Empowering Startups and SMEs in Nepal through tailored business development programs.
Joint Collaboration Initiative of
Program Overview
Global IME Bank, in partnership with Institute for Government & Public Affairs, is excited to launch an incubation program aimed at supporting innovative startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This program is designed to foster entrepreneurship, provide mentorship, access to funding and resources to help businesses scale and contribute to the local economy. Selected participants will receive tailored support including business advisory services, networking opportunities, financial guidance and incubation facilities.
Business Acceleration Program
Duration: 2 weeks
Business Acceleration Program is a 2-week mentorship-based cohort, designed to support registered businesses and M/SMEs facing challenges in areas such as legal compliance, business operations, resource management, profitability, marketing etc.
Each participant is assigned an experienced sector-specific mentor who provides customized, hands on guidance to address business challenges and improve performance. The program aims to help entrepreneurs develop practical solutions, strengthen business operations and enhance overall growth and sustainability.
Business Incubation Program
Duration: 5-6 months
The Business Incubation Program is a tailored 5–6-month initiative designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who have business ideas but have not yet started their ventures.
This program focuses on building essential entrepreneurial capabilities, including business registration, startup development, linkage with the business ecosystem, operations management, accounting, legal compliance, resource optimization and marketing strategies.
Mentorship sessions are primarily conducted during weekends or holidays to ensure participants can balance their existing commitments while preparing for their entrepreneurial journey. The program aims to transform ideas into viable and sustainable businesses through structured guidance and practical support.
Key Benefits
Mentorship
Mentorship from industry experts.
Funding
Access to funding and investment opportunities
Training
Training workshops on business development, marketing, and legal compliance.
Co-working Space
Co-working spaces and technical resources.
Networking
Networking events with investors and peers.
Eligibility
- Registered startups or SMEs operating in Nepal.
- Applicants must be Nepali citizens or registered entities in Nepal.
- Businesses in sectors such as technology, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing or services.
- Businesses in registered status or non registered business ideas.
- Having an innovative product, service or business model.
- Committed to attending the full incubation program.
- Commitment to innovation, sustainability and job creation.
Application
Application starts from June 27, 2026
Program Duration
2 Weeks and 5-6months
FAQ
It is a cohort-based incubation and acceleration program designed to support SMEs and startups in becoming bank-ready and growth-ready through structured training, mentorship and practical business support.
Registered SMEs or early-stage startups based in Nepal with growth potential and commitment to participate in the program.
No. Both registered SMEs and strong business ideas (pre-startups) can apply, especially those with clear market potential.
Participants will receive:
· Business training and incubation support
· Mentorship from industry experts
· Financial literacy and compliance guidance
· Digital and marketing support
· Loan-readiness preparation
· Networking and market linkages
Key areas include:
· Business fundamentals and planning
· Financial management and compliance
· Marketing and sales
· Operations and supply chain
· Digital tools and online business
· Leadership and team management
· Financing and investor readiness
The program runs through weekend-based sessions (Saturday and Sunday) with a mix of training, hands-on assignments, mentorship clinics and real world business applications.
Yes. Each SME is assigned experienced mentors who provide one-on-one guidance on real business challenges such as finance, operations and market growth.
Yes. Participants who complete the program requirements and deliver key outputs will receive completion recognition and certification.
Participants are expected to:
· Attend sessions regularly
· Complete assignments and business tools
· Engage with mentors
· Apply learnings in their businesses
Selection is based on business potential, commitment, clarity of idea and alignment with program focus sectors such as agriculture, ICT, tourism, manufacturing and services.
Yes. The program strongly prioritizes women, marginalized groups, remote communities and under-served entrepreneurs to promote inclusive economic growth.
The program itself is not a direct funding scheme, but it prepares SMEs to become bank-ready and improves their access to loans and investment opportunities.
Participants will complete practical business outputs such as:
· Business plans
· Financial statements and projections
· Marketing strategies
· Loan-ready documentation
· Improved operational systems
Graduates will be connected with banks, investors and business networks and may continue receiving support through partner institutions and ecosystem linkages.
