Join hands with us to develop your business idea to realise a creative green economy! Enrol in our research and development grants programme to gain new skills and knowledge, resources, and networks.  

Be part of our 2023 programme! We are offering limited places to participate in the In Our Hands research and development grants programme. Learn to articulate your vision for a greener, more equal society with experts from Nepal and the UK. Participate in a series of interactive sessions and benefit from our multi-disciplinary curriculum which prioritises experiential learning.  

Participants who successfully complete their placements and grant outputs are eligible to receive certificates and credits from Kathmandu University (terms and conditions apply).  

In Our Hands activities begin in late September 2023 concluding with events in mid-2024. Participants will work with sector experts to gain new insights in business modelling while developing critical skills to champion alternative economic models which prioritise outcomes for the community and environment. 

The participant journey starts with the Craft Toolkit, an online platform to help you document and progress your business idea. You will be using the Quintuple Bottomline framework (People, Planet, Profit, Purpose, Place) to articulate your plans which are then presented to a panel to be selected for research grants.  

In the research phase, participants will explore their supply chain, understand material innovation and review external contexts that may impact business outcomes. A residential workshop will conclude the research phase with six development grants awarded to select projects. The final section of the programme focuses on piloting, brand and value proposition, audience and markets so that your initial business plans are updated for market entry and growth. IOH will conclude with showcase events where development grantees and others will be able to present their outputs to sector leaders, stakeholders and the public. 

Applying is easy. Please begin by reviewing the application guideline documents from the download section. We also suggest you watch the orientation webinar video to gain a better understanding of the program.  

You can find the application form and questions below in English and Nepali. If you still find the form difficult or inaccessible, please email arts@britishcouncil.org.np for support.   

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2023, 11:59 PM NPT

In Our Hands Timeline

Eligibility 

  • Nepali citizens, working in Nepal who are over the age of 18 at the time of application are eligible to apply. If you are applying as a team / organisation / initiative, you are allowed to have international, or Nepalis based outside the country as team members.  
  • We actively encourage women, gender minorities, and youth from marginalised and minority communities to apply.

Assessment 

  • Applications will be reviewed by a panel representing Nepal and UK programme partners. Multiple criteria are used to score applications with special attention to:  
  • Relevance and Purpose: how well has the applicant evidenced their motivations and aspirations, how relevant is their purpose to the programme outcomes / impact.  
  • Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity: the panel will consider how well the applicant champions cultural diversity for sustainable and inclusive development.   

Successful applicants can expect to hear about their placement by 15 September 2022. 

Note 

  • No background or expertise is required, you can apply from any number of professional, industry, or creative disciplines. 

  • The programme is intended for youth –  we use the Government of Nepal definitions as covered in the National Youth Policy (2015).   

  • You do not need any documentation of your idea to apply, however you will need to articulate your idea in your application and be prepared to explore it further on the programme. But if you do have plans, they can be at any stage. For applicants at an advanced stage with their ideas (including existing products / services / initiatives) we recommend considering how our programme may make meaningful contributions to your professional and / or personal goals. Before applying, please read through the Application Guide for more details.  

  • You will need to be able to access the internet through a device (laptop, tablet, smart phone) to participate in the online sessions. If you require assistance to access connectivity (4G credit) you can request this through the application form. 

  • Some events will be conducted in Kathmandu Valley and potentially other locations. Participants may be required to travel to Kathmandu in such instances. Travel costs will be covered by the programme. 

See also

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