SVEP builds upon the network of NRLM SHGs and federations to achieve its project outcomes. The programme, therefore, focuses on the building and strengthening of the community-based institutions to promote entrepreneurship in rural settings.
The programme structure includes certain key elements, which are critical for the functioning of the project. See the figure below.
Let us look at these elements in detail.
3.2.1 Block Resource Centre for Enterprise Promotion (BRC-EP)
BRC-EP is a single-window support system for enterprise development at the block-level. It provides the necessary information, counselling, processing of applications, documentation support, etc. to the community.
For promoting entrepreneurship in the block, it is important that BRC-EP becomes a venue for effective liaison between entrepreneurs, community leaders, bank Mitra/banking correspondents, and various government nodal agencies.
3.2.2 Block Enterprise Promotion Committee (BEPC)
Block-level Federation (BLF) is a structure within the NRLM institutional structure for enterprise promotion. To manage the BRC-EP, a sub-committee of BLF called Block Enterprise Promotion Committee (BEPC) is formed.
BEPC is responsible for providing leadership for the SVEP project at the block-level. It also works primarily for the development of micro-enterprises.
3.2.3 Community Resource Persons for Enterprise Promotion (CRPs-EP)
CRPs-EP are individuals who are selected from the community and trained in business management skills to support first- generation entrepreneurs.
CRPs-EP support the first-generation entrepreneurs in different manner.
- Provide support in generating business ideas for the enterprise
- Conduct viability check for the idea and identify success and risk factors
- Prepare business plan
- Help the entrepreneurs in getting financial support through different institutions
- Set up and handhold to run the business
- Help in establishing forward and backward linkages with the markets
- Monitor the performance and implement changes, when necessary
Benefits of selecting CRPs-EP from the community
- Their understanding of the community, culture, and geography of the place gives them an edge in their responsibility.
- Promotes local economic development by generating employment opportunities for the rural youth.
The CRPs-EP work closely with the BRC-EP to develop effective business plans for the entrepreneurs.
For all the services they provide, the CRPs-EP receive honorarium on a task basis.
3.2.4 Community Enterprise Fund (CEF)
CEF is a dedicated fund like the Community Investment Fund provided under NRLM.
Community Investment Fund
NRLM provides CIF as Seed Capital to SHG Federations at Cluster level to meet the credit needs of the members through the SHGs/Village Organizations
CEF is also given as seed capital for starting the business till it reaches a size when bank finance can be availed. While CIF is provided for any purpose, CEF is meant only for setting up and running enterprises.
Note – A CRP-EP calculates the loan requirement for an entrepreneur on the basis of an entrepreneur’s income and credit profile and business plan.
3.2.5 NRLM SVEP Software/App
As mentioned earlier, SVEP makes extensive use of ICT applications.
NRLM SVEP app is a mobile phone-based software that helps CRPs-EP in the following ways
- To register potential entrepreneurs
- To check the viability of their business
- To prepare the business plans
- To do performance tracking of the business.
The App also helps BEPC in monitoring the performance of the enterprises and planning necessary interventions to improve the condition of the enterprises.