Entrepreneurship Programme

 Transforming ideas into viable businesses 

Ritinjali’s Entrepreneurship Programme was born out of a deep understanding that traditional employment pathways don’t work for everyone—especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. When the pandemic struck and jobs began disappearing, we pivoted our approach to create a new kind of opportunity: one where our students could become job creators instead of job seekers.

Since its inception in 2022, the Entrepreneurship Programme has supported 8 alumni of Ritinjali’s Second Chance School in transforming their ideas into viable businesses. Designed as a hybrid programme, it combines three months of weekend training (four hours per week) with six weeks of one-on-one mentorship. Participants dive into modules on ideation, financial literacy, marketing, legal basics, and business planning. The course culminates in a pitch presentation before a jury, followed by the chance to receive seed funding to launch their ventures.

The programme is proudly supported by our Chairperson & donors, whose mentors work closely with participants to refine their business models, improve pitch decks, and prepare for sustainable growth. Seed funding of up to INR 2.5 to 4 lakhs is provided to winning ideas to help kickstart their enterprises.

Now in its fourth year, the Entrepreneurship Programme has catalyzed a wave of change. From retail ventures to electrical repair shops, and handcrafted fashion to community service businesses, our alumni are charting new courses with courage and creativity.