Tag: Social Enterprises

  • Aadivasi.org: Transforming Tribal Lives Through Eco-Friendly Innovation and Social Impact

    In the eco-friendly products and social enterprise sector, Aadivasi.org distinguishes itself as India’s first ImpactCommerce website, empowering tribal communities through sustainable practices and cultural preservation. By offering eco-friendly products made by tribal artisans, Aadivasi.org supports both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

    In this article, explore Aadivasi.org’s journey, its founders, business and revenue model, challenges faced, growth, and more.

    Aadivasi.org – Company Highlights

    Company Name Aadivasi.org
    Headquarters Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    Sector Social Enterprise, Environmental Sustainability
    Founder Dr. Bikrant Tiwary, Supriya Patil
    Website aadivasi.org

    Aadivasi.org – About

    Aadivasi.org is a social enterprise that combines the promotion of eco-friendly handicrafts with support for social causes. Founded by Dr. Bikrant Tiwary and Ms. Supriya Patil, the company provides a unique platform where users can contribute to environmental and social causes and receive tangible rewards in the form of tribal and eco-friendly handicrafts. By facilitating tree planting and supporting tribal artisans, Aadivasi.org addresses climate change, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes sustainable development.

    Aadivasi.org
    Aadivasi.org

    Aadivasi.org – Industry

    Aadivasi.org operates in the eco-friendly products and social enterprise sectors. The global eco-friendly products market was valued at approximately USD 160 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8-10% over the next five years.

    Aadivasi.org aims to capture a significant share of the Indian eco-friendly products market and establish a strong presence globally by leveraging its unique social enterprise model.

    The industry is expected to grow as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and social impact. Over the next five years, advancements in technology and increased environmental awareness will drive demand for eco-friendly products.

    In 5 years, Aadivasi.org aims to be a leading platform for eco-friendly products and social causes, with a significant user base and extensive impact on tribal communities.

    By the 10-year mark, the company envisions expanding globally, setting standards for social enterprises, and making substantial contributions to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.


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    Aadivasi.org – Founders

    Dr. Bikrant Tiwary and Ms. Supriya Patil are the co-founders of Aadivasi.org.

    Dr. Bikrant Tiwary and Ms. Supriya Patil, Co-Founders, Aadivasi.org
    Dr. Bikrant Tiwary and Ms. Supriya Patil, Co-Founders, Aadivasi.org

    Dr. Bikrant Tiwary

    Dr. Bikrant Tiwary is the co-founder of Aadivasi.org. He holds a postgraduate degree in HR and Marketing and a Ph.D. in Social Enterprise Profitability. With extensive experience in social enterprises, Dr. Tiwary plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction, establishing partnerships, and overseeing the overall management of Aadivasi.org.

    Ms. Supriya Patil

    Ms. Supriya Patil co-founded Aadivasi.org, bringing with her a strong background as an Environmentalist with deep knowledge of nature conservation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. She leads project implementation, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement.

    Team Size and Culture

    Aadivasi.org currently has a team of 9 members. The work culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to social and environmental impact.

    Aadivasi.org – Startup Story

    The idea for Aadivasi.org emerged from Dr. Bikrant Tiwary’s observations during his time at Grow-Trees, where he noted the migration of rural and tribal communities to cities for labor, leaving behind their traditional skills and planted saplings.

    The concept was validated through extensive field research, interactions with tribal communities, and pilot projects that demonstrated the feasibility and impact of combining eco-friendly products with social causes.

    Initial discussions with colleagues, community leaders, and stakeholders received positive responses, highlighting the potential impact and sustainability of the idea. This early validation encouraged the team to proceed with developing Aadivasi.org into a platform that could empower tribal communities while promoting sustainable practices.

    Aadivasi.org – Vision and Mission

    Short-term Vision:

    • To plant a minimum of 2.5 million trees by the end of the third year.
    • Achieve a revenue target of INR 25 crores.
    • Introduce additional support initiatives for tribal areas, such as mid-day meals, tuition fees, and sanitary napkins for girl students.

    Long-term Vision:

    • To become a comprehensive platform supporting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and socio-economic well-being of tribal communities.
    • Expand offerings to encompass all forms of tribal arts and crafts, and establish training centers across India.

    Core Belief:

    The company is driven by the belief that sustainable development and preservation of cultural heritage can go hand-in-hand with economic empowerment.

    Motto:

    “Promoting Sustainable Development and Cultural Preservation through Nature-based Solutions and Eco-friendly Handicrafts.”


