Starting a business in Nepal is exciting, but it can also feel confusing. Where do you register? How do you handle tax? Who guides you when something goes wrong? If you have searched how to start a business in Nepal and still felt lost, you are not alone. Global IME Bank built the Udhyamshala program to answer exactly these questions. It gives new founders and small business owners the training, mentorship, and connections they need to grow, not just a loan and a good-luck handshake.
What is the Global IME Udhyamshala program?
Udhyamshala is an entrepreneurship program run by Global IME Bank. The bank launched it on World MSME Day 2026 to support startups and to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nepal grow. In simple words, it is a school for entrepreneurs. You learn how to build a business the right way, you meet people who can help you, and you get advice from experts who have already done it. The program runs in two tracks, so it fits both people with a fresh idea and people who already run a shop or a firm.
Who can join Udhyamshala?
Anyone in Nepal with a real business idea or a running small business can apply. You do not need to be based in Kathmandu, and you do not need years of experience. The program is open to two kinds of people:
• New founders who have an idea but are not sure how to start.
• Existing owners who run a micro, small, or medium business and want to grow it.
If that sounds like you, you are the person this program was made for.
What are the two tracks: incubation and acceleration?
The incubation track is for beginners. Maybe you have a strong idea but no clue about the first steps. This track helps you build your skills, plan your business, grow your network, and work with a mentor who guides you along the way.
The acceleration track is for people who already run a business but feel stuck. Maybe sales are flat, or you want to use better tools. This track focuses on growth: adopting modern technology, improving your marketing, and connecting you with the right institutions and partners so you can scale up.
What do you actually learn and get from the program?
The best part of Udhyamshala is the practical training. You do not sit through a theory you cannot use. Instead, you learn the real things every business owner needs:
• How to register a business and follow the legal steps
• How to handle tax and stay on the right side of the rules
• How to do market research and understand your customers
• How to manage money and keep your finances healthy
• How to market your product and reach more buyers
• How to work with banks and get access to finance
On top of the classes, you get mentorship from experienced business people and trainers, plus networking with other founders. Those connections often matter as much as the lessons themselves.
How do you apply for Global IME Udhyamshala?
Applying is simple. Fill out the Udhyamshala application form on the official Global IME Bank website. If you would rather ask questions in person, visit any Global IME Bank branch. The bank has offices in all 77 districts, so there is very likely one near you. Applications are open now, so it is worth applying early instead of waiting.
Why does this program matter for small businesses in Nepal?
Many good ideas in Nepal never take off. Not because the idea was weak, but because the founder had no guidance. People get stuck on registration, run out of money, or never learn how to reach customers. Udhyamshala tries to close that gap. It puts knowledge, support, and a path to finance in one place, which gives a small business a much better chance to survive and grow. For a country where MSMEs create so many jobs, that support really counts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to already own a business to join?
No. The incubation track is built for people who only have an idea. If you already run a business, the acceleration track is the one for you.
Is Udhyamshala only for people in Kathmandu?
No. The program welcomes entrepreneurs from all over Nepal, not just the capital.
Will the program give me a loan?
The main goal is training, mentorship, and access to finance. It helps you become loan-ready and connects you with the bank, but it is guidance and support first, not a guaranteed loan.
What kind of businesses can apply?
Micro, small, and medium enterprises of almost any type, along with new and innovative business ideas that are still on paper.
Ready to take the first step?
If you have a business idea or a small firm you want to grow, do not try to figure everything out alone. Global IME Udhyamshala gives you the training, mentors, and network to move forward with confidence. Visit the Global IME Bank website, fill out the Udhyamshala application form, and take your first real step toward building a stronger business.
