How to build a social venture
A practical workshop on how to build a social venture, led by Professor CD Mitra and Ms Ekta Jaju.
- Date
- Friday, 20 November 2026
- Time
- 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- Venue
- Hybrid: in person at the National Library, Kolkata, and online
Why ON Changemakers
Farmer producer companies, startups and social enterprises across India are ready to grow, but they need people to take them forward. ON Changemakers finds those young leaders, trains them in the field and places them where they matter most.
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What these enterprises need most are people who can manage teams, solve problems on the ground, and turn good ideas and technologies into working businesses.
At the same time, thousands of talented young people finish their studies wanting more than a job title. They want work that matters. ON Changemakers brings the two together: a pipeline of young leaders trained in the field and ready to manage the enterprises that will shape rural India’s future.
Two years that launch a career in impact
A residential programme in Kolkata and rural West Bengal, where you work on the ground with startups, farmer producer companies and social enterprises.
A salaried managing role anywhere in India, where your training turns into real responsibility: running projects, managing teams and growing enterprises.
By the end of two years, you won’t just understand social business. You’ll have run one, and be ready for management and leadership roles.
Selection process
ON Changemakers has a rigorous selection process. We take it seriously because we’re investing in you.
Tell us about your leadership, achievements, skills and goals.
Four training sessions, each with an assignment.
Interviews and group discussions with our team.
| Round 1 | Round 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Applications close | 30th November 2026 | 15th January 2027 |
| Training and assignments | December to January | January to February |
| Final selection | January | March |
| Programme starts | 1st April intake | 1st July intake |
Applying early gives you more time and an earlier start.
Who we’re
looking for
We’re looking for young people who have already shown that they lead, achieve and care.
Ways to join
Apply for a paid internship with SwitchON Foundation and get early experience in social business.
Apply for internshipOur Founders Bootcamp offers focused support to help you grow.
Apply for bootcamp- Two years of hands-on experience on the ground
- Continued support from SwitchON and the ON Changemakers network
- A peer community of changemakers across India
- A clear career in impact: continue in your organisation, take on larger roles with SwitchON and partner enterprises, or grow into leadership of the ventures you work with
Supporting early stage social businesses to grow.
Helping new ventures take shape.
Managing operations, markets and member services for farmer owned businesses.
Leading functions in mission driven companies.
FAQ
About the programmeCan I study or work on the side?
No. ON Changemakers is a full-time commitment with regular field travel, so it is not possible to prepare for a PhD, continue other studies or take up other work alongside it.
About the programmeIs this for people who want to start their own venture?
No. ON Changemakers is for people who want to work with startups, farmer producer companies and other social businesses.
Stipend and feesWhen does the stipend start?
From day 1 after joining.
Stipend and feesDo I need to pay any fee?
No. There is no fee to apply or to join.
PlacementHow are placements decided?
Through a matching process based on your skills, background, interests and location preferences. Flexibility on location helps. Placement is not guaranteed; it is based on your performance.
EligibilityDo I need a background in agriculture or business?
No. We welcome candidates from management, agriculture, engineering, social sciences and other fields.
EligibilityIs there any gender or background restriction?
No. There is no gender restriction, and we especially welcome women leaders. Applicants from rural and low-income backgrounds are welcome.
EligibilityIs there a minimum percentage or a preferred college?
No. We look for proven leadership and achievement in any field, whatever your college or marks.
EligibilityWhat languages do I need?
Most learning happens in English. Team interaction is in Hindi or English. Knowing Bengali or another regional language is a plus, and you will have help with the language in the field.
EligibilityHow long is the internship?
Between two and six months, starting from April, with a small stipend.
ApplicationHow long does the application take?
About 45 to 50 minutes.
ApplicationHow should I prepare for the application?
Keep your LinkedIn page or CV handy and answer honestly. Please don’t use AI to write your answers. Using it to correct your grammar is fine.
Contact
Email changemakers@switchon.org.in or call 70440 59893 / 91471 08249.
