spent over a dozen organic farming - through training and partnerships with farmers from nine districts in years perfecting this idea. Nepal. These local farmers get trained at Ashapuri Organic Farm, and partner with Prem Bahadur Lama in a local venture that cultivates organic produce. These ventures become suppliers for Ashapuri Organic, and are given the freedom to sell their produce elsewhere as well.

Farmers earn a better income for their efforts, help to preserve the natural ecosystem in their community, and provide a healthier source of energy to the public at large. Prem Bahadur Lama sustains his venture by operating a farm of his own, and helping to market the products from his various partnerships.

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5. Ratna Bahadur Newar 6. Shanti Shrestha and Nirjala Shrestha Tamakoshi Community Resin and Turpentine - Friend Handicraft - Livelihood | Kathmandu Livelihood | 9841 323 907, 9841 554 350 9854 040 509, 9754 203 171 [email protected], [email protected] [email protected]

An example of a combined community and private effort, this venture was established by private citizens and members of community forest user groups. This venture works to extract, collect and sell resin from pine tree sap, using the revenue to uplift the local marginalised communities.

This venture has a production of about two hundred thousand kilograms per year and the earnings from its sales goes to forest conservation, supporting the marginalised local community and the remaining is utilised for other community development activities.

After its success, similar models have been replicated in community forests in Ramechhap for Lokta paper production. The venture is planning to acquire and start its own processing center to reduce the cost of having to transport and process resin at other centers, which would then increase income for the communities.

Friend Handicraft produces accessories made from felt fabric. It provides employment opportunities and other financial benefits to women from low income households - giving them a livable wage and a safe working environment. Apart from employment opportunities and income earning skills, the venture also supports the education of employees’ children by providing an education scholarship.

Many of the employees were doing manual labor in dangerous conditions before being trained and employed by Friend Handicraft. Currently, the group supports more than one hundred women workers.

With an initial investment of just NPR 6,000, the venture was established by two friends, Shanti Shrestha and Nirjala Shrestha. Their main motive - do innovative work and start a venture that contributes to the social and economic upliftment of women and makes them active members of society.

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7. Suman Shakya 8. Sunita Nhemaphuki SmartPaani - Environment | Lalitpur R&D Innovative Solution - 9851 022 192, 5260 506 Agriculture | Kathmandu [email protected] 9851 140 610, 9801 140 610 [email protected] SmartPaani develops, installs and maintains environmentally friendly rainwater harvesting Nepal’s small scale farmers could benefit substantially systems. The system provides potable or grey water from improved information flow, leading to for households to combat the water shortage commercialisation and professionalisation. The problems faced in Kathmandu and elsewhere. The lack of such information about farming techniques, team also lobbies the Government and raises public prices, demand and related issues limits the sector’s awareness about the need to respect water, replenish development and international competitiveness. groundwater and use sustainable means of fulfilling the increasing demand for water. Coming from a business background, and having worked for different advertising agencies in Suman Shakya and Tyler McMahon started the Kathmandu, Sunita started publishing an agriculture company Smart Paani under One Planet Solution. This venture markets a range of rainwater based magazine - Krishak ra Prabidhi. It works with the aim of disseminating knowledge harvesting, grey water recycling, and water filtration systems. It provides eco friendly and and information among farmers, and supports them to scale up and commercialise their economical solutions to overcome the severe water shortages in the capital. activities. The organisation has also initiated a Krishi Club (Farmers’ Club) - a practical information center and platform for farmers to share and network. The club invites farmers With the ever increasing challenges of water scarcity, overexploitation of groundwater from different regions and sectors to meet once a week and build a wider network. and lack of proper water management around the city, the venture is more than just a good idea. Within a year of establishment, SmartPaani has installed almost two hundred The magazine covers different issues in agriculture, ranging from information regarding systems in schools, office buildings, housing communities and private homes. They are seasonal plantations, market trends, mechanisation and developments in agriculture now planning to expand beyond the valley and into alternative energy solutions with their to profiles of different farmers and government policies. The magazine emphasises the new venture Smart Urja. promotion of agriculture as a commercial activity, reach all farming communities and aims to promote mechanisation in the agriculture sector as well. This venture is also looking into developing a mobile application for farmers and establishing an agricultural library in villages.

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9. Tej Kumari Tiwari 10. Ujjwal Chapagain Nepal Society of the Disabled Multipurpose The Himalayan Rabbit Farm - Cooperative - Disability Issues, Livelihood Agriculture, Livelihood | Kathmandu Kathmandu 9851 096 182 9841 702 387, 01 4218 672 [email protected] [email protected] Rabbit meat is not only a rarely enjoyed culinary The cooperative provides financial and technical delight but also of high nutritional value and protein support to persons with disabilities. Being differently content. For rural farmers it provides an opportunity abled herself, Tej Kumari started this cooperative to achieve relatively high profits as skill requirements with the sole motive of uplifting the economic and and necessary inputs are limited. social standing of people facing similar challenges by promoting and providing income generating The Himalayan Rabbit Farm works to promote rabbit opportunities. farming for meat production and also promotes the use of rabbit fur as a raw material. Rabbits are among With its focus on income generation through business the most prolific breeders in the animal kingdom, the skills training and micro loans to start or scale up ventures, it has been able to include process is labor un intensive and provides high value returns - thus proving to be a viable over two hundred households in various activities. Many members have also taken part in source of livelihood for local farmers. community development activities. Ujjwal started the farm after realising that advising farmers from his role in a Non The cooperative has been in operation since the last fifteen years and also works for Governmental Organisation did not give him enough credibility among them. He set out advocacy and awareness of their rights, to bring changes at the policy level. to use his techniques in a social venture, demonstrating and advising farmers along the way. Since then, over a hundred farmers have attended his trainings and about eighty use rabbits to feed their household. This venture has been successful in providing necessary nutrition and a source of income for the target group.

