Rural Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development (REED) Course
Updated: Apr 21
About the Course: Entrepreneurship is crucial in promoting economic growth and development, particularly in rural areas. According to the World Bank, entrepreneurs create jobs, generate income, and contribute to poverty reduction in rural communities (World Bank, 2021). In addition, entrepreneurship has been identified as a critical driver of sustainable development, as it can help address social and environmental challenges while contributing to economic growth (UNDP, 2021). In particular, rural entrepreneurship has the potential to create employment opportunities, improve income levels, and promote sustainable development in rural communities (Dabson & Wyckoff, 2010).
However, despite the significant potential of entrepreneurship in rural areas, several challenges need to be addressed, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of entrepreneurial skills (OECD, 2019). Therefore, there is a need to develop and implement entrepreneurship courses specifically designed to address the needs of rural entrepreneurs while promoting sustainable development and aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and grow successful businesses in rural areas by providing practical skills in entrepreneurship, access to funding, and networking opportunities (Brush & Chakrabarti, 2014; OECD, 2019).
{ References: 1. World Bank. (2021). Entrepreneurship.; 2. UNDP. (2021). Entrepreneurship.; 3. Dabson, B., & Wyckoff, J. B. (2010). Rural entrepreneurship: Opportunities and challenges for rural development. Journal of Rural Studies, 26(3), 193-194.;4. OECD. (2019). Entrepreneurship in rural areas: Successful small business strategies. OECD Publishing.;5. Brush, C. G., & Chakrabarti, A. K. (2014). Entrepreneurship in emerging markets: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management, and Innovation, 10(3), 5-30.;6. OECD. (2019). Entrepreneurship in rural areas: Successful small business strategies. OECD Publishing.}
As part of REEDP, this course aims to help reduce poverty, improve rural people’s nutrition, and enhance social security, well-being, and resilience through innovative rural development skills, knowledge, training, and application.
Course Objectives
The REED under the Rural Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (REEDP-DTRD) aims to enable, engage, enhance, and empower rural entrepreneurs to create sustainable businesses that contribute to rural development and align with ESG principles and SDGs. The specific course objectives are:
To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of rural entrepreneurship and its importance in rural development.
To equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to identify business opportunities and develop viable business plans.
To provide participants with practical skills in entrepreneurship, including marketing, financial management, and business operations.
To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of rural entrepreneurship schemes, policies, and national and state programmes.
To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of social business, ESG, and SDGs practices.
To enable participants to access funding and support for their businesses, including loans, grants, and other financial instruments.
To create a network of rural entrepreneurs who can share knowledge and best practices and collaborate on business ventures.
Eligibility Criteria, Selection Process & How to Apply (Please read carefully before proceeding to the online application)
It is a biannual course, and online application is open twice a year for candidates to apply-
Round I (January) and
Round II (June).
We encourage women and people from vulnerable sections of society to apply. We also provide Daksha Scholarship for the course.
The intake process for REED is listed as follows:
Eligibility Criteria: Candidates with or without any prior experience in entrepreneurship can apply. All who are early-stage, budding, or well-established entrepreneurs, or those who desire to start a business but lack the skills or resources to do so, or those interested in supporting local entrepreneurship can apply. To join REED, the participants should meet the following eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualification: Participants should have completed at least a high school education, with a preference for candidates with higher education qualifications.
Age: There is no age limit for participating in the course, but priority will be given to candidates between 18 and 40.
Location: Participants should be residents of rural areas in India and demonstrate a commitment to rural entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Entrepreneurial idea/experience: Candidates with or without any prior experience in entrepreneurship can apply. All who are early-stage, budding, or well-established entrepreneurs, or those who desire to start a business but lack the skills or resources to do so, or those interested in supporting local entrepreneurship can apply.
Language proficiency: The course will be taught using a mix of Hindi and English.
Access to technology: Participants should have access to a smartphone, a reliable internet connection, and other necessary technology to participate in the online course.
