2012 has been the year of social enterprise challenges and social enterprise incubators in India. The exciting addition to the former is Tata Group’s announcement of the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge, a joint initiative with IIM Calcutta. Details below.

TATA Social Enterprise Challenge – A Joint Initiative with IIM Calcutta aims to be India’s biggest platform to help identify and support India’s most promising social enterprises. Organized by IIM Calcutta & Tata Group, Tata Social Enterprise Challenge will invite from across India both for-profit and not-for-profit business plans that create a sustainable and measurable social impact.

The business plans will be judged critically by India’s most renowned Social Entrepreneurs, Business Leaders, Social Venture Capitalists, Foundations and Academicians. While an extensive mentorship program will be launched to help social enterprises refine their business models and connect to India’s preeminent social entrepreneurs.

The event will conclude with a Grand Finale from 15th-17th February 2013 at IIM Calcutta.

The Timeline

17th Dec 2012 **Event** **Launch**
17th Dec – 13th Jan 2013 **Round 1 (****Submission** **of Business Plans)**
14th Jan 2013 – 24th Jan 2013 **Round 1** **Evaluation & Results (Top 20 to be chosen)**
25th Jan 2013 – 11th Feb 2013 **3 Week Mentorship – Phase 1 (Telephone/Email Support)**
12th Feb 2013 – 14th Feb 2013 **3 Week Mentorship – Phase 2 (Mentorship at IIMC Campus)**
15th Feb 2013 **Semi-Finals** **(Top 10 to be chosen)**
16th Feb 2013 **Finals**
17th Feb 2013 **Summit on Social Entrepreneurship at IIM Calcutta & Prize Distribution Ceremony**

Stay tuned for further updates on this challenge in the coming two months.