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Special recognition Profiles | Semifinalists

11. Dr. Sanduk Ruit and Team 12. Bhumi Raman Nepal Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology - Health Shree Agriculture and Forestry Abraham Nursery - Agriculture | Dhading Kathmandu 9841 619 431 | [email protected] 01 4493 775, 01 4493 684 | [email protected] This nursery produces and markets various plants, honey and dairy products. Bhumi This institute provides qualitative and affordable eye Raman Nepal works to encourage and inspire other farmers to use and promote organic care services across geographical, political, social and farming and to utilise modern farming methods. He has worked to bring efficiency to economic demographics. It also serves as a research animal husbandry, nurseries and beekeeping in the neighbouring communities, while also institute, and provides medical services through promoting forest and environment conservation. outreach programs and health camps across Nepal and some parts of Asia. It has been in operation for over two decades, and has helped over two million 13. Bina Shrestha people, and trained over four thousand health care Shine Cleaning - Livelihood | Kathmandu personnel. 9801 101 058 | [email protected]

Born to uneducated parents in , Dr. Ruit went on to study medicine and Shine Cleaning aims to address the inequality in wages and educational opportunities was mentored by renowned ophthalmologist Fred Hollows in Australia. Influenced by, and for people from low socio economic backgrounds. It employs people from low economic working with, Fred Hollows, Dr. Sanduk Ruit started work to restore sight to communities backgrounds, especially single women and mothers, and provides them skills related to in developing countries. the use of modern cleaning machines. Their children are also given a chance to complete their education as the venture financially supports one child per employee to go to school. Dr. Ruit invented the sutureless extracapsular cataract extraction technique in 1995. This Small Incision Sutureless Cataract Surgery (SICS) is twenty fold cheaper than other methods, and has thereby facilitated the treatment of underprivileged individuals across 14. Bishnu Thakali the world. This refined procedure has positively influenced the international ophthalmic Women Environment Preservation Committee - Environment, Women community. Empowerment | Lalitpur 9841 208 620, 01 5541 068 | [email protected] The Institute also trains ophthalmologists, assistants, nurses and provides modular training programs - these trainings are popular in Asia and Africa. Through his effort and diligence, Women Environment Preservation Committee (WEPCO) was founded over two decades a large number of previously overlooked segments of the population in various countries ago with the aim of empowering local communities to create clean and hygienic urban have been given life changing surgery. environments through solid waste management. WEPCO has formed thirty women’s groups directly involving women in recycling, composting and income generating programs, as well as increasing environmental awareness among urban communities and school children.

15. Chisapani Samudayik Jadibuti Prasodhan Udyog - Agriculture, Livelihood | Nawalparasi 9867 025 825, 07 8580 447

The enterprise cultivates and processes crops for essential oil production. It also markets the essential oils. The land used is either community forests or public land that is in disuse. It employs people from low castes, people without land, and the economically disadvantaged. It set itself apart from other essential oils producers by not using pesticide and creating organic oils. 18 19 2013

16. CraftVision - 20. Higher Ground Bakery & Crafts - Culture, Livelihood | Kathmandu Livelihood | Lalitpur 01 4264 993, 01 4256 907 | [email protected] 9841 287 655, 01 5522 249 | [email protected]

CraftVision produces, markets and promotes Nepalese Lokta paper, and various products Higher Ground Bakery & Crafts works to combat human trafficking and forced labour made from the same. Lokta paper is traditionally handmade paper. It works to preserve practices by creating employment opportunities for at risk youth. It supports youth by the art of papermaking by employing traditional artisans and training new ones. It focuses training them in marketable skills, helps them with business development, provides on training and employing persons with disabilities and those who are from low income mentoring and helps them start up their own business. It funds these activities through backgrounds. sales from its Bakery and Cafe, as well as sales of handicrafts through the Crafts division.

17. Ganesh Bahadur Bista 21. Keshab Raj Thapa Ghodaghodi Beekeeping Group - Agriculture | Kailali Swabalamban Bazaar Byabasthapan Tatha Rojgar Srijana Kendra - 9858 423 692 Agriculture, Environment | Sarlahi 9844 062 625, 04 6530 675, [email protected] This venture makes and sells beehives and honey. Ganesh Bahadur Bista also raises awareness in the community about the economic and environmental benefits of This venture utilises leaves of banana and pineapple plants, that usually go to waste, to beekeeping, and encourages other farmers to start their own beehive and honey business. create paper and paper products. It also manufactures toothpicks from bamboo and There have been close to twenty new businesses established in the surrounding areas as a charcoal from organic waste. The paper making aspect of the venture employs eight direct result of this venture. youth, the paper products manufacturing employs ten individuals, the bamboo toothpicks manufacturing is providing income to fifty households, while the charcoal manufacturing is employing ten individuals. 18. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan Hydro Solutions - Energy | Kathmandu 9801 021 222, 01 4434 003 | [email protected] 22. Lalmati Rana ‘Bamboo cottages and products’ - Livelihood | Dhangadhi Hydro Solutions has been working in the field of energy generation from hydropower. It 09 1526 601 conducts local infrastructure development projects like rural electrification, rural roads and bridge construction, drinking water and irrigation schemes, health facilities, conducts This venture uses locally available bamboo as raw material to build cottages. The workforce skill development trainings, and empowerment through ownership in local ventures. It is is mostly made up low caste, indigenous or otherwise marginalised women who are living also involved in developing a model village in Pithauli, Nawalparasi. below the poverty line. Her venture has helped them find a source of income, and has also made her an example of women entrepreneurship in her community. This has inspired others like her to become financially self reliant. 19. Gyatri Giri Be-Suited Nepal - Livelihood | Kathmandu 9851 148 231, 9841 728 248 | [email protected] 23. Laxmi Dutt Bhatta Dipjyoti Aadhunik Mauripalan Cooperative - Agriculture | Baitadi Be-Suited Nepal produces readymade garments and interior products. It is a Fair Trade 9848 770 995 certified company that markets its products internationally. It provides work placement for underprivileged youth who have been supported by Terre des Hommes and Saathi This cooperative promotes the use of modern beekeeping methods as a means to provide for their education. It also provides various benefits to its employees, including a daycare livelihood and conserve the environment. Through training and support of interested center, an elderly home, and provides various skill and personality development training individuals, it provides income generation opportunities for locals. Marginalised individuals opportunities. are provided this training without charge. And through promotion of beekeeping, it hopes to promote afforestation and increase awareness about the importance of a balanced ecosystem.

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24. Muna Shrestha 28. Radha Paudel Jamarko - Environment | Kathmandu Miteri Recycle Center - Community Development, Livelihood | Kathmandu 9841 581 677, 01 4351 050 | [email protected] 9849 596 298, 01 4227 730 | [email protected]

Jamarko promotes recycling and use of recycled products. It produces recycled paper and Miteri Recycle Center collects and sells donated clothing to impoverished communities. It paper products. Apart from working to promote recycling and raising awareness about uses women’s groups to clean and fix old clothes, and sells clothing at a reduced rate. This proper waste management, the venture also trains and employs marginalised women. A creates employment opportunities for the women and helps prevent cold weather related majority of the workforce is comprised of women from low income groups. morbidity. It hopes to preserve the dignity of impoverished individuals by selling clothing at an affordable rate, instead of providing donation.