Selection Process: The selection process for participants to join the (REED) is as follows:
How to Apply: Online Application- Interested candidates can submit an online application form providing their details, educational qualifications, entrepreneurial idea/experience, and a statement of purpose outlining their motivation for joining the course.
Screening of Applications: A committee comprising course coordinators and faculty members will review the applications to shortlist candidates based on the eligibility criteria and the statement of purpose.
Telephonic/Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a telephonic or online interview to assess their suitability for the course. The discussion will cover their motivation for joining the course, entrepreneurial experience, and commitment to rural entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Final Selection: The final selection of participants will be based on their entrepreneurial idea/experience, interview performance, and commitment to rural entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Payment of Fees: Selected candidates should pay the course fee within 15 days of receiving the confirmation email. Financial aid (Daksha Scholarship) to selected candidates will be offered on a merit-cum-means basis. Candidates who want to avail the benefits of the Daksha Scholarship should fill out the Online Application form first. And, then email us your financial concerns with a copy of your application form. The selection committee board will review your application for financial aid and notify you accordingly.
Notification: Successful candidates will be notified of their selection and provided with instructions for course registration.
Course Fees, Sessions & No. of Seats
Fees: ₹ 78,000/- (Incl. of taxes)
Duration: 12 weeks
Seats available: 20
Live eLearning through webinars
6-8 Hours Per Week
15+ Leading Experts
Weekend Sessions
Assessment based
The final course schedule with modules, session dates and time will be decided as per the nature of the cohort and shared with the participants in the Induction Programme. It is an assessment-based course; the assignments will be shared with the participants during the course period.
Roles & Responsibility for the Participants
Participants taking REED will have the following roles and responsibilities:
Actively participate in all course activities, including attending lectures, completing assignments, and participating in group discussions, research projects, and activities.
Engage with course mentors and faculty members to receive guidance and support throughout the course.
Collaborate with other participants to share knowledge and best practices and to develop collaborative business ventures.
Apply the skills and knowledge gained from the course to develop and grow their businesses and contribute to sustainable rural development.
Provide feedback and suggestions for improvement to course coordinators and faculty members to improve the course for future participants.
What will you learn & Course Benefits
Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Rural Development
Research & Development
Business Planning & Management
Marketing & Sales
Operations Management & Resource Efficiency
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Innovation and Creativity
Digitalization
Funding & Networking
And much more!
Course Benefits: The course will have several benefits, including:
Improved rural livelihoods: The course will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to establish and grow successful businesses in rural areas, leading to improved income and employment opportunities.
Enhanced rural economic growth: The course will create a pool of entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth in rural areas through their businesses.
Increased access to finance: Participants will learn how to access funding and support for their businesses, leading to increased access to finance for rural entrepreneurs.
Improved business management: The course will provide practical skills in entrepreneurship, including marketing, financial management, and business operations, leading to improved business management practices.
Networking opportunities: Participants will have the opportunity to network with other rural entrepreneurs, leading to collaboration on business ventures and sharing knowledge and best practices.
Empowerment: The Rural Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development (REED) will empower rural entrepreneurs, especially women, to take charge of their economic and social well-being. They can create and grow their businesses by providing the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources, leading to economic empowerment and independence.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) benefits: The course will promote sustainable business practices prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Participants will learn how to integrate ESG considerations into their business operations, leading to positive social and environmental impacts.
Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The course promotes rural entrepreneurship. Participants will learn how to integrate SDGs into their business operations, leading to sustainable development in rural areas.
Our Partners & Supporters
Dakshakriti (Programme Head) - Programme Development & Implementing Agency
Vina Muze - Recording, Documentation & Events Partner
Live Radio Vina Muze - Broadcasting & Marketing Partner
Xplorize - Logistics Partner
BokUp Pro, Ahikshetra & The Kala Story - E-Marketplace Partner
The Humanity Calls - Social Advocacy Partner
(Please read the eligibility criteria, selection process & how to apply carefully before proceeding to the online application)
For any queries, email us at contact@dakshakriti.org with the subject line ‘REED’ or call us at +91-7400255274.