Craft Sustainability Incubation Program

Powered by Buimerc India Foundation, this programme is for craft businesses with a sustainability mission that employ artisans in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It is closed; the last round ran in 2024.

What you get

• In-person workshops on design innovation, technology adoption, domestic and global market linkages, business model innovation, inventory management, financial planning, brand building and impact measurement
• Five one-to-one online mentorship sessions with industry experts and business leaders
• A virtual deep-dive session on your growth ambitions and blockers
• Catalytic capital from the centre, as equity, debt or a convertible note, subject to qualifying
• Access to local, national and global networks of collaborators and business partners
• A demo day in front of impact investors and corporate partners
• Twelve months of continued support after graduation at no extra cost

Who can apply

• Early-growth-stage social, creative and impact enterprises in craft and handmade — fashion, home decor and lifestyle, e-commerce and retail, craft-tech and culture-tech
• Legally incorporated and trading for more than a year; idea and concept stage businesses are not wanted
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability practices and artisan wellbeing
• Two-year average revenue growth and a wish to scale responsibly
• A commitment to engage actively and meet the programme's requirements

How selection works: up to ten enterprises are chosen in two stages, a screening committee review then interviews with those shortlisted. Scoring is out of 100 across sustainability and social impact, uniqueness, business feasibility and viability, craft product range and domain expertise, and team strength, at twenty points each.

How it runs: four months with fifteen days of residential classes, delivered as three intensive weeks of face-to-face sessions on the IIM Udaipur campus plus five online coaching calls, ending in a pitch day to angel investors and venture firms.

How to apply: Through the programme page when a call opens. Selected participants pay a commitment fee that is refunded when they complete the programme.