About the Role
About CM Youth Center:
The Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with Sauramandala Foundation (www.sauramandala.org) and Project DEFY (www.projectdefy.org), has established 22 rural SDL (Self-directed learning) centres for youth, called the Chief Minister's Youth Center with an aim to build resilience, sustainability, and problem-solving skills in the next generation of the community. The youth centres are established to bridge the digital divide with the help of innovation and entrepreneurship skills by providing access to the Internet along with open learning opportunities. The main features of the centre are a Nook (SDL space), a Library/Arts and a Sports program. The learning is open to all ages to have more involvement from the community.
About the Role:
The Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with Sauramandala Foundation (www.sauramandala.org) and Project DEFY (www.projectdefy.org), has stablished 22 rural SDL (Self-directed learning) centres for youth, called the Chief Minister's Youth Center with an aim to build resilience, sustainability, and problem-solving skills in the next generation of the community. The youth centres are established to bridge the digital divide with the help of innovation and entrepreneurship skills by providing access to the Internet along with open learning opportunities. The main features of the centre are a Nook (SDL space), a Library/Arts and a Sports program. The learning is open to all ages to have more involvement from the community.
Key Responsibilities
1. Program Design and Implementation
Design and develop an entrepreneurship development program that
leverages CM Youth Centers as platforms for nurturing local entrepreneurs.
Identify and create opportunities for learners to receive personalized support and guidance in developing their small business ideas.
Collaborate with local partners and stakeholders to align the entrepreneurship program with learners’ needs and their small business ideas, and identify local internship opportunities for learners to gain practical experience in their chosen business fields.
Establish a framework for hand-holding learners throughout their entrepreneurial journey, offering resources, mentorship, and constructive feedback.
2. Entrepreneurial Guidance and Support
Conduct workshops, training sessions, and mentoring programs to enhance learners' entrepreneurial skills.
Provide guidance in creating business plans, conducting market research, financial planning, and other critical areas of starting and running a business.
Assist learners in accessing key resources, such as market insights, funding options, regulatory requirements, and networking opportunities.
Facilitate networking events, business forums, and industry-specific sessions to connect learners with successful entrepreneurs, experts, and potential investors.
3. Entrepreneurship Grant Management
Develop and manage a framework for grant distribution (CMYC
NanoPreneur Grants) to eligible entrepreneurial projects, ensuring fairness, transparency, and alignment with program goals.
Establish criteria for evaluating and selecting grant recipients, focusing on feasibility, innovation, and potential impact.
Oversee the disbursement and utilization of grants, ensuring accountability and compliance with organizational guidelines.
Provide post-grant support to recipients, including monitoring their progress and offering advisory services.
Regularly report on the impact of grant-funded projects, highlighting success stories and lessons learned to stakeholders
4. Relationship Building and Partnerships
Forge partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and industry associations to create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs.
Collaborate with the Nook team to ensure the availability of infrastructure, tools, and technologies needed for entrepreneurial learning activities.
Build relationships with financial institutions, investors, and government agencies to explore funding opportunities for learners’ ventures.
Partner with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and other organizations to identify and engage potential learners for the entrepreneurship program.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
Track the progress and performance of learners, monitoring key milestones and outcomes in the entrepreneurship program.
Conduct regular assessments and evaluations to identify areas for improvement and optimize the program design.
Collect and analyze data on the success rate of learners' business ventures, showcasing best practices and success stories.
Prepare regular reports and presentations to share updates, achievements, and recommendations with stakeholders.
Eligibility:
Experience: Minimum of 6-9 years in rural community development, community mobilization, or youth engagement, with 3-4 years of core involvement in entrepreneurship development. Preference for experience in North East India or Meghalaya.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Proven experience in starting and/or managing a business or related entrepreneurial ventures.
Business Acumen: Deep knowledge of business principles, market trends, and financial management to guide learners effectively.
Grant Management Experience: Familiarity with managing grant programs, including selection, disbursement, and monitoring of funded projects.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written skills for conducting workshops, building partnerships, and preparing reports.
Networking Abilities: Proven ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and innovative approach to addressing challenges faced by learners.
Coaching and Mentoring Skills: Adept at mentoring and guiding learners with motivational and constructive feedback.
Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing environments, new technologies, and emerging trends in entrepreneurship.
Organizational Skills: Strong time management and organizational capabilities to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Local Knowledge: Familiarity with the local business environment, industry sectors, and socio-economic trends in Meghalaya.