Villgro and Accenture have launched EcoSakhi, an incubation program for Indian women entrepreneurs in the waste-to-value sector. The program will provide financial support of up to INR 40 lakhs, market access, and an enabling ecosystem over 12 months. The incubation program will provide strategic mentoring, gender pilot implementation opportunities, and access to investors, partners, and urban local bodies for business expansion.
The EcoSakhi program seeks applications from women waste-to-value entrepreneurs with a 50% ownership stake, registered Indian private limited companies, and products or solutions ready for commercialization by December 23, 2023.
A jury panel will select five women-led businesses from a shortlist for the EcoSakhi program. The acceleration phase, from April 2024 to March 2025, will offer specialized support and resources to successful entrepreneurs.
Kalyani Krishna, Manager of Villgro stated that Villgro and Accenture are partnering to promote women-led innovations in climate action, focusing on waste-to-value. The program aims to increase market access and employment for women entrepreneurs.
Accenture's Managing Director, of Corporate Citizenship, Kshitija Krishnaswamy, supports the EcoSakhi initiative to promote women's participation in the economy, aiming to develop innovative sustainability solutions and foster an inclusive future. The waste-to-value industry develops zero-waste packaging options, waste management tracking systems, and commercial goods from waste from construction, household, and agricultural sources.
