Project Overview
Introduction
Women’s entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in economic growth, yet many women in Nepal face social and financial barriers when starting their businesses. As a Women Entrepreneurship Development Volunteer, you will support aspiring women entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, business training, and startup guidance. Your work will help create sustainable, women-led enterprises contributing to long-term community development.
Background
- Women own only 8% of businesses in Nepal, mainly small-scale enterprises.
- Despite their potential, 70% of women entrepreneurs face difficulties accessing credit and market opportunities.
- This program addresses these challenges by equipping women with business skills, financial literacy, and leadership training.
Key Objectives
✔ Provide business development training and mentorship to aspiring women entrepreneurs.
✔ Support microfinance and women’s cooperatives to enhance financial access.
✔ Assist in developing marketing strategies and business plans for small enterprises.
✔ Empower women through leadership and confidence-building workshops.
Why Volunteer for This Project?
The Need
Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for women’s empowerment, yet:
- Only 35% of Nepalese women participate in formal economic activities.
- Women-run businesses struggle with limited funding, lack of training, and market barriers.
“Volunteers bring knowledge, skills, and motivation that inspire our women entrepreneurs. They help us believe in our dreams.” – Maya, a local business owner in Okhaldhunga.
Global Relevance
This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 5: Gender Equality – By supporting female entrepreneurs, you help bridge the economic gender gap.
SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth – Strengthening women-led enterprises fosters inclusive economic growth.
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
What You’ll Do
As a Women Entrepreneurship Development Volunteer, your key tasks include:
- Conducting business development workshops on marketing, branding, and sales.
- Helping women draft business plans and improve financial literacy.
- Providing mentorship and one-on-one coaching to women entrepreneurs.
- Assisting with microfinance projects and women’s savings groups.
- Developing digital marketing strategies for small businesses.
- Supporting social enterprise initiatives focused on sustainability.
Daily Schedule (Example Day in the Field)
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Business training sessions with local women.
- Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Enjoy Nepali cuisine at your homestay.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM): One-on-one mentorship and business planning.
- Evening (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Networking with local entrepreneurs and cultural immersion.
Skills and Requirements
Who Can Join?
✅ Open to volunteers aged 18+ (younger participants may require a guardian).
✅ Ideal for business students, entrepreneurs, educators, and marketers.
✅ Passion for women’s empowerment and economic development.
Preferred Skills
- Open to volunteers aged 18+ (younger participants may require a guardian).
- Ideal for business students, entrepreneurs, educators, and marketers.
- Passion for women’s empowerment and economic development.
Cultural Experience
Cultural Immersion
Volunteering in Nepal is more than work—it’s a cultural adventure!
- Live with a local host family and experience traditional Nepali hospitality.
- Take part in festivals like Dashain and Tihar, Nepal’s most significant celebrations.
- Learn basic Nepali phrases to connect with the community.
Logistics and Support
- Accommodation: Live in a homestay or volunteer guesthouse.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Nepali meals three times daily (vegetarian options available).
- Transportation: Airport pickup and project site transfers provided.
- On-Site Support: Experienced local coordinators available 24/7.
- Health & Safety: Guidance on vaccinations, travel insurance, and emergency support.
Program Fees and Inclusions
What’s Included?
- Accommodation & meals.
- Airport pickup & local transport.
- Business development training materials.
- 24/7 in-country support.
Impact and Outcomes
Volunteer Impact
💡 Develop mentorship, leadership, and cross-cultural communication skills.
💡 Gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
Community Impact
📈 Over 200 women trained in business development annually.
📈 Increased financial independence and economic resilience for families.
Success Stories & Testimonials
“Before this program, I had no idea how to manage money or market my products. I run a small craft business and even support my children’s education!”
– Sita, Entrepreneur in Kathmandu
“Volunteering in Nepal was life-changing. Seeing women gain confidence in their businesses was the most rewarding part!”
– Rachel, Business Development Volunteer from the UK
Application Process
- Step 1: Complete the Online Application.
- Step 2: Submit your resume and two references.
- Step 3: Await confirmation and pre-departure guidance.
- Step 4: Secure your spot with a €150 booking fee.
- Step 5: Receive your volunteer handbook & training materials.
- Step 6: Arrive in Nepal and begin your journey!
FAQs
1️⃣ What does an entrepreneurship development volunteer do?
Volunteers mentor women entrepreneurs, teach business skills, and support small enterprises.
2️⃣ Can I volunteer to train entrepreneurs in Nepal?
Yes! This program is perfect for individuals passionate about entrepreneurship, business mentorship, and women’s empowerment.
3️⃣ How do business mentorship programs work for volunteers abroad?
Volunteers provide hands-on coaching, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring to help entrepreneurs build successful businesses.
4️⃣ What are social enterprise volunteer opportunities in Nepal?
You can work with women-led enterprises, social impact startups, and microfinance projects.
5️⃣ Where can I volunteer to support startups in Nepal?
This program is based in Kathmandu and Okhaldhunga and focuses on women-led businesses.
6️⃣ What skills are needed for entrepreneurial volunteering in Nepal?
Business development, finance, marketing, leadership, and mentorship skills are valuable.
7️⃣ How does microfinance volunteering work in Nepal?
Volunteers assist in financial literacy training, loan management, and cooperative business planning.
Join Us Today Women Entrepreneurship Development Volunteer to Make a Difference!
Are you ready to empower women, drive economic growth, and create lasting change?
👉 Apply Now or contact us be part of the movement!
