July 10: Coca-Cola Nepal, in collaboration with Atelier Platform Pvt Ltd, announced the successful implementation of the Young Women Entrepreneurs Accelerator and Mentorship Program.

Issuing a recent press statement, international soft drink brand said this program is a pivotal component of Coca-Cola Nepal's Women Empowerment Program, Saksham, and aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance to women startups and potential start-ups in Nepal.

According to Coca-Cola, the Young Women Entrepreneurs Accelerator and Mentorship Program received an overwhelming response from enthusiastic women entrepreneurs from across Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan when the applications were opened in April 2023.

Out of the impressive pool of applicants, eight exceptional finalists were carefully selected based on their innovative ideas and potential for success, adds the statements. The finalists were Brinda Dewan of Kehikrafts, Menuka Gurung of Duluwa Outdoors, Prakriti Basyal of South and Southeast Project, Rashi Maharjan of Learners Room: A path to wisdom, Rozina Baral of Search It, Sarala Maharjan of Bio-Enzymes, Shanti Rai of Greenspace Nepal and Yaju Maharjan of Swachha Mahinawari.

To kick start the program, an orientation session was held on June 11, 2023, providing the finalists with valuable insights into the journey ahead, according to the company.

“Since then, a series of expert sessions have been organized to equip the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors,” reads the statement, adding, “The finalists have had the privilege of attending sessions led by esteemed professionals and mentors, covering essential topics such as gender and women's rights, feminism and leadership, legal processes, climate change, marketing strategy, access to finance and banking, digital marketing, profitable presentation techniques, and design thinking.”

Adarsh Avasthi, country director of Nepal for Coca Cola said that the program underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to fostering gender equality and empowering women in Nepal's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.

“By offering comprehensive support and guidance to these aspiring young women entrepreneurs, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that not only propels their success but also contributes significantly to the overall development of Nepal's economy," the statement quoted Avasthi as saying.

The statement added that the finalists have had the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from successful women entrepreneurs in Nepal throughout the program.

“Esteemed guest speakers, including Prasanna Basnet (co-founder of Cotton Mill Nepal), Haushala Thapa Gurung (Haushala Creatives), Dr Manu Karki (Eco Sathi Nepal), and Sujata Shrestha (Ghaghar and M&S) shared their inspiring stories and insights, further motivating and empowering the young women on their entrepreneurial journeys.”

Dr Madhurima Bhadra, a gender, leadership and public health expert, says that there are limited opportunities for marginalized people, especially non-binary persons and sex workers.

“I am so excited to be watching these young women already thinking about this special group of people and planning to provide opportunities for them in an all-inclusive environment," she said.

According to the statement released by Coca-Cola, the finalists are now in the final stages of preparation for their ultimate pitch after weeks of intensive training and mentorship.

Their innovative ideas and business plans will be presented before a distinguished jury comprising three accomplished professionals in August, added the statement.

According to the company, the top three participants will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 100,000 each, providing them with a significant boost to accelerate their ventures and to reach closer to their goals.

"We are incredibly excited to witness the remarkable progress and determined enthusiasm displayed by the participants of the Young Women Entrepreneurs Accelerator and Mentorship Program. Our commitment to empowering women in Nepal drives us to continue training an additional 1000+ women through this program this year. Saksham, reinforces our belief in the potential and resilience of Nepalese women, and we look forward to accelerating more women’s entrepreneurial journey," says Deepak Senthil Nath, managing director of Bottlers Nepal that produces Coca-Cola in the country.