25. Nishesh Rai PANN Brick - Environment, Livelihood | Dhankuta 29. Rakesh Shah 9842 054 866, 9852 047 707 | [email protected] Creative Services & Sales - Livelihood | Parsa 9855 023 862, 9802 923 862 | [email protected] PANN Brick produces eco friendly clay bricks in Dhankuta district of Nepal using Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln methodology to use less raw resources, produce less pollution and ensure Creative Services & Sales is a training and employment agency. It is targeted towards economic viability. It produces considerably less smoke emission than traditional brick marginalised youth that come from low income backgrounds. It uses Rapid Market kilns. In its efforts to optimise the utilisation of local resources, the venture uses the bare Appraisal to find gaps in the market, and provides vocational education and training. It also land in off season for planting seasonal vegetables, providing income to workers year helps trainees find employment outside of the venture. The training is focused towards round. females and it runs operations in the central region. Some training is also provided free of cost.

26. Om Thapaliya HomeNet Nepal - Community Development | Kathmandu 30. Riddhi Amatya 9801 013 358, 01 4222 176 | [email protected] Bluebell Herbal Products - Environment, Well Being | Bhaktapur 9841 472 949, 6612 998 | [email protected] HomeNet Nepal is a membership based advocacy group. It supports the rights of workers in the informal sector, mainly domestic workers and home based workers. It works for Bluebell Herbal Products manufactures beauty and well being Ayurvedic products. It the urban impoverished, especially women, who may fall through legal and social gaps also promotes the preservation of aromatic and medicinal plants and herbs. It works in and not have the right representation and support from civil society. It also works to raise communities to help develop a sense of responsibility in locals towards their environment. occupational ability of economically marginalised individuals and conducts research in It has also been providing training and employment to individuals from low income this focus area. households.

27. Prakash Phuyal 31. Sabanam Shrestha Swachha Nirman Enterprises - Waste Management | Kathmandu Women in Floriculture - Livelihood | Kathmandu 01 4436 621 | [email protected] 9841 252 439, 01 4168 665 | [email protected]

Swachha Nirman Enterprises works in the waste management sector. It designs, installs Women in Floriculture provides gardening and floriculture related services. It gives women and maintains sewage treatment plants. It encourages the reuse of water and minimisation of low caste, and those that are economically disadvantaged, an opportunity to earn a of groundwater usage. It plans to work with the Government to create decentralised units livable wage and become financially independent. The main focus area of this venture is to of treatment plants in various rivers. And use the resulting sludge as an organic fertiliser, train and employ women to provide goods and services like flower arrangements, seeds, while pumping clean water back into the rivers. equipment, and landscaping.

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32. Samrat Singh Basnet 36. Sudha Basnet Electro Medical Solutions - Health | Kathmandu Women’s Dream Beauty & Multi Service - Women Empowerment | Kathmandu 9851 015 746, 01 4428 388 | [email protected] 9808 089 224, 01 4428 388 | [email protected]

Electro Medical Solutions have set up the first biomedical service center in Nepal with the This venture works to promote entrepreneurial spirit in unemployed housewives, and to dedicated tools and skilled manpower needed to check and maintain medical devices manufacture handmade paper products. It is famous for its paper pencils that are made from a range of manufacturers. They also work with healthcare organisations, patients and from recycled waste paper. It provides educational classes on waste management, training medical equipment users across Nepal to provide technical assistance and training in the on sewing, cosmetic beauty and baking. It also helps to market products made by home proper use of medical equipment. based workers.

33. Saroj Koirala 37. Tenzin Gonsar Kushal Byabasaya Paramarsha Thatha Talim Kendra - Livelihood | Bara EduLift Academy - Education | Kathmandu 9845 136 377, 05 3540 457 | [email protected] 9808 066 017, 9813 160 270 | [email protected]

This center provides shoemaking and tailoring training and services. It gives unemployed EduLift is an after school educational venture that promotes practical learning and student and untrained youth a chance at employment, and the production of clothing generates development through academic assistance, college and career counselling and life skills revenue for the venture. It also provides entrepreneurship training and provides youth an training. It aims to provide an alternative to the exam based curriculum of the education option other than going abroad for employment. system in Nepal that does not address the necessary life skills and mindset needed for the workforce and everyday life.

34. Shanta Baskota Koirala Kanchenjunga Tea Estate & Research Center - Agriculture | Panchthar 38. Thaneshwar Bhusal 9851 082 828, 9851 055 155 | [email protected] Samudayik Khadya Prasodhan Udyog - Agriculture | Parbat 9857 622 255, 06 7690 600 | [email protected] This tea estate and research center was started by a cooperative of farmers and it produces orthodox tea using organic farming methods. It also cultivates and markets various spices This venture processes and packages produce, fruit and coffee. It uses locally available and herbs. This venture has also facilitated a cow husbandry program in the community, resources that may be going to waste to help create an income source in the community. and scholarships for children of farmers. It also trains farmers on the importance of It processes, packages and markets various products like lapsi (Nepalese hog plum), environment conservation. oranges, lemons and ginger. It also runs a lapsi nursery and rice mill. This venture also facilitates training programs on food processing for local farmer groups from marginalised communities. 35. Shrawan Pradhan Gham Power Nepal - Energy | Kathmandu 01 4438 950, 01 4006 623 | [email protected] 39. Uttam Thapa Sanjel Samata Shiksha Niketan HSS and College - Education | Kathmandu Gham Power Nepal provides solar power related services in both urban and remote areas. It 9851 071 468 | [email protected] covers all aspects of installing and maintaining solar panels - from initial feasibility studies and design to arranging finance, installation and maintenance. It constructs micro grids in This Higher Secondary School and College provides academic courses from Nursery to rural areas that can bring electricity to villages. It has also installed solar powered lights in Bachelors for impoverished individuals. They charge a nominal fee of NPR 100 per month. heritage sites and local bus stands. The institute has taught over thirty thousand students till date. The school has branches in twenty districts of Nepal and focuses on extracurricular activities and helps provide employment to graduates.

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40. Women Development Advocacy Center - 47. Binesh Maharjan - Rohan & Binisha Felt, Kathmandu Technology, Livelihood | Dhanusha This venture employs local women and youth to create felt products. 9817 684 555 | [email protected]

The Women Development Advocacy Center (WDAC) establishes ICT centers in rural areas 48. Birthday Forest, Kathmandu of Dhanusha to train and help generate employment for marginalised communities through the use of technology. Since most skill development trainings take place only in Birthday Forest promotes afforestation and environmental conservation by encouraging more urban areas in the region, WDAC has been able to impact over one hundred rural individuals to plant a tree through their venture on special occasions or as a corporate youth and women. social responsibility initiative for organisations.

