Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs to Scale Their Impact & Business
Where is the Next Billion?
India, the world’s 5th largest economy, is powered by its burgeoning Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions, collectively referred to as The Next Billion
- Represents the informal urban economy in Tier 2 cities.
- Comprises over 300 million people, including workers like rickshaw drivers, house help etc
- Household incomes range from ₹1.5–10 lakh per year, with significant contributions to India’s GDP.
- Represents the rural economy in smaller towns and villages.
- Comprises over 700 million people, including small-scale farmers, daily wage workers, and rural artisans
- Household incomes range from ₹1.5–6 lakh per year, with many facing unstable earnings.
The Next Billion represents India’s hidden potential—communities ready to grow, innovate, and create opportunities for a better future.
How can we create value for the Next Billion?
Our residency program empowers impact entrepreneurs with mentorship, knowledge enhancement and a supportive community. We enable you to scale ventures, drive sustainable growth and create a lasting impact
Who is this program for?
Impact entrepreneurs working towards increasing incomes for informal and rural economies.
Is a For-Profit Entity
Focused on delivering both financial returns and measurable impact.
Directly Impacts India 2 & India 3
Addressing income disparities in Rural and Informal economies in India
Revenue generating
Demonstrating early traction and potential for scalability.
OUTCOMEs
What’s in it for you?
Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.
Find friends who understand your journey. Collaborate and grow with a supportive network of like-minded Impact Entrepreneurs.
Get actionable advice from experienced mentors who understand the ground realities of building impactful ventures.
Unlock your creativity and reach your full potential through brainstorming, collaboration, and feedback from peers, helping you find innovative solutions and grow.
Leverage our networks, including partnerships with Suzuki group and others in India and Japan to grow your presence
Program Duration
Your 2-Months Transformation Journey
Total Duration
2 months
Starting from
Jan 2026
Session type
In person
For
2 weeks
Where
Bengaluru
Session type
Virtual Sessions
For
4 weeks
Where
Remote
Don’t miss anything
Subscribe to our Google Calendar for important dates
Step 01
Application Review
Our team carefully evaluates all applications and shortlists potential candidates.
Step 02
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates participate in 2-3 rounds of interviews.
Step 03
Field Visit
On site visit by investment representatives
Step 04
Final Selection
Successful applicants are notified, and onboarding begins for the program.
What sets impact entrepreneurs apart?
Find out if you are one of the Impact Entrepreneur
FAQs
Impact oriented enterprises which are revenue making, and looking to raise equity funding in the next 3-6 months
Yes, to become eligible for funding , it is mandatory to attend the entire duration of the Next Bharat Residency Program. However completion of the program is not a guarantee of receiving funding from the Next Bharat.
The in-person components of the program will be held in Bangalore.
All invested companies received equity funding
Founders selected for the residency receive a nominal amount as stipend to cover the cost of expenses associated with the residency program.
Only the highest equity holder is mandatorily required to attend all sessions. Co-founders are welcome to attend sessions on a need basis.
Top leadership (other than the founder/co-founders) can additionally attend the session on a need-basis. However they are not eligible to become members of the WHY Club or participate in other activities which require founder presence.
No, The major shareholder is expected to be present for all the sessions. Co-founders can additionally attend but not replace
No, Next Bharat is currently not providing accommodation but provides a lump sum amount to selected participants, which will be able to cover living costs while in Bangalore for the residency.