Coca-Cola concludes saksham program and announces winners

KATHMANDU:Coca-Cola, in partnership with Atelier Platform, has successfully concluded the Saksham Accelerator and Mentorship Program 2024.

This initiative forms a significant component of Coca-Cola Nepal’s Women Empowerment Program, Saksham, which aims to offer comprehensive support and guidance to women-led startups and potential ventures in Nepal. 

The Saksham Accelerator and Mentorship program call was announced on April 2024 and received an overwhelming response from enthusiastic women with interesting ideas and business plans from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Nepalgunj, and Janakpur. 

"The Saksham Accelerator and Mentorship Program 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," says Mr. Deepak Senthil Nath, Managing Director of Bottlers Nepal Limited.

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

Ms. 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 Program 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.”

Mrs. Ritu Gurung, Founder of Atelier Platform, expressed her contentment with the program, stating, "Through the Atelier Program 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 Mr. Deepak Senthil Nath, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal, alongside other Coca-Cola officials and Ritu Gurung KC, founder of Atelier Platform Pvt. Ltd., at a gathering with friends and family on July 26, 2024 at Alliance Francaise Katmandou (AFK) Auditorium, Jawlakhel in Kathmandu. Different innovative concepts and business plans from the participants were presented before a prestigious jury of accomplished professionals. The panel of judges consisted of Ms. Juna Mathema, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Blitz Media Pvt. Ltd and Chairperson, Start-Up & Innovation Forum, FNCCI, Dr. Prativa Pandey, Founder, Herveda Botanicals, and Ms. Sneh Rajbhandari, Director, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal. 

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

By focusing on the economic empowerment of women, Coca-Cola strives to generate mutual benefits that lead to 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.