PRIME-Sauramandala Rural Entrepreneurship Fellowship




Value Chain Development

Machinery & Technology Deployment

Frugal Innovation

Branding & Packaging

Pricing & Unit Economics

Market Linkages

Funding

Business Plans
Through that the Fellows and Associates will help those entrepreneurs reach their full potential and become role models igniting a mindset change towards entrepreneurship and away from regular (government jobs) among the youth.
Being part of a unique and exclusive PSREF community that also extends into the PRIME ecosystem, the Fellows and Associates will be in regular exchange with their peers, the PRIME-Sauramandala team as well as renowned mentors from industry, academia and the startup realm that will guide them in accomplishing their tasks.
During the work there will be many cross-functional exchanges and engagements with teams and projects funded by external organizations like World Bank, JICA or IFAD, guaranteeing an exposure to rural development like no other. Based on the gained insights and learnings the Fellows will also get the opportunity to contribute to state-level policy questions and to conceptualizing new interventions for promoting rural entrepreneurship.
A regular exchange with high level officials like Deputy Commissioners, Principal Secretaries and community leaders will also give the selected candidate exposure to high-level decision makers. While working with some of the remotest und undeveloped communities in the country, the individuals will also build essential life skills like interpersonal communication, interdisciplinary collaboration and critical & design thinking.
The exposure and knowledge gained during the PSREF will thoroughly prepare the PRIME Fellows and PRIME Associates for a career in rural development, startup incubation or entrepreneurship promotion with high-level national and international organizations. Upon graduation your will receive an extensive certificate outlining your accomplishments and area of work.
Program Structure for PRIME Fellows
Phase I)
3-months Immersion
Phase II)
12-months Design & Implementation
Phase III)
3-months Policy Advocacy & Transitioning
- Documentation of Outcomes and Learnings
- Presentation of insights to administration
- Implementation of Feedbacks into PSREF structure
- Handover of responsibilities to new Fellows/Associates

Application Process
The application process for the PRIME-Sauramandala Rural Entrepreneurship Fellowship for both PRIME Fellows as well as PRIME Associates is a multi-step process. As we are looking for real changemakers, our application process is slightly different than what you would expect.
Interested candidates are requested to shoot an approx. 1 minute video demonstrating why they are the right candidate for the role. The video has to be shot in English language. The more creative you get, the better. You can e.g. involve your communities or entrepreneurs, accomplish tasks in rural settings, highlight a rural problem statement that you think can be solved through entrepreneurship or do anything else you feel will display that you are the right candidate. Subsequently you need to post the video (not as a story) on Facebook and Instagram and tag @primemeghalaya and @sauramandala along with the hashtags #primemeghalaya #ruralentrepreneurship #meghapreneurs #psref.The profile/video should be publicly accessible. The more people like and share your video, the better.
Alternatively, you can upload the application video on Google Drive or YouTube (as a private video) and paste the link for the same in the response section.
Subsequently the candidates need to fill the application form (link below) and also share the link to their uploaded video in this application form.
The shortlisted candidates will undergo a two stage virtual interview process before a final decision is being made.
The interview process will be conducted in a rolling manner, early applications are encouraged. Applications not adhering to the above requirement or process will be disqualified. Current employees/contractors of the Government of Meghalaya, PRIME, MBMA, MBDA, MIE or its affiliated organizations and NGOs are not eligible to apply.
At a Glance
PRIME Fellows | PRIME Associates | |
Candidate Origin | From across India | Citizens/Youth of Meghalaya only |
Duration of Program | 18 months (Full-time in Meghalaya) | 12 months (Full-time in Meghalaya) |
Qualification* | Graduate/Postgraduate in any discipline. Additional 2-3 years of experience working in rural development, entrepreneurship, agri-business, incubation or startups. | Graduate/Postgraduate in any discipline (Freshers accepted). First demonstrated project, research or field work experience related to rural development, entrepreneurship, agri-business, incubation or startups. |
Further Requirements | Age between 24 and 35. Strong interest in rural development through entrepreneurship and innovation with the intent to work in this field in the future. Passionate about creating a change at the grassroot level and comfortable working/staying in villages. | Age between 20 and 28. Strong interest in rural development through entrepreneurship and innovation with the intent to work in this field in the future. Passionate about creating a change at the grassroot level and comfortable working/staying in villages. Native or having strong roots in the block the candidate is applying for. |
Working Language | English | English and the local dialect of the respective block the candidate is applying for. |
Stipend | ₹40,000/month (higher emolument considering the additional costs a fellow from outside the state will incur for e.g. rent, travel to Meghalaya) | ₹30,000/month |
Number of Roles Phase 1 | 8 | 16 |
Application Deadline: 30th June 2022
Tentative Starting Date Batch 1: Mid July / Beginning August 2022
For any questions and doubts, please feel free to get in touch with us on info@primemeghalaya.com.