Zindagi Fellowship 2024 – FAQs
What is Zindagi Fellowship?
Zindagi fellowship is a four-month long flagship programme run by Project Mukti registered as Ukkattha Foundation for young women, non-binary and transgender individuals from marginalised to develop and also upskill their business skills. We are looking for young individuals who have started their own businesses or are looking forward to launching their businesses.
Our aim is to create a network of young Ambedkarite entrepreneurs, who are employers and leaders in their own communities. Our effort is to bring together a group of individuals who are ready to use their skills to the next level. Zindagi Fellowship hopes to embark on a change in the entrepreneurial scenes in India, for it to be more diverse and inclusive of all marginalized communities.
Who is eligible for the Zindagi Fellowship?
We are looking for women, gender non-binary and transgender people who have established a business or are in their business design execution stage.
We expect our fellows to have made a business plan and some progress towards accomplishing it.
Our fellows must have at least completed their 10+2 i.e., their higher secondary education. Or else have done diploma courses equivalent to a 10+2 certificate.
They must be passionate and open to learning new skills.
They must be team players– able to work and coordinate with other cohort members during the fellowship.
They must be open to learning and expressing creative new business ideas.
They must be confident about the feasibility of their ideas and willing to undertake the entrepreneurial journey with us.
They must be open to feedback and also be passionate about establishing their business.
They must also have a phone that can have a stable internet connection to join classes online as well as a bank account to their name
What is in it for the fellows?
During the Fellowship, the Fellows have access to professional development opportunities, mentoring, networking and training, and knowledge about various seed funding organisations and investors to support their ideas, businesses, and organisations.
Is there an age limit to apply for the fellowship?
There is no age limit for the fellows, we, however, prefer our applicants to have had at least completed their +2 education, or an equivalent high school diploma.
Is this an unpaid fellowship?
A small seed-fund amount will be awarded to the fellows who complete the fellowship and assignments on time. More details about it will be shared with the fellows who have been shortlisted.
Will the fellowship be online?
The fellowship will be online. However, we will have two in-person sessions in Delhi: a 3-day orientation programme in February and a 2-day closing session in June. We will be sharing the details with the selected fellows in the first week of March.
I am a recent graduate, am I eligible for the fellowship?
Anyone who has completed their 10+2 or an equivalent high-school diploma can apply for the fellowship. You must however have been running a small business or have a business plan ready which has not been executed yet. We welcome applications at all stages of their business development.
What does the fellowship selection process look like?
For the selection, we have two rounds.
First round: After shortlisting the applicants we will be sending a baseline assessment form for our shortlisted candidates. Further, the candidates will be selected for the second round and will be contacted via email.
Second round: This round will be the final round of selection, wherein the candidates will be asked to present their business plans.
We will be announcing the final selected fellows on January 29, 2024.
What is Project Mukti?
Project Mukti is an incubator working as a Dalit, Bahujan, and Adivasi women and children-focused start-up working to end the effects of caste, tribe, and class discrimination. As Ambedkarites, we envision doing this through a deep focus on education. But our models of education take into account the emotional, developmental, social, and economic effects of marginalisation.
How many fellows will be selected for this year?
We aim to select every potential fellow who meets the criteria. There are no fixed numbers, our goal is to provide opportunities to the maximum number of potential fellows.
Will a laptop be provided to fellows for the fellowship?
Yes, a laptop will be provided to the selected fellows for the period of fellowship programs.
Do fellows need to visit Delhi during the fellowship program, and if so, for how many days and during what period?
Yes
Are there any specific preferences given to certain business sectors?
Preferences are not given to any specific sector or business idea. We encourage individuals interested in starting their businesses in diverse sectors.
When will the seed fund be provided and how can the fellows utilize it?
The seed-fund will be provided only to those fellows who after completing the fellowship are willing to start a business.
I live in a remote village, I have very limited internet connection, can I apply for the fellowship?
Yes, you can definitely apply!
Where can I get assistance in filling out the application?
You can reach us out at Rapid response query email- query.zf@gmail.com