DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP for VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT

DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP for VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT seeks to create sustainable digital centers in the most backward regions of India led by young entrepreneurs to solve the problem of lack of information access and connectivity through innovative ICT interventions.

Young entrepreneurs will be equipped with computers, laptops, projector, printer, lamination machine, internet connectivity and trained in entrepreneurial approaches to enable them to serve the most information-dark areas through the community-centric centers.

The centers will offer direct access to digital infrastructure and provide digital & financial literacy, digital & information services, government schemes and entitlements, digital library, e-shops and Wi-Fi services; thus acting as a central point to connect panchayats, schools, health centers and various institutions in the locality with affordable and quality services.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

Community Information Resource Centre (CIRC), the flagship programme of Digital Empowerment Foundation was launched in 2007 with the aim to empower socially-marginalised communities, by providing digital connectivity, information services, access and capacity building thereby enabling sustainable growth of all.

The centers are established across 200 villages in 90 districts and 22 states in the country.

Now in its 10^th year, instead of being run and managed by DEF as a philanthropic project, CIRC 2.0 will be run by Digital Entrepreneurs under a sustainable model with knowledge and digital infrastructure support from DEF.

IMPACT

125+ Sustainable Centers

250+ Digital Entrepreneurs

25,00,000 digitally literate

WHO IS A DIGITAL ENTREPRENEUR?

A DE is any individual, group of people, SHG or organization who believe in solving social problems with an entrepreneurial mindset.

We are looking for partners who want to establish a socially responsible business that is scalable, replicable and sustainable in nature to create digitally empowered and information-rich rural communities.

Eligibility

For individuals or group

Should be between the age of 18-30 years

Should have at least cleared/qualified the 12th standard

Should have basic IT Skills

Should have a physical space (600-1500 square feet) to set up the center

Should have the capacity to pay the financial requirement of the scheme (Rs 70K-1Lakh)

Should be passionate, proactive and a problem solver

Should be compassionate, community-oriented and committed to the cause

For NGOs/VOs/NPOs/Social organizations

Should have experience of working in the grassroots in any area of work like health, education, agriculture, livelihoods etc

Should have strong ties with the community

Should have a physical space (600-1500 square feet) to set up the center

Should have the capacity to pay the financial requirement of the scheme (Rs 70K-1Lakh)

Should be registered not for profit entity in India*

Should not be blacklisted by any government agency, donor or international agency

Should not have any political or religious affiliations

Should have registration documents, audited financial reports, tax certificates or similar documents on the nature of the funding/donations that it receives

What is the Model?

DEF will equip the digital entrepreneur with digital infrastructure and an array of services to create a sustainable digital center. The partnership will continue for a period of three years and can be renewed at the end of the contract period.

The entrepreneur can choose one of the three packages and in turn pay an advance, security amount and a monthly installment depending upon the type of package chosen. The security amount will be returned to the entrepreneur after the completion of the agreement. The entrepreneur will not have to pay the monthly installment for the first three months. The content of the packages are flexible and can be modified as per the need of the entrepreneur. In case the entrepreneur has enough infrastructure and requires knowledge support and mentorship, the partner will pay a monthly membership fee of INR 1000.

The entire operational cost of the digital center will have to be taken care of by the entrepreneur/organization.

The entrepreneur can choose any one of the following packages;

*Please note the amount is dependent on the type, quantity and quality of infrastructure and is subject to change.

Why Join?

• To bring about a social change in your community and prepare them to face the digital revolution. A Community Information Resource Center has the potential to touch 20,000 lives every year! Be the change maker.
• To challenge yourself and nurture your entrepreneurial skills. Set up your social enterprise and become self-employed. Be a Digital Entrepreneur
• To experiment with your ideas and skills to create scalable social solutions. India is a diverse country which needs solutions customized for your village. Be the innovator.
  
• To be a part of the Rural Digital Revolution and join the network of Digital Entrepreneurs across the country to share and learn new ideas. Be a Knowledge Creator
  

How to Apply?

• 1.Check if you are eligible to apply in the Eligibility section.
• 2.If you are eligible, fill in the Registration Form and ‘Click’ Submit.
• Click here for Registration form for individuals or groups
• Click here for Registration form for organisations
• 3.You will receive an email or message from Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) to confirm your registration and entry into the second round of the Selection process.
• 4.In the second round, the candidate will have to fill in the Application Form that will assess the candidate on the basis of their personality, vision understanding and technical skills.
• 5.After submission of the Application form the candidate will be notified about their selection in the third round.
• 6.The third round will consist of a phone/personal interview that will be mark the end of the selection process.
• 7.Candidates shortlisted will be informed within two weeks of the interview process.
• 8.The selected candidates will be called in for a 5-day long orientation program.