"We Want to be One of the Largest Social Enterprises"

What kind of growth social entrepreneurs have witnessed in the last couple of years?

Growth is definitely happening as lots of social entrepreneurs nowadays are coming up with many innovative ideas to create big impact in the society. The success of social entrepreneurs in the last four to five years has motivated some new entrepreneurs to embark on the social entrepreneurship. Moreover, the thirst to do something for the welfare of native city or village drives the growth of social entrepreneurship in India.

What are the challenges for social entrepreneurs?

For us, challenges are similar to other organisations like lack of funds, lack of skilled manpower, lack of proper infrastructures. But one of the major challenges social entrepreneurs face is to prove their unique concept in the social sector. Once an entrepreneur proves that he/she has a workable or profitable model, it becomes very easy for him/her to attain the next level.

What was your seed capital when you started the company?

Initially we started with around Rs 10 lakh that was from own savings. But later on we got the support from Canara Bank that helped us with a good amount of fund. Moreover, three years ago, we raised funds from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and Accion International.

Why do investors prefer to invest in social enterprises?

Lots of companies, investors and financial institutions intend to create a significant impact in the low income or Bottom of Pyramid (BoP) segment.  So this is one of the key reasons why investors prefer to invest in social enterprises. Moreover, given the fact that in the last four to five years, social entrepreneurship has witnessed strategic growth, investors believe that investing in social enterprises can help them to earn attractive financial returns.  

What are you growth plans?

At present, we do not have any plan to go out and approach other investors for additional finds as our existing investors are supporting us very well. Moreover they are open for any kind of funding within our organisation. In terms of growth, we want to be one of the largest social enterprises and create 5000 employment opportunities in the next five years for differently abled people and women below poverty line.