About the Fellowship
This fellowship program is designed as a means to help our women entrepreneurs with the objectives to change their business dynamics, facilitate change and growth in their businesses while addressing the issues of each entrepreneur individually.
The program is supported by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland and Startup Nagaland.
The YWEF 4th Cohort aims to create a thriving ecosystem of resilient, innovative and scalable women-led enterprises in Nagaland through structured capacity building, digital inclusion, AI integration and strategic mentorship.
Core Objectives
Strengthen business acumen and strategic decision-making
Enhance access to digital markets and AI-driven business tools
Bridge gaps in compliance, financing and formalization aligned with MSME development
Build long-term support networks via mentors, peers and market linkages
Enable sustainable, inclusive and culturally grounded enterprises
Eligibility
Women aged 21–45
Must be a domicile of Nagaland
Running a startup/enterprise 0–5 years old
Willing to commit a few hours per month for 12 months
Selection Parameters
Business potential & scalability
Community or social impact
Digital readiness & willingness to learn
Entrepreneur’s vision, motivation & leadership
Passion for entrepreneurship & innovation
Key Program Features
Capacity building across business, tech and compliance
Formalization support for MSMEs
Goal: 50% digital presence with active e-commerce channels
Deployment of AI tools for operations, marketing, or analytics
1:1 mentorship + peer learning through cohort groups
National platform access through Startup India
Benefits
Practical training & hands-on business support
Digital transformation & AI adoption guidance
Access to mentors & industry experts
Market linkages and national visibility
Compliance, MSME & financing readiness support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Women entrepreneurs from Nagaland or indigenous Naga women who already run a functioning business.
Applicants must be between 21 and 45 years old.
Applicants are required to submit a complete application form through the link provided. Additionally, documents may be requested during subsequent stages of evaluation
Yes. YWEF is not for idea-stage applicants.
Your business must be operational at the time of applying.
Yes—if it is actively operating.
The program does not set an official minimum number of years, but your business must be functioning and generating activity.
No. There is no fee to apply.
The fellowship lasts one year (12 months of mentoring and business-building sessions)
Fellows must commit at least 6 hours per month for one year.
Fellows get:
- One-on-one business mentoring
- Financial management guidance
- Support on pricing, costing, and projections
- Business assessments and strategy help
- Networking with other women entrepreneurs
- Access to co-working spaces (in some cohorts)
YWEF does not guarantee direct funding or grants.
However, it helps entrepreneurs become investment-ready, access schemes, and strengthen their business.
Approximately 20 women entrepreneurs are selected per cohort.
Not strictly—but having GST, trade license, or any registration strengthens your application.
Unregistered but active businesses can still be accepted.
Selected fellows:
- Attend the orientation
- Receive monthly mentoring
- Assess and grow their businesses through structured guidance
- Participate in group and individual learning sessions
Yes, fellows receive a certificate of completion from YouthNet.
YouthNet announces the call for applications through:
- YouthNet official website
- YouthNet social media pages
- Partner organization announcements