Nestled in the Himalayan foothills near Dehradun, Kaaya Learning Centre has long worked at the intersection of rural livelihoods, sustainable practice, and community development. The Rural Women Entrepreneurs Fellowship is a natural extension of that work — and connects directly to the UMSVY partnership now active on campus.
Women in rural India hold real entrepreneurial potential, but face significant barriers: limited access to capital, little mentorship, weak market linkages, and minimal digital literacy. The fellowship works on a hub-and-spoke model — Kaaya as the hub, providing training and resources, with each fellow acting as a spoke who carries what she’s learned back into her own community.
What the fellowship covers
The programme works across several areas relevant to rural women entrepreneurs:
Sustainable agriculture and agro-based enterprise — organic farming and permaculture, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, medicinal plant farming, processing and packaging of farm produce, and dairy or poultry business models.
Handicrafts and rural artisanal products — textile and weaving techniques, bamboo, jute and natural fibre work, pottery and woodwork, and training in selling through online platforms.
Wellness and traditional healing practices — natural skincare and herbal products, yoga and meditation training, and local wellness tourism for visitors.
Eco-tourism and homestays — setting up community homestays, hospitality and guiding skills, farm-to-table experiences, and heritage-based tourism rooted in local culture.
Digital and financial literacy — digital payments, basic bookkeeping, and marketing through social media and e-commerce.
Community leadership — training fellows to become peer educators, building self-help groups, and connecting women to relevant government schemes.
Programme structure
Each fellow receives hands-on training in business development, financial literacy, and sector-specific skills, paired with a mentor and access to a peer-learning network. Financial support ranges from seed funding to subsidised loans and equipment grants, and fellows gain market access through Kaaya’s eco-tourism initiatives, retail platforms, and exhibitions. Graduates are encouraged, in turn, to mentor others — extending the fellowship’s reach beyond its original cohort.
Who it’s for
Women living in and around Kaaya’s operational area, currently running or planning a small business, committed to sustainability, and willing to share what they learn with others.
How to apply
A short application outlining the business idea or current venture, followed by an interview with the Kaaya team for shortlisted candidates, and orientation for those selected. The fellowship runs six to twelve months, based at Kaaya Learning Centre, Dehradun.
If this is relevant to you, or to an organisation you work with, reach out at info@kaaya.org or +91-8077264976.
Leave a Reply