49. Boudhikalaya, Kathmandu Profiles | All applications and nominations Boudhikalaya is an Ayurvedic clinic, using the principles of homeopathy and Ayurveda to provide treatment. 41. 3 Angels Nepal, 3 Angels Nepal provides preventative and rehabilitation services to young girls who are 50. Buddhi Maya Sunar - Shashi Dhaka Udyog, Nawalparasi at risk of trafficking or have been trafficked. It also provides a safe haven and education to This venture manufactures clothing from Dhaka fabric. orphans and destitute children.

51. Chandika Siwakoti - ‘Tailoring’, Dolakha 42. Ambesh Rajbhandari - Rato Mato Organics, Kathmandu This venture provides training, tailoring services, makes readymade clothing. Rato Mato Organics produces, sells and promotes organic produce through its farm and restaurant. 52. Chiranjeevi Pandey - Pandey Tile Udyog, Surkhet

43. Ameeta Pradhan Shilpakar - Sai Interiors, Lalitpur This venture uses local resources to provide building and hygiene related materials to the community at a nominal rate. Sai Interiors develops and markets decorative wooden products.

53. Chitra Chand - Sapana Garment Udyog, Banke 44. Eco Village, Kaski Sapana Garment Udyog provides low cost tailoring training to marginalised women in Annapurna Eco Village is an eco resort that promotes organic farming, solar power use and Sitapur of Banke district. efficient waste management.

54. Chitrakali Budhamagar - ‘Nettle processing’, Pyuthan 45. Aruna Shakya - Lumana Knitcraft, Lalitpur This venture processes nettle to make fabric and clothing. This venture manufactures and markets knitwear that is exported internationally.

55. Creative Hands of Deaf Women, Lalitpur 46. Batuk Prasad Rajbhandari - Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy, Nepal, Lalitpur Creative Hands of Deaf Women was setup to provide sign language training, and livelihood This organisation carries out various rehabilitation services for children with cerebral palsy related training to at need deaf women in Nepal. and other neurological diseases.

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56. Dendi Sherpa - Center for Disabled Children Assistance, Kathmandu 65. Gopal Thapa - ‘Animal husbandry’, Morang This center works with children with physical disabilities. It helps to rehabilitate, provide This venture rears and sells goats. It helps small scale farmers earn an income in the schooling, medical treatment and psycho social counselling. community.

57. Dharma Raj Shakya - Arniko Stone Carving, Lalitpur 66. Harish Agrawal – Shine Exhibits, Kathmandu Arniko Stone Carving promotes, produces and markets stone carved statues and traditional This company provides eco friendly alternatives to light up public areas across the country art. like solar lit bus stands.

58. Dinesh Kaini - ‘Bamboo products’, Kailali 67. Indradev Sharan Bhatta - Shree Pragatisheel Beekeeping Cooperative, Baitadi This venture uses local resources to make products from bamboo. The cooperative has been working to promote beekeeping as a viable business to increase livelihood, and help conserve the environment. 59. Dinesh Kumar Thapa - Yes Helping Hands Handicrafts and Spa, Pokhara 68. Jeet Bahadur Giri - ‘Lapsi processing’, Sindhupalchok This venture trains and employs deaf and visually impaired individuals to make pashmina products and provide massage and spa treatment. This venture processes Lapsi (Nepalese hog plum) and manufactures candy. 69. Kalpana Tamrakar - Buddhist Treasure International, Lalitpur 60. Doma Paudel - Bar Pipal Farmers’ Group, Chitwan Buddhist Treasure International sells Buddhist artifacts like Thankas, statues and ritual items. The group hopes to establish Bachhauli, Chitwan as a model organic farming village by providing technical and market oriented support. 70. Kalyani Ghising - ‘Tailoring’, Sindhupalchok 61. Dr. Pranav Raj Joshi - Bhaktapur Animal Welfare Society, Bhaktapur This venture aims to train local women in tailoring to prevent them from seeking employment abroad by creating opportunities at home. Bhaktapur Animal Welfare Society spays and neuters stray dogs and cats in Bhaktapur, provides them medical treatment and shelters stray dogs in need. 71. Kathmandu Balaju Height Leo Club, Kathmandu 62. Durga KC - ‘Soap making’, Pyuthan Leo club conducts programs in youth leadership development, community awareness, various services to people in need, fellowship programs, and training programs. This venture manufactures and markets herbal soap made from local cheaure tree leaves.

72. Kesh Kumari Damini Darji - Manisha Sewing Cutting and Training Center, Parbat 63. Fulwa Devi Sada - ‘Watermelon and produce farming’, Sarlahi This center trains and helps provide employment opportunities to marginalised women This venture cultivates and markets watermelon and other produce. It works to provide from low income and low caste families. income for low income and low caste individuals in the community.

73. Khadananda Shiwakoti - Shiwakoti Bag Udyog, Kathmandu 64. Ganesh Prasad Ghimire - Masala Kutani tatha Packaging, Sindhuli Shiwakoti Bag Udyog manufactures and markets different varieties of bags. This venture processes, packages and markets spices using locally available resources.

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74. Krishna Bahadur Mahara Chhetri - Devotee Training & Research Center, 83. Madhav Karki - Damsidole Jadibuti Prasodhan Kendra , Lalitpur Dhangadhi Damsidole Jadibuti Prasodhan Kendra aims to produce, process and export essential oils This center identifies gaps in labor supply in the market and provides training and made from, both cultivated and wild, wintergreen herbs. placement services to unemployed youth accordingly. 84. Matt Dawes - Milkmandu, Kathmandu 75. Krishna Nath Sanyasi - Barannath Aadhunik Mauripalan Multipurpose Milkmandu sources, treats and delivers high quality organic buffalo and cow milk, along Cooperative, Baitadi with other dairy products, directly to households within the Ring Road area in Kathmandu. The cooperative works to promote modern beekeeping methods as a means to create employment and increase plant yield. 85. Mohan Bahadur Raut - IT Aim Nepal, Bara IT Aim Nepal provides computer hardware and software, as well as, skill development 76. Krishna Prasad Poudel - Haatemaalo Savings and Credit Cooperative, Bara training to teachers at community schools across Nepal. This cooperative provides financial support and services to marginalised individuals like people from low castes, ethnic groups, landless farmers, and those with low income. 86. Narjit Damai - ‘Tailoring’, Jumla

77. Lal Maya Pun Magar - ‘Nettle processing’, Parbat This venture provides tailoring services and promotes self employment and creation of micro enterprises. This venture processes and produces fabric from nettle plants. It uses locally available resources to provide an income source to the community. 87. Indra Prasad Dahal - Nepal Rural Development & Environment Protection Council, Kathmandu 78. Lal Singh Dhami - ‘Ginger cultivation and processing’, Baitadi This organisation works in various fields to help with community development, like This venture cultivates and sells raw ginger and processed ginger products like pickle, manufacturing Cristal Bag products to generate livelihood for marginalised individuals. sweets and powder.

