Deadline: 15 August 2016
Villgro is inviting budding entrepreneurs for an initiative entitled “Unconvention” to present their business idea to a panel of experts and get valuable feedback and guidance that will help improve their business proposition.
The Unconvention Pitch will provide the opportunity to budding entrepreneurs to present their idea for a for-profit business with social impact, to a panel of experts comprising Villgro mentors, successful social entrepreneurs, social incubators and seed investors.
Through this process applicants will learn how to deliver a sharp and impactful pitch and will also get valuable feedback and guidance that will help them refine their business model.
Villgro is one of India’s oldest and foremost social enterprise incubators. Villgro funds, mentors and incubates early-stage, innovation-based social enterprises that impact the lives of India’s poor. Since 2001, Villgro has worked with 94 innovators and provided Rs 59 million in seed funding.
Established by Villgro in 2009, Unconvention is a platform that offers a combination of initiatives focussed on inspiring, discovering and nurturing social enterprises that have the potential for high impact on the lives of the poor in India.
Winners will Get
- The chance to be incubated by Villgro and receive Rs 65 lakh funding, hands-on mentoring and talent support, connect to investor networks
- 1 lakh cash prize for pitch winner
- An exclusive session with Villgro mentors
- Feedback on your business from a panel of investors, incubators, entrepreneurs
- Networking with potential partners, freelancers, investors
- Chance to make an elevator pitch to the event audience
Application Stages
- Idea Stage: An idea stage social enterprise has a problem-solution definition and the enterprise idea for social innovation on the drawing board and is still developing a prototype to pilot. The idea must be developed as a for-profit model.
- Early Enterprise Stage: enterprise has a prototype of its product or service and has conducted a significant number of pilots in the field, or is already in operation. It must have conducted one pilot at least.
Selection Criteria
- Innovation – Uniqueness in the idea or solution
- Social Impact – Does the solution have a powerful impact on poor communities
- Sustainability and scalability – sustainable business model and potential for scaling-up
- Entrepreneur / Team – Background of the Entrepreneur and competencies of the Senior team, if any
- Business Feasibility – To determine if it is feasible within the estimated cost and will be a profitable venture
- Clarity and comprehensiveness – Is the presentation concise, does it cover all bases demonstrating knowledge of the market and business
Eligibility Criteria
- Only ideas and/or businesses with a for-profit model are eligible.
- Applicants idea/business must have high impact on rural or urban poor i.e bottom of pyramid, in the sectors of
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Agriculture and rural business
- Education
- Submissions may be entered as individuals or teams (max. 4). Only the individual or the team members who have registered may pitch to the panel of judges and answer questions
- Enterprises at two stages (mentioned above) are eligible to pitch.
- If the submission is an idea, a proof of concept (E.g. prototype) is required.
- Enterprises which have been in operation for more than 3 years from the date of the pitch competition will not be considered.
- Must register online and be present to pitch and bring the form.
- Applicant will be notified ahead of time if they are selected to pitch.
- If an applicant is not selected to pitch, he/she is still invited to attend Unconvention|L event, where he/she will have the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and hear about their work, and network with investors, partners, and others.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can register themselves via given website.
For more information, please visit Villgro Unconvention Pitch.