Programme
Project Grameen Heroes (Prayas Se Pragati Ki Or) Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs Through Innovation and Opportunity
About the Project and its Partners
Project Grameen Heroes is a unique initiative by Hero MotoCorp Limited (HMCL) in partnership with the Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI), aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs by offering them visibility, mentorship, funding opportunities, and a platform to grow. Inspired by the Shark Tank model, this project reimagines entrepreneurship for women in India's heartlands bringing opportunities right at their doorsteps.
Outreach & Geographic Focus
The initiative focuses on rural geographies surrounding HMCL's manufacturing plants, spanning Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana.
📣 Over 1,500 women reached through targeted, multilingual outreach via social media, CSOs, and local networks.
📝 964 applications were received, primarily from first-time entrepreneurs in underserved regions.
The program emphasizes businesses that were already functional or had a clear proof of concept.
🌱 834 applications came from the five focus states.
Broader Impact and Vision
Inclusion at the Core:
The cohort proudly included transgender and differently abled entrepreneurs many among the top scorers.
Beyond Capital, the Program Delivered:
👩🏫 Mentorship & capacity-building
🌐 Market access & visibility
🚀 Leadership growth & confidence
“I no longer say I run a small business I say I am building a company.” — Finalist
Grameen Heroes champions women-led enterprises in rural India igniting a movement of creativity, courage, and community-led change.
By helping women share their stories, scale their businesses, and lead with confidence, Grameen Heroes is planting the seeds of a more inclusive and empowered India.
📊 Selection & Program Journey
The program attracted a diverse pool of women-led businesses from sectors including:
Agriculture & Allied Activities
Traditional & Skill-Based Enterprises
Handicrafts
Micro Retail & Services
Rigorous 3-Tier Selection Process:
✅ 379 selected for Level 1 capacity-building
🗣️ 147 shortlisted for state-level pitch events in
Jaipur (Rajasthan),
Vadodara (Gujarat),
Gurugram (Haryana),
Dehradun (Uttarakhand),
Virtual round for Andhra Pradesh.
Each pitch was judged by a jury of CSR professionals, grassroots leaders, and industry experts.
🇮🇳 National Pitch & Recognition
The top 35 finalists pitched at the National Event on July 4, 2025, in New Delhi.
Despite many never having left their districts, they delivered bold, innovative presentations including
Eco-wood from pine needles ,
Ayurvedic processing units ,
Digital logistics for rural regions ,
Trans women-led food businesses ,
Wellness and sustainability ventures .
🏆 Awards Granted:
₹1,00,000 each to top 20 entrepreneurs
₹25,000 each to the remaining 15 finalists
Testimonials