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    Aadivasi.org – Product/Service

    Aadivasi.org offers eco-friendly handicrafts and products created by tribal artisans. In exchange for contributions to social causes, users receive these products as tangible rewards.

    The platform addresses the preservation of tribal art and craft and promotes employment and economic empowerment of tribal communities. It also contributes to environmental conservation through tree planting and combating climate change.

    Aadivasi.org uniquely combines support for social causes with tangible rewards, promoting both cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.

    Aadivasi.org uses an e-commerce platform to facilitate transactions and manage contributions. Its advanced tracking systems ensure transparency and accountability in social contributions.

    Aadivasi.org Logo
    Aadivasi.org Logo

    The name “Aadivasi.org” reflects the company’s focus on supporting tribal (Aadivasi) communities. It underscores the mission to preserve tribal culture and promote sustainable development through nature-based solutions.

    Aadivasi.org – Business and Revenue Model

    Aadivasi.org operates under a business model that combines social cause contributions with eco-friendly product rewards. Users contribute to social causes through purchases on the platform, thereby supporting tribal communities and environmental initiatives.

    Aadivasi.org Revenue Model:

    • Social cause budget: 35%
    • Eco-friendly product cost: 35%
    • Overhead cost: 15%
    • Net margin: 15%

    Aadivasi.org – Launching Company Strategies

    Aadivasi.org utilized personal networks, and social media platforms, and formed partnerships with NGOs and corporates to acquire its first 100 users. The strategy focused on clear messaging emphasizing the dual impact of supporting social causes while receiving eco-friendly products.

    Aadivasi.org – Customer Growth and Retention Strategies

    The company leveraged word-of-mouth, influencer partnerships, and targeted online advertising. Aadivasi.org also established partnerships with corporates for CSR initiatives. Successful campaigns highlighted the tangible impact of contributions, which resonated with users.

    Aadivasi.org invests strategically in digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation to drive growth.

    Aadivasi.org – Challenges Faced

    The significant challenges faced by Aadivasi.org include:

    • Ensuring consistent quality and supply of handicrafts.
    • Overcoming skepticism about the impact of contributions.

    The solutions implemented by Aadivasi.org include:

    • Developed rigorous quality control processes.
    • Enhanced transparency and communication about the impact of contributions.

    Aadivasi.org – Marketing Strategy

    A notable campaign involved a partnership with a well-known social organization, which significantly boosted visibility and sales through joint tree-planting initiatives and eco-friendly product promotions.

    Aadivasi.org – Growth

    Aadivasi.org operates primarily in India, with plans to expand internationally.

    Key Metrics:

    • Revenue: Targeting INR 25 crores by the end of the third year.
    • User Base: Monthly growth in repeat customers (27%).
    • Notable Clients: Includes various individuals and corporates for employee and customer gifting.

    Aadivasi.org – Funding

    Currently, the company is bootstrapped. Plans for seeking external funding to scale operations are under consideration.

    The funding approach of the company involves leveraging networks, attending pitch events, and engaging with impact investors who align with the company’s mission.

    Aadivasi.org – Competitors

    Some of the top competitors of Aadivasi.org are:

    • Okhai
    • iTokri

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    FAQs

    What does Aadivasi.org do?

    Aadivasi.org provides a unique platform where users can contribute to environmental and social causes and receive tangible rewards in the form of tribal and eco-friendly handicrafts.

    Who is the founder of Aadivasi.org?

    Dr. Bikrant Tiwary and Ms. Supriya Patil are the co-founders of Aadivasi.org.

    What is the business model of Aadivasi.org?

    Aadivasi.org operates under a business model that combines social cause contributions with eco-friendly product rewards.

  • Resources and Training Opportunities to Help Women Entrepreneurs to Run Successful Social Enterprises

    This article has been contributed by Ms Prachi Kaushik, Founder & Director of VYOMINI Social Enterprise.

    One significant driver of economic growth that has been acknowledged is women’s entrepreneurship. They not only give society new jobs for themselves and others, but they also offer alternative approaches to organization and management. Due to their positive effects on women’s empowerment, poverty alleviation, and the financial stability of families and communities, women entrepreneurs will always play a crucial role in the advancement of the economy.

    Social enterprises—businesses that combine financial sustainability with social impact—are a growing vehicle for positive social change, with women at the forefront of this movement. Several tools and training opportunities can provide these changemakers with the capacity and skills they need to be empowered. The environment supporting female social entrepreneurs is expanding, providing a range of tools and chances for training to set them up for success.

