By Nischal Shrestha and Rohan Shrestha
Call for Applications Launched for Lumbini Province
Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) has announced Roots of Circularity (RoC) Incubator Program 2024 Call for Applications for Lumbini Province and is now accepting applications from micro and small enterprises, and startups based in Lumbini for the RoC Incubator Program – Lumbini Cohort 1. The deadline for the submission of application form is 10 September 2024, 11:59 PM Nepali Time. To learn more about this please click the link below: https://tinyurl.com/4nnhrr3y
Lumbini Incubator Space
Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) and Butwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BUCCI) signed a MoU for the Roots of Circularity (RoC) Project: Introducing and Integrating Circular Economy in Nepal.
MOU Signed: Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) and Butwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BUCCI)
The objective of this MoU is to support local entrepreneurship, create meaningful and long-term impact, and build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lumbini Province. This will be carried out through the implementation of Impact Hub Kathmandu’s project “Roots of Circularity (RoC)” by setting up a Business Incubator at BuCCI.
Scoping Study Dissemination and Training of Trainers (ToT) – Lumbini Province
The Scoping Study Dissemination and Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions were held by Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) on June 17th and 18th, 2024, at the Butwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Butwal. The Scoping Study Dissemination on Circular Economy (CE) in Bagmati and Lumbini Province, brought together representatives from various sectors, including CSOs, the private sector, entrepreneurs, and academia from Lumbini Province. The objective was to share key insights and findings from the scoping study and engage stakeholders in discussions by sharing their thoughts.
Following this, Training of Trainers (ToT) was conducted on 18th June 2024, to equip the RoC’s Lumbini Team – Keshab Dhakal, Program Officer, and Suresh Sapkota, Business Coach with IHK’s ways of working and principles of the circular economy. The training was led by Rohan Shrestha, Program Officer, with virtual support from Bisheshta Shrestha, Program and GEDSI Lead, and assistance from Nischal Shrestha, Programs and Research Intern. They were further provided with detailed learning experiences from the Call for Applications process for the RoC Incubator Program for Bagmati Province, covering selection criteria, increasing visibility, application sourcing, selection, and the interview process. We further discussed how the selection criteria and the Call for Applications approach can be designed and developed which would be relevant as well as accessible for Lumbini’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
At Lumbini Province
Bagmati Cohort 1 – Roots of Circularity (RoC) Masterclass 3: Circular Strategies
On June 4th, 2024, Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) hosted Masterclass: 3 for the Roots of Circularity (RoC) Incubator Program, focusing on Circular Strategy, led by Bisheshta Shrestha, Program and GEDSI Lead. This session stressed the importance of strategic planning for enterprises, emphasizing the integration of circular strategies to build sustainable and resilient businesses. Incubatees had discussions on the essence of strategy, with particular attention to goals, long-term planning, and vision. This laid the groundwork for understanding how circular strategies can guide enterprises toward both economic success and positive environmental impact.
The session progressed into an in-depth exploration of the emotional and functional aspects of products. This exercise was instrumental in helping our incubatees gain a more nuanced understanding of their customer’s needs, allowing them to refine their value proposition. The Incubatees were provided with circular strategy cards to brainstorm new products and services. This creative process encouraged them to explore various strategic combinations, resulting in various innovative ideas aligned with circular principles. With this, they also developed a rationale for their proposed solutions. They addressed issues regarding user experience, economic benefits, and the circularity of their ideas, while also considering the necessary systems, feedback loops, and potential collaborations for successful implementation. This activity ensured that their concepts were not only innovative but also practical and feasible within the context of their businesses. The masterclass’s activities gave them a deeper understanding of their products’ emotional and functional needs, enhanced their customer engagement strategies, and inspired them to develop innovative and circular solutions.
RoC Masterclass 3: Circular Strategies
Bagmati Cohort 1 – Roots of Circularity (RoC) Masterclass 3.1: Stakeholder/Ecosystem Mapping
On the 6th of June 2024, Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) hosted Masterclass 3.1 – ‘Stakeholder/ Ecosystem Mapping’ for our incubatees for the Roots of Circularity (ROC) Incubators Program – Bagmati Cohort 1 2024.
The session was facilitated by our Program and GEDSI Lead, Bisheshta Shrestha. She guided participants through the critical role of ecosystem builders in fostering sustainable business growth. Joining us virtually, Marine Hasson, our Global Programs Lead, shared her deep knowledge of entrepreneurship and ecosystem development. Her insights into stakeholder mapping and system boundaries provided a global perspective that enriched the discussion.
Throughout the day, our incubatees explored various types of ecosystems, gaining crucial insights into the interconnectedness of stakeholders in driving value. They learned about the importance of ecosystem builders—individuals or organizations connecting different stakeholders and fostering collaboration. The session emphasized how strategic ecosystem building can enhance customer value and accelerate business growth.
