The fellowship is for rural youth aged 18–35 from Uttarakhand who are running a local enterprise that is between 3 months to 3 years old. Applicants should be able to dedicate 4–5 hours per week for the next 7 months and must have access to a smartphone and a stable internet connection.

We support enterprises in sectors like agriculture, tourism, crafts, services, and digital livelihoods, as long as they are local, sustainable, and community-rooted. You don’t need to be formally registered, but your business should be active and running.

For 2025–2026, our focus will be on two key sectors: tourism and handicrafts, along with related fields.

You’ll gain practical knowledge and tools to run and grow your business. Modules cover business planning, budgeting, customer discovery, pricing, marketing, branding, and operations, all tailored to small, rural enterprises. You’ll also work on your confidence, clarity, and leadership skills, alongside you’ll also learn to introduce your business and pitch to investors, and build strategies that will work best for your business.

The program duration is 7 months, from November 2025 till May 2026. and is divided into three phases.

• At the start of each phase, there is an in-person training lasting 2–4 days.

• After training, each week includes:

  • One online session (about 2 hours)

  • 1–2 hours of assignments to help you practise what you’ve learned

• Every month, you will have mentor calls to receive expert guidance.

There is no fee for participating in the fellowship program. All you have to do is apply and let us know why you want to join the program and how you think Margshala will benefit you.The fellowship fully covers all program-related costs, including travel, food, and stay for the in-person kickoffs and cluster check-ins. However, you must remain regular and maintain good attendance to continue in the program.

Yes. All fellows are eligible for performance-based monetary rewards based on your participation, assignments, and business progress. These are meant to support your enterprise’s next steps.

You’ll be paired with a mentor who understands local entrepreneurship. Through call check-ins, they’ll help you think through challenges, refine your model, and stay motivated.

Throughout the fellowship, you will complete assignments that are reviewed by the program facilitator, who will score them and provide personalised feedback on your business.

Your assignments, along with your attendance and active participation, will contribute to your overall performance and determine your eligibility for rewards.

You will become part of the Margshala Alumni Network, gaining access to events, visibility, and future support opportunities. You’ll connect with fellow entrepreneurs, expanding your knowledge and networks. Many of our past fellows have gone on to grow their businesses, collaborate with peers, and even return as mentors themselves.

You can apply directly through Here.