88. Pansara Roka Magar - ‘Nettle processing’, Kalikot 79. LCCI Nepal, Lalitpur This venture processes nettle to make thread and fabric. LCCI Nepal provides skill based training and certification for young people across Nepal.

89. Parbati Rai - ‘Incense manufacturing’, Udayapur 80. Life School Center, Dhanusha This venture sources local raw materials to manufacture incense. Life School Center works towards social, economic and institutional development with capacity building of the district with special focus on the impoverished, vulnerable and socially excluded sectors of society. 90. Patlegaun Organic Farm, Kavrepalanchok This farm cultivates and markets, locally and internationally, organic produce, fruit and 81. Lila Devi Pun - Lagansheel Dhaka Kapada Udyog, Myagdi dairy products. This venture manufactures clothing from Dhaka fabric. 91. Pinky Devi Das - Pinky Laha Chura Udyog, Dhanusa 82. Lok Prasad Khanal - Satkaar Food Products, Bardiya This venture manufactures beauty accessories for women while employing women from low castes. This venture produces snack foods sourced from local resources while employing visually impaired individuals.

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92. Prem Shah - ‘Tuberculosis laboratory’, Banke 101. Sangita Pant - Entire Power in Social Action, Kathmandu This initiative works in the local area to diagnose tuberculosis, provide medicine, and raise This initiative employs and empowers marginalised women and those with disabilities. It awareness about the importance of diagnosing and treating the disease. provides skill training and sells hand made products, candles and soap.

93. Prof. Dr. Lochana Shrestha - Health Home Care Nepal, Lalitpur 102. Sanu Maya Gurung - ‘Tailoring’, Sindhupalchok Health Home Care Nepal provides holistic health and social care services to elderly This venture provides tailoring services and trains local women to manufacture clothing. individuals and advocates on their behalf. 103. Shanti Bhatta - Sapana Garment Udyog, Banke 94. Radha Khadka - Asmita Tailoring and Training Center, Sindhuli Sapana Garment Udyog provides low cost tailoring training to marginalised women in The center is a micro enterprise that produces clothing, and provides training to interested Khajura Gard of Banke district. It also provides tailoring services in the community. individuals in the community. 104. Shanti Devi Dhimal - ‘Tailoring’, Jhapa 95. Ram Kaji Paudel - Vajra Academy, Lalitpur This cooperative manufactures and markets traditional Dhimal community clothing using Vajra Academy is an eco friendly school that focuses on providing equal access to education Dhaka fabric. for all social and economic classes of students in the community. 105. Sharada Rijal - Milan Garments, Lalitpur 96. Ramesh Basnet - ‘Vegetable farming’, Morang Milan Garments produces wool and felt products, specialising in hats. It employs conflict This venture cultivates produce, and packages them to sell in the market. affected and economically disadvantaged women.

97. Rima Lamichhane - Technical Associates Services, Kathmandu 106. Shatrudhan Mukhiya - ‘Fish farming’, Saptari Technical Associates Services installs sewage treatment plants to treat and reuse water, as This venture farms and markets fish. well reduce river pollution and environmental damage. 107. Shova Shrestha - Versatile Boutique, Kathmandu 98. Rita Shrestha - Newa Decor, Lalitpur The boutique provides designing, embroidery, dyeing and stitching services. The Newa Decor works with craftsmen to promote and sell wooden and metal artwork, and employees are mostly housewives who work from home. works with women’s groups to promote and sell handicrafts. 108. Shreejani Tuladhar - Shreejani Fashion Wear & Tailors, Kathmandu 99. Sabitri Devi Chaudhary - ‘Jute products’, Sunsari This venture manufactures readymade clothing, provides tailoring services and sells fabric. This cooperative processes and manufactures jute products. It provides employment It promotes the use of Nepali Kora Dhaka fabric. opportunities to women in the community and has helped to make them self reliant. 109. Shyam Sundar Bhattarai - Basisth Dairy Udyog, Nawalparasi 100. Sameer Pahari - Sunaulo Bihani, Kathmandu This venture processes and markets dairy products using milk collected from local farmers. Sunaulo Bihani provides health awareness programs on diseases like diabetes, hypertension and malaria. And it conducts leadership training programs for school children. 110. Sitara Rajbhandari - Spicy Home Spices, Kathmandu This venture manufactures and markets spices.

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111. Sobha Danuwar - Sobha Dalmot Bhujia Udyog, Udayapur SNASEA 2012 | Overview This venture manufactures and markets dalmot and bhujia snacks. It employs marginalised individuals, especially women, and provides them a source of income. SNASEA 2012 took place between October and December 2012. A special category was included in the Award - the NBI Agent of Change. It recognised businesses that supported enterprise development and startups. National Business Initiative (NBI) is 112. Subhadra Kumari Rajbhandari - Saraswoti Dhaka Kapada Udyog, Tehrathum a Non Governmental Organisation that promotes sustainable and inclusive economic development. This venture manufactures and sells various items of clothing and accessories made from Dhaka fabric. The Award took place on the eve of 18 December, and it celebrated five SNASEA winners and recognised three NBI Agents of Change. Three social entrepreneurs were also 113. Suna Pandey - ‘Vegetable farming’, Baitadi recognised for their long standing support to community development through business. Guest of honor, Dr. Ashwin Naik (Vaatsalya Healthcare, India) made remarks on the This venture uses modern farming techniques and non chemical based fertilisers and possibility of inter country exchange of ideas between social entrepreneurs in Nepal pesticides to cultivate produce. and India.

