Tribal Design Forum in partnership with the Adivasi Academy and Bhasha announces a unique and customised One-Month Residential Design and Entrepreneurship Course at the Adivasi Academy, Tejgadh, Gujarat.
August 26 to September 20, 2024
Are you a designer or an entrepreneur working with tribal communities in India, requiring relevant inputs in design and entrepreneurship?… then perhaps this unique programme can help you in your entrepreneurial journey.
A. Brief Overview of the Course
Whom is the course for?
The course is for designers and entrepreneurs working with tribal communities and culture, who have been running a that benefit the tribal communities but lack design, business and/or entrepreneurship inputs to run their businesses in a competitive manner.
What is the aim of the course?
The aim of the course is to facilitate these entrepreneurs to play a leadership role in the tribal community by enabling jobs, upgrading skills, while protecting and managing the natural and cultural heritage of the tribal communities.
What is the expected outcome of the course?
By the end of the course, we hope that the participants can recognize the importance of their role in stewarding the culture and economy of the tribal community and at the same time be able to formulate strategies and business plan in a responsible manner, keeping the interests of the tribal communities in mind, so that they can be prepared to access funds and resources for the benefits of the business to accrue largely to the tribal communities.
B. Week-wise Overview of the Course
Week 1
Overview of the tribal worldview, tribal cultures and knowledge systems and understanding its relationship with business within the framework of sustainability and climate change.
Week 2
Overview of the business and entrepreneurship and landscape, impact of emerging trends and technology and the evolving marketplace so that each participant can locate their businesses and their relevance in the context of the marketplace, enabling them to steer or mould their businesses to the transforming marketplace.
Week 3
Basic design and entrepreneurship inputs to enable each participant to evaluate their businesses using these inputs as reference points to equip them to develop their unique business contexts and models.
Week 4
Developing strategies, creating roadmaps and preparing short, mid and long term business plans so that the participants can have a holistic ask ready to access funds from grants and capital markets.
C. Detailed Information on the Course
Detailed information on the course, venue etc will be made available to all interested candidates who register for more information on the course by the May 31, 2024 through the email provided in the registration form. To received more information so that you can take an informed decision to apply for the course, register here.
D. Important Dates
- 31 May Application for the Programme Opens at www.tribaldesignforum.com. 30 Jun Application for the Programme Closes
- 05 Jul Shortlisted Candidates will be announced at www.tribaldesignforum.com
- 10 Jul Online Interview on zoom for the Shortlisted Candidates
- 15 Jul Selected Candidates for the Programme will be announced
- 26 Aug Commencement of Programme at the Adivasi Academy in Tejgadh, Gujarat
- 20 Sep Closure of the Programme
E. Need for such a Course
Tribal entrepreneurs face a range of challenges, many of which are interconnected and rooted in historical and systemic factors.
Limited Access to Capital
Tribal entrepreneurs often face difficulties accessing startup capital, loans, or investment opportunities due to factors such as lack of collateral, credit history, or discriminatory lending practices.
Limited Access to Resources and Infrastructure
Many tribal communities are located in remote or rural areas with limited access to basic infrastructure such as reliable electricity, internet connectivity, transportation, and supply chains, which can hinder business operations and growth.
Cultural Barriers and Stereotypes
Tribal entrepreneurs may encounter cultural biases or stereotypes that can affect how their businesses are perceived by mainstream society, potential customers, investors, or business partners.
Lack of Business Networks and Mentorship
Tribal entrepreneurs may face challenges in building professional networks and accessing mentorship opportunities due to geographical isolation, cultural differences, or lack of representation in mainstream business communities.
Historical Trauma and Intergenerational Poverty
Historical injustices such as colonization, forced assimilation, displacement, and exploitation have resulted in intergenerational trauma and socioeconomic disparities within tribal communities, which can impact entrepreneurial aspirations, confidence, and access to resources.
Legal and Regulatory Barriers
Tribal entrepreneurs may encounter legal and regulatory barriers related to land rights, intellectual property, business registration, and compliance with government regulations, which can add complexity and uncertainty to the business environment.
Cultural Preservation vs. Economic Development
Tribal entrepreneurs often face the challenge of balancing the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions with the economic imperative of business development, particularly when cultural knowledge or resources are commercialized.
Environmental and Climate Change
Many tribal communities rely on natural resources for their livelihoods, and environmental degradation or climate change can threaten traditional ways of life and economic activities, posing additional challenges for tribal entrepreneurs.
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the unique cultural, historical, and socioeconomic contexts of tribal entrepreneurship and involves collaboration between tribal communities, governments, NGOs, businesses, and other stakeholders to create inclusive policies, programs, and support mechanisms.
F. Why be part of the Course?
Studying design and entrepreneurship can be incredibly beneficial for any entrepreneur, including tribal entrepreneurs. However, due to various reasons, designers are unable to receive the necessary inputs to run a business and often entrepreneurs are unable to have the necessary inputs in design which could be critical for product development, systems design, brand development and marketing communication:
Innovation and Creativity
Design thinking encourages innovative problem-solving and fosters creativity. Tribal entrepreneurs can use design principles to develop unique products or services that reflect their cultural heritage, values, and traditions, potentially setting them apart in the market.
Market Differentiation
By integrating elements of tribal culture into their designs, entrepreneurs can differentiate themselves from competitors. This distinctiveness can attract customers who are interested in supporting tribal businesses or who appreciate products and services with a cultural connection.
Effective Communication
Design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s also about effective communication. Studying design can help tribal entrepreneurs convey their stories, values, and messages more effectively through branding, marketing materials, and product design, leading to stronger connections with their target audience.
Sustainability and Respect for the Environment
Many tribal cultures have a deep respect for the environment and prioritize sustainability. By incorporating principles of sustainable design into their ventures, tribal entrepreneurs can align their business practices with their cultural values and contribute positively to environmental stewardship.
Entrepreneurial Skills
Entrepreneurship education provides valuable skills and knowledge necessary for starting and running a successful business, such as financial management, marketing strategies, and leadership skills. By studying entrepreneurship, tribal entrepreneurs can build a strong foundation for their ventures and increase their chances of long-term success.
Empowerment and Community Development
Tribal entrepreneurship can play a vital role in empowering tribal communities and fostering economic development. By studying design and entrepreneurship, tribal individuals can become catalysts for positive change within their communities, creating opportunities for employment, skill development, and cultural revitalization.
Ultimately, studying design and entrepreneurship can equip tribal entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to create innovative, culturally relevant businesses that not only succeed in the market but also contribute to the empowerment and prosperity of tribal communities.
