About In Our Own Hands

Join hands with us to develop your business idea to realise a creative green economy.

Enrol in our research and development grants programme to gain new skills and knowledge, resources, and networks.  

Open Call

Be part of our 2023 programme! We are offering limited places to participate in the In Our Hands research and development grants programme. Learn to articulate your vision for a greener, more equal society with experts from Nepal and the UK. Participate in a series of interactive sessions and benefit from our multi-disciplinary curriculum which prioritises experiential learning.  

Participants who successfully complete their placements and grant outputs are eligible to receive certificates and credits from Kathmandu University (terms and conditions apply).  

In Our Hands activities begin in late September 2023 concluding with events in mid-2024. Participants will work with sector experts to gain new insights in business modelling while developing critical skills to champion alternative economic models which prioritise outcomes for community and environment.  

Timeline

 The participant journey starts with the Craft Toolkit, an online platform to help you document and progress your business idea. You will be using the Quintuple Bottomline framework (People, Planet, Profit, Purpose, Place) to articulate your plans which are then presented to a panel to be selected for research grants.  

In the research phase, participants will explore their supply chain, understand material innovation and review external contexts that may impact business outcomes. A residential workshop will conclude the research phase with six development grants awarded to select projects. The final section of the programme focuses on piloting, brand and value proposition, audience and markets so that your initial business plans are updated for market entry and growth. IOH will conclude with showcase events where development grantees and others will be able to present their outputs to sector leaders, stakeholders and the public. 

Applying is easy. Please begin by reviewing the Application Guide document which has been prepared to answer any questions you may have about this opportunity. We also suggest you register for a webinar introducing the opportunity and partners on 18 August 2023.  

You can find the application form and questions below in English and Nepali. If you still find the form difficult or inaccessible, please email arts@britishcouncil.org.np for support.   

The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on 10 September 2023.   

In Our Hands Activity Timetable 

Date  Activity 
11 Aug – 10 Sep  Open call for participants
Open call for participants Open call for participants
Sep – Nov  Explore and evolve with the Craft Toolkit
24 Nov Business plans presented to the panel for research grant awards
Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 Research and refine: participants conduct field research, better understand their supply chain and product life-cycle
13 Jan – 15 Jan Two residential workshops and development grant pitch event
Jan – Feb  Develop and deliver: Participants work on their pilots and work on their brand and market entry.
Mar – April  Showcases and other events: development grantee present their outputs