Implementation Partner
Knowledge Partner
Program Overview
Building a Path to Innovation
The need for inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces is undeniable, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth for Indian businesses.
Global studies highlight that diverse perspectives drive transformative change in companies. A strong correlation exists between an organization’s commitment to inclusive practices and its competitive strength, adaptability, innovation, and brand reputation.
The Catalyst Program is a pioneering initiative dedicated to fostering inclusion, accessibility, and equitable opportunities within micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Through awareness sessions, in-person boot camps, policy development support, and national dialogue forums, the program equips participating organizations with the tools and resources needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.
April 2024
Program Launch
12 Months
Duration
5 Curated Sessions
Hybrid Mode
Cohort of 75 MSME
Fully Funded
Program Objective
Meaningful Business Transformation
Through Inclusion & Accessibility
The Catalyst Program is a groundbreaking initiative fully funded.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the focus on inclusive and accessible workplaces, prompting organizations to prioritize equitable opportunities. However, despite constitutional provisions and legislative progress, many businesses overlook the potential of fostering diverse work environments, limiting their ability to fully harness innovation and growth.
The Catalyst Program addresses this gap, empowering MSMEs to unlock their potential. By embracing inclusive business practices, organizations enhance innovation, employee engagement,
and decision-making.
Methodology
Led by the Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) as the Implementation Lead
and PeopleWiz Consulting LLP as the Knowledge Partner, the program will follow
a 12-month schedule tailored to meet the needs of MSME in a hybrid model.
This schedule will include:
Virtual Awareness Sessions
Regular online sessions aimed at providing participants with insights into the benefits and best practices of inclusion in the workplace.
In-Person Bootcamps
Intensive workshops conducted in select locations to provide hands-on training and support in developing inclusive policies and practices.
Policy Development Support
Individualized assistance and guidance to help participating organizations develop and implement inclusive policies tailored to their unique needs.
Participation in National Dialogue
Opportunities for MSME to engage in a national dialogue on inclusive work practices through participation in a dedicated conclave, where they can share insights, challenges, and best practices with industry peers and stakeholders.
Program Roadmap
Key program milestones over 12 months
Virtual
- Inclusive Practices Awareness for all zones
- To be planned in April 2024
Virtual
- West Zone : Wednesday, 8th May,
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM - South Zone : Monday, 13th May,
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM - North Zone : Monday, 13th May,
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM - East Zone : Monday, 13th May,
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Virtual
- West Zone : Wednesday, 26th June
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM - South Zone : Thursday, 27th June
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM - North Zone : Thursday, 27th June
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM - East Zone : Thursday, 27th June
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
In person
- Pune : Monday, 3rd & Tuesday, 4th June
(Venue: Venture Centre, Pune) - Pune : Monday, 10th & Tuesday, 11th June
(Venue: Venture Centre, Pune) - Chennai : Tuesday, 25th & Wednesday, 26th June
(Venue: US Consulate) - Delhi : Tuesday, 2nd & Wednesday, 3rd July
(Venue: US Consulate) - Kolkata : Monday, 29th & Tuesday, 30th July
(Venue: US Consulate)
In person
- Chennai : Monday, 21st October
- Delhi : Monday, 25th November
- Kolkata : Wednesday, 11th December
Virtual
- Mumbai : Tuesday, 9th July
- Pune : Thursday, 11th & Friday, 12th July
- Chennai : Tuesday, 23rd & Wednesday, 24th July
- Delhi : Tuesday, 6th & Wednesday, 7th August
- Kolkata : Wednesday, 28th & Thursday, 29th August
Virtual
- Mumbai : November
- Pune : November
- Chennai : December
- Delhi : December
- Kolkata : January
Benefits of the Program
Tools That Accelerate Innovation Through Inclusive Practices
By participating in the Catalyst Program, MSMEs will gain access to invaluable resources, training, and support to drive meaningful change within their organizations. This includes enhanced awareness of inclusive business strategies, practical tools for policy development, and opportunities to connect and collaborate with industry leaders.
Organizations that prioritize inclusion and accessibility report significantly higher levels of innovation and creativity, leading to stronger business advantages and long-term growth.
Inclusive and equitable workplaces attract and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds, expanding the talent pool and fostering a more engaged and motivated workforce.
A strong commitment to inclusion and equitable business practices attracts customers, investors, and partners, strengthening brand reputation and market competitiveness.
Eligibility
You can apply to be a part of the cohort if you meet all of these criteria
Registered in India
Investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment does not exceed 50 crore rupees
Annual turnover does not exceed 250 crore rupees
We look forward to welcoming you to the Catalyst Program and
embarking on this transformative journey together
Join Us
on This Transformative Journey
Towards a more inclusive and prosperous future. Embrace diverse perspectives, empower your workforce, and unlock limitless possibilities with the Catalyst Program.
About
Entrepreneurship Development
Center (EDC)
Implementation Partner
The Venture Center (incorporated as the Entrepreneurship Development Center) is one of the top technology business incubators in India. Created in 2007 under schemes of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India.
Venture Center has supported >750+ startups and entrepreneurs that also includes 180+ resident start-ups (the ones located physically within Venture Center campus) with 85% of the start-ups still active & thriving. Startup enterprises supported in FY 2021-22 have provided 1000+ direct jobs/year; Most of these are STEM jobs and attracted more than ~ INR 96 Cr (equivalent to $ 12M) in risk capital investments and funding, reported a revenue generation of ~ INR 370 Cr (equivalent to $ 45M) . The start-ups supported as current incubatee are holding >130 unique patent families and have developed world-class services and products several of which are first in India and first in the world.
About
PeopleWiz Consulting LLP
Knowledge Partner
Established in 2011, Peoplewiz Consulting is a premier firm with offices in Pune, Bangalore, and Singapore. The firm has emerged as a key contributor to the MSME ecosystem, offering expertise as HR mentors, organization design specialists, and cultivators of inclusive culture.
Peoplwiz Consulting recognizes the critical role that people play in the success of startups and focuses on building strong human resource frameworks that foster growth, innovation, and sustainability. Through its comprehensive services, national and international presence, and commitment to progressive people policies, Peoplewiz Consulting has established itself as a trusted partner for MSME . The firm continues to play a vital role in empowering organizations, driving their success, and contributing to the growth and development of the MSME sector.
FAQ
The selection process evaluates factors such as an organization’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, existing workplace diversity practices, potential for growth and impact, and alignment with the program’s objectives.
The program employs a tailored approach using a combination of virtual sessions and in person bootcamps, offering region-specific sessions, industry-relevant content, and personalized support to address the unique challenges and contexts of MSME across various regions and industries.
Participating MSME can expect comprehensive support, including virtual awareness sessions, in-person bootcamps, policy development guidance, participation in national dialogues and networking events.
The program will employ a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, tracking key performance indicators such as innovation levels, talent retention rates, employer brand perception, legal compliance, and cultural transformation within organizations.
No, there are no financial obligations for participating MSMEs. The program is fully funded through external support, ensuring that all selected organizations can benefit without incurring any costs. However, participants will need to cover any travel-related or out-of-pocket expenses for attending bootcamps near them.
Beyond formal sessions and bootcamps, the program will organize regular networking events, webinars, and a national conclave to foster continuous learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among MSME, creating a supportive community for ongoing growth and development.