The Bazaar took place in Baber Mahal Revisited over three days in October and showcased 114. Tej Bahadur Rana - Milijuli Beehive Production, Baglung the products, services and ideas of sixty social entrepreneurs. It brought together twenty This venture markets and promotes beehives as a means to create self employment for exhibitors per day from sectors like handicraft, tourism, health and well being, energy, local individuals. education, and agriculture. The Bazaar was open to the public and also included additional attractions like live pottery making demonstration, caricature and portrait artists, live folk music and costumed artists. 115. Til Kumari Khadka - Himal Silai Center And Prashikshan Kendra, Pyuthan This venture provides tailoring services, and supplies sewing equipment to local stores. The Seminar was held at Yalamaya Kendra over three days in November. The first day focused on business plan development and the second day on issues social entrepreneurs face and solutions to their challenges. The third day allowed social entrepreneurs to 116. Tota Devi Bogati - Tailoring Training Center, Sindhuli pitch their ideas to potential investors and featured an open panel discussion on Social This venture provides tailoring services. It also conducts training for nominal fees. Entrepreneurship and Opportunities in Nepal. Each evening also featured an open networking session, to provide opportunities for social 117. Tulsi Budha - ‘Mushroom farming’, Dang entrepreneurs, speakers and participants to interact and build a network. The Seminar ended with closing remarks by Steven Lee from LGT Venture Philanthropy, Korea. This venture cultivates and markets mushrooms. Profiles of the speakers and investors at the Seminar, along with the winners and 118. Ujwala Amatya - Tulajas Herbal Products, Kathmandu semifinalists of SNASEA 2012 follow. This venture manufactures and markets herbal and beauty products.

119. Yam Bahadur Bhujel - Kharwang Cheaure Herbal Soap, Baglung This venture collects and processes local cheaure tree leaves to manufacture herbal soap.

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Profiles | Speakers and investors Vidhan Rana, Founding Partner at Biruwa Ventures, which provides an entrepreneurial atmosphere for sharp and driven individuals to interact, share and nurture ideas into Speakers: sustainable ventures. Alex Shrestha, Managing Director of Wonaw & Associates and faculty member for Project Panel for discussion on Social Entrepreneurship and Opportunities in Nepal: Management at ACE Institute of Management. Anil Chitrakar, social entrepreneur. Anil Chitrakar, respected social entrepreneur, scholar and writer on social, political and environmental issues in Nepal. Barsha Shrestha, General Manager, Clean Energy Development Bank.

Bal Joshi, Co Founder and Managing Director of Thamel.com. He has over ten years of Tika Jit Rai, Founder of Magnus Consulting Group and an expert in Information and experience as an entrepreneur in both Nepal and North America. Communications Technology.

Dr. Ashesh Ambasta, Vice President and Head of Social Investment Program at ITC Limited, Upendra Adhikari, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children & Social Welfare, India. Government of Nepal. Gyan Shakya, banking lawyer with over fifteen years of experience, and in house lawyer at Nepal Bank.

Hermann Rune, Senior Adviser at Rural Microfinance Development Center in Nepal, and Country Representative of Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation.

Kunda Dixit, Founder, Editor and Publisher of the Nepali Times, and Co Publisher of Himal magazine.

Laishram Buddha Singh, expert on marketing strategy, ITC Limited, India.

Saurabh Rijal, Director of Saadhya, a consulting and outsourcing firm and adviser on business management and financial strategy.

Shabda Gyawali, Investment Manager at Dolma Impact Fund. He has been working to tackle poverty in South Asia through entrepreneurial approaches.

Suvash Thapa and Sudeep Bhaju from Beed Management, which is an international management consultancy and financial advisory services firm.

Ujwal Thapa, Founder of Entrepreneurs for Nepal, who has over a decade of experience in business management in the information technology field.

Investors: Business Oxygen, a fund management company supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that provides risk capital financing and complementary advisory services to small businesses.

Steven Lee, a graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology and INSEAD MBA Program. He is currently directing the impact venture accelerator program at LGT Venture Philanthropy.

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Profiles | Winners - SNASEA 2012 3. Prachanda Shakya - Nepal Traditional Handicrafts Training Center, Lalitpur 9841 366 671, 5009 078 [email protected] 1. Chiranjeevi Poudel - Seeing Hands, Kathmandu This center teaches traditional fine arts and handicrafts 4253 513 | [email protected] skills to preserve Nepalese culture and provide employment opportunities for youth. Enrolment and media promotion of Seeings Hands is a remedial massage clinic that trains the center has increased since SNASEA. and employs visually impaired individuals. The Award contributed to the personal motivation of Chiranjeevi, “The Award has helped a great deal in increasing the number and helped him become accepted by local businesses and of trainees, thus helping us promote traditional arts and clients. A new branch is being planned in Lalitpur. crafts even more and reach out to more youth. The Award has encouraged us to upgrade and provide better quality “This Award has played an important role in promoting service.” Seeing Hands and our activities. More awareness has been raised and people who had negative attitude towards massage have become more positive. After this national recognition our Nepalese clients have increased and this 4. Shanti Shakya - has encouraged me to expand Seeing Hands all over Nepal Kakani Himalayan Natural Dyes, Nuwakot as much as possible.” 9808 801 708 | [email protected] This venture produces natural dyes and provides dyeing services. Winning the Award was able to help it find new markets - increasing demand and providing employment 2. Dr. Bishal Dhakal - for more workers in the community. Health at Home, Kathmandu 9841 515 934, 4116 024 | “After the Award, we have been able to reach and introduce [email protected] more of our products in the market. The appreciation earned has made us feel proud, encouraging us to engage more Health at Home provides medical services at patients’ women from the community in our business.” residences. Promotion and networking opportunities from SNASEA helped Health at Home gain media and communal acceptance. It has two new branches in and Pokhara, 5. Jasmaya Pun - with plans for expansion and inclusion of other related Hampaal Allo Tatha Kapada Bunai Udyog, Parbat services. 9847 652 761, 9847 636 543

“The prestige and promotion from winning the Award has This venture processes nettle plants to make yarn and helped my venture to find new clients, and has been a big clothing. It also provides training to help with income achievement for me personally. While I may not have been generation. Since SNASEA, the venture has started exporting able to complete my MD in Pakistan, I feel that I have created my own degree through its products and has been recognised by the media and the Health at Home by learning to run an enterprise, and solve a social problem, and winning FNCCI as a change maker. the 2012 SNASEA was my graduation certificate.” “Being recognised as a change maker has really boosted my confidence. The award money helped me buy modern equipment for my venture and I have now also started exporting to the US.” 38 39 2013