    One of the main instruments of international labor organization is the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme, which is the Gender and Entrepreneurship Together (GET) Ahead training program. By enhancing the business management abilities and critical soft skills of Women, GET Ahead seeks to close the gender gap and address some of the obstacles that women encounter when beginning and operating a business. It is different from traditional business training materials in that it emphasizes gender-based entrepreneurial skills, includes coaching and mentoring, and is specifically designed to meet the needs of low-literate women.

    Training and Support for Entrepreneurship (ENTERPRISES)
    Networking Events and Conferences
    Governmental Initiatives and Programs
    Local Small Business Development Centers
    Online Tools and Resources
    Startup India

    Training and Support for Entrepreneurship (ENTERPRISES)

    The ILO provides focused programs and networks of support to give female entrepreneurs the tools they need to overcome obstacles and succeed. Their initiatives are centered around empowerment and capacity building, with the goal of improving both individual and corporate performance.

    For women who have big dreams but little money, Bharathiya Mahila Bank was founded. It offers loans to female entrepreneurs wishing to start manufacturing businesses up to INR 20 crores. If the amount of the loan you are requesting is less than one crore, collateral is not needed. The loan program that was introduced in 2017 remains in place despite the Bharatiya Mahila Bank’s merger with the State Bank of India. A lot of organizations pair up would-be business owners with seasoned mentors who can share their knowledge, give priceless counsel, and encourage them along the way. This individualized coaching can be very helpful in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

    The ILO-WED Program Creates Comprehensive Interventions To Support Women Entrepreneurs In Three Crucial Domains

    1. Creating an Environment That Encourages Women to Start Their Own Businesses: By identifying and fostering the conditions that facilitate women entrepreneurs’ enhanced access to opportunities and resources, ILO-WED aims to alleviate some of the systemic barriers that they face.

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    1. Financial and Business Development Services: ILO-WED supports service providers in adopting more sustainable business models while working to make service provisions for entrepreneurs more relevant, accessible, and gender-sensitive for women clients.
    2. Assistance for Women Entrepreneurs Following Training: ILO-WED makes it easier to provide specialized training and post-training programs that enhance women’s financial, interpersonal, and business management abilities. Over the years, ILO has developed and tested these trainings, tailoring them to the unique circumstances of each country while establishing and sustaining a network of devoted trainers.

    Networking Events and Conferences

    Learning from successful businesswomen, establishing contacts, and drawing inspiration can all be obtained by attending networking events and conferences geared toward women in business. There are networking and educational opportunities at events like Women’s Entrepreneurship Day.

    Governmental Initiatives and Programs

    Many governments have initiatives and programs designed especially to help women who start their own businesses. These initiatives could include mentorship programs, training courses, and funding opportunities. Online Communities and Forums: Accessing helpful resources, guidance, and support for female entrepreneurs can be gained by participating in online programs.

    Local Small Business Development Centers

    Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are located in many communities and provide resources, counseling, and training for entrepreneurs at no cost or at cheaper rates. These organizations frequently host seminars and workshops designed especially for female business owners.

    Online Tools and Resources

    Women entrepreneurs can find a wealth of online tools and resources to assist them in starting and expanding their businesses in a variety of ways. These consist of marketing manuals, financial calculators, and templates for business plans.

    Startup India

    This government program gives women entrepreneurs in India a forum and essential assistance in areas like funding, mentoring, and skill development. It also offers workshops and other resources.

    Number of Reported Jobs within Startup India Initiative from 2016 to 2022
    Number of Reported Jobs within Startup India Initiative from 2016 to 2022

    For women entrepreneurs, training opportunities and resources are essential. Men have traditionally had more access to networks and resources, which has led to an unequal playing field in the business sector. By giving women business owners the instruments and information required to compete successfully, resources and training aid in closing this gap. A broad range of skills is necessary for launching and operating a successful business.

    Training programs can boost the chances of success for female entrepreneurs by providing them with essential skills in areas like financial management, marketing, business planning, and leadership. women entrepreneurs frequently encounter distinct obstacles, including managing familial responsibilities, obtaining capital, and surmounting gender prejudice. Resources and training can help women overcome these obstacles by offering them specialized support, advocacy, and coping mechanisms.

    All things considered, training programs and resources are vital to the empowerment of female entrepreneurs because they create equal opportunities, give them the tools they need to succeed, boost their self-esteem, help them make significant connections, and solve particular problems they may encounter. Consequently, this fosters an environment in a

    business that is more equitable and inclusive, enabling women to flourish and share their ideas and talents with the world.


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