RoC Masterclass 3.1: Stakeholder/Ecosystem Mapping
Bagmati Cohort 1 – Roots of Circularity(RoC) Masterclass 3.2: Visibility and Branding
On July 17, 2024, Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) successfully hosted Masterclass 3.2: Visibility and Branding for the Roots of Circularity (RoC) Incubators Program – Bagmati Cohort 1, 2024. This session was designed to empower our incubatees with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their brand visibility and develop compelling brand narratives through the power of storytelling.
The masterclass was split into two insightful sessions. Led by Prajwal Gadtaula, Founder of Business Brainz the first half of the session delved into the fundamentals of branding, distinguishing it from marketing, and exploring how a strong brand can build trust, differentiate from competitors, and retain customers. Our Incubatees engaged in various exercises, including a Brand Audit, to evaluate and enhance their current brand elements. The session also covered strategies for improving digital presence, content marketing, the importance of thought leadership as a branding tool, and PR relations.
The second half of the session “Creating Your Narrative” was led by Rachana Khatri, Program Officer, IHK and Rashi Maharjan, Program and Research Officer, IHK focused on the art of storytelling using Marshall Ganz’s Public Narrative framework. Our Incubatees worked on crafting their “Story of Self,” “Story of Us,” and “Story of Now,” helping them articulate their brand’s journey with emotional resonance. The session concluded with a creative exercise where they produced personal story videos, adding a dynamic element to their brand storytelling.
RoC Masterclass 3.2: Visibility and Branding
Bagmati Cohort 1 – Roots of Circularity(RoC) Masterclass 4: Environmental Practices and Sustainable Business
On July 18th, 2024, Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) hosted the Roots of Circularity Incubator Program’s Masterclass 4, focusing on “Environmental Practices.” Led by Sanjeevani Yonzon Shrestha, Director at Wildlife Conservation Nepal (WCN), this session provided participants with profound insights into sustainable business practices and the critical importance of environmental understanding and protection. The masterclass explored the interconnectedness of environmental ethics and circular economy principles, encouraging the incubatees to consider the broader implications of their business decisions on the planet.
A key highlight of the session was the “Feel the Leaf” exercise, where our incubatees were invited to reconnect with nature by experiencing a Bhogatey (Pomelo) leaf with all their senses. This hands-on activity fostered a deeper appreciation for the natural world and reinforced the importance of mindfulness in environmental practices. Additionally, discussions on GDP, circularity, and happiness metrics against economic metrics, helped to promote a model that prioritizes environmental health and societal well-being.
By the end of this masterclass, incubatees were equipped with practical strategies to avoid greenwashing, insights into sustainable product design cycles, and a stronger commitment to integrating environmental ethics into their business ventures. The session underscored the need for businesses to align their operations with circular economy principles, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.
RoC Masterclass 4: Environmental Practices and Sustainable Business
Bagmati Cohort 1 – Roots of Circularity (RoC) Masterclass 4.1: GEDSI
On 16th August 2024, Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) successfully hosted Masterclass 4.1 on Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) as part of the Roots of Circularity (ROC) Incubator Program – 2024 Bagmati Cohort 1. The session was facilitated by Dr. Madhurima (Madhu) Bhadra, GEDSI expert. This impactful workshop addressed vital topics such as social and disability inclusion, sexual harassment prevention, and gender equality, emphasizing the importance of integrating GEDSI principles into the circular economy and incubatees’ business practices.
The masterclass fostered meaningful engagement through group discussions and activities, where our incubatees delved into topics such as gender equity and intersectionality. They explored strategies to mitigate sexual harassment and develop inclusive practices within their ventures. This session not only equipped them with essential knowledge but also inspired them to foster inclusivity and equality in their entrepreneurial endeavors, driving forward the vision of a more equitable and sustainable future.
RoC Masterclass 4.1: GEDSI
Bagmati Cohort 1 – Roots of Circularity (RoC) Masterclass 5: Circular Business Model Canvas
On the 15th of August, Impact Hub Kathmandu (IHK) held an insightful Masterclass focused on the Circular Business Model Canvas (CBMC) as part of the Roots of Circularity (RoC) Incubator Program – 2024 Bagmati Cohort 1. This session, designed to deepen the incubatees’ understanding of the Circular Business Model Canvas, was expertly led by our Executive Director, Padmakshi Rana.
The masterclass introduced and familiarized the incubatees with the tools to integrate circular economy principles into their business models using the Business Model Canvas (BMC). Through a series of hands-on exercises, participants explored the nine essential components of the BMC from a circular perspective, allowing them to structure their business strategies effectively. The class emphasized the importance of approaching the BMC with a customer-centric mindset and revisiting it regularly to adapt to evolving business needs. The session provided the incubatees with practical tools and frameworks to create circular business models, enabling them to identify strategic opportunities and develop comprehensive business plans.
ROC Masterclass 5: Circular Business Model Canvas
