Apply for the Next Bharat Residency Program

Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs with access to funding, mentorship, and a powerful network to amplify their impact and build thriving, sustainable communities.

OUR VISION

Empowering community of great entrepreneurs creating greater impact, for the next billion

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

of India’s GDP comes from these regions.
0 %
of the workforce operates here.
0 %
  • 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 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.

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?

Access to Funds

Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

Next Bharat Community

Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

Mentorship from Experts

Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

Unlocking Potential

Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

Opportunities to Expand market access

Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

Program Duration

Your 3-Months Transformation Journey

Total Duration

3 months

Starting from

Jan 2026 –
March 2026

Session type

In person

For

5 weeks

Where

Bengaluru

Session type

On ground

For

7 weeks

Where

On site

Don’t miss anything

Subscribe to our Google Calendar for important dates

NEXT STEP

Your journey begins here !

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

    Do I need to fully attend the program in order to get funding?

    No prior experience is required. If you have a strong vision and passion for making an impact, you are encouraged to apply.

    Who is eligible to apply for the program?

    Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

    What is the duration of the program?

    Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

    Where is the program going to be held?

    Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

    Will my expenses be covered for the Residency Program?

    Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

    Do both me and my co-founder need to attend

    Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

    Can I bring my top leadership team to the program

    Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

    I will be only able to attend for a few days. Can my co-founder replace me in between?

    Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

    Will the accommodation be provided by Next Bharat

    Receive up to ₹5 crore in equity-based funding to scale your venture, with living expenses fully covered during the Residency Program.

    BRAVO!

    You are an Impact Entrepreneur and you have 90%+ chances to get shortlisted