Coca-Cola completes Saksham programme, announces winners

KATHMANDU: Coca-Cola, in partnership with Atelier Platform, has successfully concluded the Saksham Accelerator and Mentorship Programme 2024. This initiative is a key component of Coca-Cola Nepal’s Women Empowerment Programme, Saksham, which aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance to women-led startups and potential ventures in Nepal.

The call for the Saksham Accelerator and Mentorship Programme was announced in April 2024, receiving an overwhelming response from enthusiastic women with innovative ideas and business plans from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Nepalgunj and Janakpur.

"The Saksham Accelerator and Mentorship Programme stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering women's entrepreneurship and driving sustainable development in Nepal. Supporting female entrepreneurs is vital for the overall growth of our communities and economies. The dedication and innovation that the finalists have brought forth reinforces our belief that the future in Nepal is female," said Deepak Senthil Nath, Managing Director of Bottlers Nepal.

From the impressive pool of applicants, 10 exceptional finalists were carefully selected based on their innovative ideas and potential for success. The finalists were Archana Shrestha (House of Pets by HisiC), Indu Shrestha (Putali Nepal), Luniva Shakya (Re-Up Studio), Pratima Basyal (Pasa – Napa), Rachana Poudel (Vermicast Organics), Roji Maharjan (Project Green Circle), Sabina Chaudhary (Zaika-e-Kathmandu), Sushmita Paudel (Eco Revive), Shreya Malla (Pal), and Shreya Chochchhe (Chochchhe-Dhulikhel).

Throughout the programme, the finalists attended sessions led by professionals and mentors, covering essential topics such as gender, diversity, equity, inclusion and entrepreneurship, legal processes, marketing strategy, access to finance and banking, digital marketing, circular economy, and design thinking.

Chandrika Kalia, Country Director for Coca-Cola in Nepal, added, "At Coca-Cola, we believe that empowering women is key to building stronger communities. The Saksham Accelerator and Mentorship Programme is a beacon of hope and opportunity for many women, and witnessing their journey and achievements is truly inspiring. Their success stories are not just personal victories but milestones in the broader narrative of economic and social progress in Nepal."

Ritu Gurung, Founder of Atelier Platform, expressed her contentment with the programme, stating, "Through the Atelier Programme and our partnership with Coca-Cola for Saksham, we are creating opportunities for young female entrepreneurs to turn their ambitions into reality. These entrepreneurs are building a vibrant tapestry of success, driven by their steadfast determination and enriched by knowledge. Each stroke of ambition contributes to a powerful image of empowered women leading business innovation and transformation."

The cash prize and certificate were presented by Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal Managing Director Nath, alongside other Coca-Cola officials and Atelier Platform founder Gurung, at a gathering with friends and family on July 26, 2024, at Alliance Francaise Katmandou (AFK) Auditorium, Jawlakhel in Kathmandu.

Various innovative concepts and business plans from the participants were presented before a prestigious jury of accomplished professionals. The panel of judges comprised Juna Mathema, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Blitz Media and Chairperson of FNCCI Start Up & Innovation Forum; Prativa Pandey, Founder of Herveda Botanicals; and Sneh Rajbhandari, Director of Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal.

After a thorough evaluation by the judges, Project Green Circle led by Roji Maharjan, PAL led by Shreya Malla and Shalu Thapa, and Pasa Napa led by Pratima Basyal and Priyanshu Kayastha were declared winners, with each business receiving a monetary reward of Rs 100,000.

By focusing on the economic empowerment of women, Coca-Cola aims to generate mutual benefits that foster a prosperous and shared future. This initiative enhances the economic well-being of women, their families, and their communities, while also promoting inclusive business growth and development.

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