Recognised social entrepreneurs: Profiles | Semifinalists - SNASEA 2012

1. Govinda Ghimire - Alternative Herbal Product, Kathmandu 1. Amrit Ratna Shakya - AR Fashion Design & Sewing Institute, Lalitpur 9851 120 541, 01 4036 359 | [email protected] 9841 304 272, 1 5526 730 Recognised for supporting local producers to deliver high quality herbal and organic Training and employment opportunities in fashion and tailoring for persons with products. It links their products with national and international buyers - helping to increase disabilities. their income. 2. Aparna Prajapati - The Peacock Shop, Bhaktapur 2. Som Prasad Gauchan - Everest Tea Estate, Sindhupalchok 6610 692, 6610 820 | [email protected] 9851 086 168, 01 4279 113 | [email protected] Preservation and promotion of traditional handicrafts and paper making. Recognised for addressing the pressing problem of extreme economic backwardness of Bhotechaur village by starting a tea estate and providing an income source for the 3. Bijay Kumar Shrivastav - Sanaa Byabasaya Paramarsha Kendra, Parsa community. 9855 025 470, 5152 500 | [email protected] Life skills training, business oriented services and loans for women. 3. Tara Baskota Adhikari - Shangrila Agro World, Panchthar 9851 064 659, 9851 024 312 | [email protected] 4. Bishnu Thakali - Women Environment Preservation Committee, Lalitpur 9841 208 620, 01 5541 068 | [email protected] Recognised for providing fair prices to local tea farmers by processing and marketing organic tea from Panchthar district. Engagement of women in environment conservation programs. 5. Govinda Ghimire - Alternative Herbal, Bhaktapur 01 4036 359 | [email protected] NBI Agent of Change: Training and income generation provisions for households related to herbal products.

1. Brihat Investments 6. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan - Hydro Solutions, Kathmandu 9801 021 222, 01 4434 003 | [email protected] For developing ancillary businesses to provide essential services in the real estate sector. It invests in local businesses and provides them direct assistance in procurement, credit Infrastructure and community development initiatives. access, cash assessment, client identification, market research and logistics. 7. Janaki Pradhan - Leading Women’s Association, Lalitpur 2. Himalayan Naturals 9849 668 599, 9741 122 060 | [email protected] Training and market promotion services to low income women. For providing technical support to establish community enterprises, developing systems for quality assurance, and assisting in enterprise management. It explores rewarding 8. Khil Narayan Shrestha - ‘Agriculture and animal husbandry’, Dhading markets for community produced natural products. Himalayan Briquette is its flagship 9841 417 132, 10 690 403 product. Training and market promotion services for impoverished farmers. 3. Lotus Holdings 9. Kiran Khadgi - Kumbeshwar Technical School, Lalitpur For facilitating access to funds for enterprise startups, growth and expansion of ventures, 01 5537 484, 01 5539 216 | [email protected] providing support services related to finance, marketing, research and development, and Vocational training and employment in knitwear, carpet making and carpentry. administration. It adheres to the principles of social justice. 10. Kumud Singh - Alpine Coffee Estate, Nuwakot 4. Women Support Saving and Credit Cooperative Society 9851 116 163, 9851 030 950 | [email protected] For providing funding and support to women for income generation through collateral Promotion of organic coffee and training and employment to local farmers. free loans, income generation workshops and consulting, and providing market access to women community groups, collectives and enterprises. 40 41 2013

11. Nishesh Rai - PANN Brick, Dhankuta SNASEA 2011 | Overview 9842 054 866, 9852 047 707 | [email protected] Manufacture and marketing of eco friendly clay bricks. The first SNASEA took place between 18 and 21 November 2011, coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week. The four days of activities and events marked a new chapter for 12. Padmasana Shakya - Manushi, Lalitpur social entrepreneurship promotion in Nepal. 01 5552 997, 01 5553 896 | [email protected] Micro credits to women for development of enterprises, and life skills training. The Award was held on the eve of 21 November and it celebrated five winners. The guest of honor, Vineet Rai (Aavishkaar, India), shared his personal and professional experiences 13. Purna Bahadur Bhandari - Aguwa Kishan, Jhapa with running a successful social venture. 9808 935 704 The Bazaar was held in the picturesque Baber Mahal Revisited. Twenty selected Nepalese Cooperative of farmers that promotes commercial farming. social entrepreneurs and their ventures in the central courtyard over two days.

14. Sangita Pant - EPSA Differently Abled Women Skill Training Center, Kathmandu The Seminar ran concurrent to the Bazaar. There were a total of eleven sessions, which 9851 136 554, 9841 526 525 | [email protected] were free to the public. Experts from business were on hand to conduct informational Training and employment opportunities for differently abled women. and interactive sessions. Two technical sessions were specially designed for the exhibiting twenty social entrepreneurs. 15. Sanu Kaji Shrestha - Foundation for Sustainable Technologies, Kathmandu 01 4361 574, 01 4351 225 | [email protected] Profiles of the winners and semifinalists of SNASEA 2011 follow. Introduction of high efficiency, low cost technologies in rural Nepal.

16. Saroj Koirala - Kushal Byabasaya Paramarsha Thatha Talim Kendra, Bara 9845 136 377, 05 3540 457 | [email protected] Tailoring and shoemaking training and employment opportunities creation.

17. Shanta Baskota Koirala - Kanchenjunga Tea Estate & Research Center, Panchthar 9851 082 828, 9851 055 155 | [email protected] Profiles | Winners - SNASEA 2011 Cooperative of tea farmers that conducts community development programs.

18. Sitara Rajbhandari - Spicy Home Spices, Kathmandu 1. Chhahari Services, Kathmandu 9851 058 300, 01 4260 936 | [email protected] 01 4411 429 | [email protected] Employment opportunities for women in the community while manufacturing spices. Chhahari Services provides a safe haven and 19. Thaneshwar Bhusal - Samudayik Khadya Prasodhan Udyog, Parbat life and employment skills and opportunities 9857 622 255, 06 7690 600 | [email protected] for single women. SNASEA helped expand their Increment of income for local farmers through processing and packaging of produce, fruit existing network of national and international and herbs. organisations. “This Award has meant a great deal for us. The award money has been put to use for development of Chhahari Services and the media coverage has helped to make people understand our work. And more than that, people have come to appreciate the work done by single women.” - Sweta Tamrakar, Chhahari Services.

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2. Ram Sapkota - Tukee Nepal and Mountain Delights Treks and 5. Vijaya Development Resource Center, Nawalparasi Expedition, Jyamrung 56 501 172, 56 501 100 | [email protected] 9851 089 497, 01 4700 190 | [email protected] This center works in different areas of development. It runs a Ram Sapkota conducts community development projects through savings and credit cooperative, a community school, a local Tukee Nepal in his native Jyamrung. His trekking company conducts radio station dedicated to good governance and freedom of medical and clean up treks in the region. SNASEA helped him reach expression, and runs various training programs. SNASEA helped international markets and helped with promotion of his activities. this center expand its network and activities.

“The Award has changed my life and business. It gave a really positive “Winning the Award has inspired us to contribute more and effect. A lot of people know about me and my business because of the Award and a lot of we have decided to work more on enterprise development and people want to buy tours with us because of it.” conduct trainings.” - Khem Raj Sapkota, Vijaya Development Resource Center.

3. Sabita Maharjan - Kirtipur Hosiery, Kirtipur 9841 649 035 | [email protected]

Kirtipur Hosiery manufactures woollen knitwear and accessories, Profiles | Semifinalists - SNASEA 2011 creating training and employment opportunities for women. The 1. Ananda Shova Tamrakar - Pesticide Monitor Nepal, Kathmandu related cooperative also provides them support. Through promotion of her work by SNASEA, she was able to sign up as a supplier for Promotion of environmental friendly farming and waste management. Sherpa Adventure Gear. 2. Chitrakali Budha Magar - Koshi Himal Allo Kapada Udyog, Pyuthan “After winning the Award, I became ready to learn technical 9846 820 814 knowledge, management training and designing training. Winning the Award made me Creation of clothing from nettle plant based fabric. take a further step and encouraged me not to be fed up with challenges rather we should face every step.” 3. Devi Prasad Acharya - Nepal Pollution Control and Environment Management Center, Lalitpur 01 5541 976, 01 5520 512 | [email protected] Waste management services and public awareness campaigns related to urban waste. 4. Shyam Badan Yadav - Kalash Milk Industry, Parsa 9855 022 287 | [email protected] 4. Dinesh Prasad Shrestha - Room to Read, Kathmandu 5552 987, 5534 116 Kalash Milk Industry provides income generation opportunities to local farmers through its dairy collection center and livestock Promotion and facilitation of literacy and educational initiatives for children. distribution scheme. Promotion from SNASEA helped this venture 5. Kanchaman Tamang - ‘Strawberry cultivation’, Kakani secure a collaboration with a Dutch firm and has expanded to include a cattle farm. Promotion of strawberry farming and increase in income of farmers.

“Me and my company got recognition after I won the Award. Kalash 6. Kumud Singh - Alpine Coffee Estate, Nuwakot Dairy upgraded to Kalash Milk Industries and capital investments increased overtime. I felt 9851 116 163, 9851 030 950 | [email protected] I could do even better in this sector and run this business in an even better way.” Promotion of organic coffee and training and employment to local farmers.

7. Miraz Thakuri - Cafe Brown Sugar, Kathmandu Training and employment of former drug users to help with social inclusion and income generation. 44 45 2013

8. Prabin Neupane - Gorkha Energy and Environment, Gorkha Knowledge - Develop, adapt and disseminate knowledge and tools that are required by 9841 320 062 | [email protected] young social entrepreneurs. Promotion and training of locals in the making and use of bio briquettes. Networking - Connect young Nepalese social entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, other 9. Rishikesh Tiwari - Parbat Community Development Society social entrepreneurs and interested stakeholders. 01 4673 156 | [email protected] Mentoring - Structure a mentorship program associated with the seed grants to assist Local engagement in poverty reduction, using local resources. entrepreneurs with their business development.

10. Subarna Chitrakar - Sungava Women’s Training Center Financing - Find donors or investors to provide seed grants to young social entrepreneurs 01 4226 416, 01 4225 560 | [email protected] who meet the selection criteria. Rehabilitation and basic life skills training center for girls with development disabilities, especially Down syndrome.

11. Tulsi Giri - The Bazaar Fellowship 9849 154 973, 06 1460 415 | [email protected] In the past, CFN supported efforts made by individuals towards running social ventures Retail outlet for environmentally friendly products, organic restaurant and creation of an through its Fellowship program. It trained and mentored social entrepreneurs and helped organic farming cooperative. them transform their ideas into action, or scale up existing initiatives. CFN Fellows included 2012 CNN Hero of the Year Pushpa Basnet (Early Childhood Development Center) who 12. Subechhya Basnet - Kheti Bazaar works with children of inmates, and Khom Raj Sharma (Inclusion Empowerment Center) 01 4411 603 who provides computer related training to visually impaired individuals. Organic produce retail store that links producers directly to consumers.

Hidden Journeys Nepal About the organiser | ChangeFusion Nepal hiddenjourneysnepal.com | fb.com/hiddenjourneysnepal Hidden Journeys Nepal is an ongoing initiative of CFN to promote social ventures and ChangeFusion Nepal was founded in 2008 to help local youth direct their vision and skills provide inspiration and knowledge. It conducts specialised short tours of social ventures towards benefiting people and the planet through social entrepreneurship. It aspires in and around Kathmandu. Such Journeys serve to showcase the amazing work done to steer the creative and constructive energy of Nepalese youth towards ventures that by Nepalese to benefit their communities and help build a network between them and support their communities by solving social, economic and environmental issues through prospective supporters. business.

Focus: To create successful social enterprises that impact the daily lives of the underprivileged youth in Nepal. Youth Action Fund Vision: A society in which Nepalese youth are provided with the necessary resources to fb.com/yafnepal create long lasting social and economic benefits through entrepreneurship and innovation. CFN is the implementing organisation for Youth Action Fund in Nepal. Supported by Open Mission: To support and empower young social entrepreneurs in Nepal with original ideas, Society Foundations, Youth Action Fund works to identify, inspire and support small groups solutions, dedication and vision for social change - in order to transform their dreams into of young people to mobilise and influence larger numbers of their peers. Selected youth, reality. or Grantees, are provided funding and mentoring support to run small scale community development projects. Through four key components, CFN works towards achieving the above mission.

46 47 Thanks to our Partners

We are grateful to our advisers, jury members, venue partner and supporters. Thank you for your enduring and passionate support of our vision.

Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. (SNPL) SNPL’s philosophy believes that the people are its major asset. SNPL is dedicated to supporting community activities which contribute to sustainable development and help enhance access to basic development needs and efforts.

Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Head Office Shree Bal Sadan Kantipath, Kathmandu, Nepal (w) http://www.snpl.com.np (e) [email protected]

ChangeFusion Nepal (CFN) – ChangeFusion Nepal has a vision to support, empower, and promote innovative social enterprises to create long lasting social and economic benefits in our nation.

ChangeFusion Nepal BabarMahal Revisited, Kathmandu, Nepal (w) www.changefusionnepal.org (e) [email protected] (t) +977 1 692 3423

Surya Nepal Private Limited Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award fb.com/celebratingsocialentrepreneurship snasea2013.wordpress.com 2013 asha2012.wordpress.com

48 “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

- Winston Churchill