Nabil Bank celebrates fellowship graduates, welcomes new social entrepreneurs

KATHMANDU: Nabil Bank Limited has bid farewell to participants of the fourth and fifth cohorts and welcomed the sixth cohort under its flagship social entrepreneurship initiative, the Nabil School of Social Entrepreneurship (Nabil SSE).

The event, titled “Celebrating Fellowship: Journey of Impact, 2082”, was held on Monday morning, marking a milestone in the bank’s ongoing efforts to promote social entrepreneurship across Nepal.

During the ceremony, 40 participants from the fourth and fifth cohorts received certificates from Nabil Bank Chair Upendra Prasad Paudel, who presided over the event, and Tribhuvan University Rector Prof. Dr. Khadga KC, the chief guest.

Meanwhile, 20 participants of the sixth cohort were formally welcomed into the fellowship.

The program also featured an exhibition showcasing products and services developed by the participating social entrepreneurs.

Chairman Paudel highlighted the program’s critical role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among Nepalese youth.

He noted that Nabil SSE trainees have generated employment for 17,000 people nationwide and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in making the program even more impactful.

Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Khadga KC of Tribhuvan University lauded the initiative as exemplary for society and expressed the university’s pleasure in collaborating with Nabil Bank. He further stated that the university is ready to strengthen this partnership in the days ahead.

Board Director Nirvana Kumar Chaudhary congratulated the participants and extended his best wishes for their future success.

Reflecting on the program’s growth, he noted that while it initially involved only Nabil Bank and Tribhuvan University, it now engages multiple stakeholders. “In five years, we have established nearly 200 enterprises and generated employment for more than 17,000 people. This program is no longer just a bank or university initiative—it has become a shared endeavor,” he said, expressing gratitude to all contributors and stakeholders.

Dr. Govind Tamang, Director of the School of Management at Tribhuvan University, expressed delight in the collaboration since the program’s inception.

He noted that the partnership with Nabil Bank has been formalized until 2028. Dr. Tamang emphasized that the fellowship offers not just classroom learning but practical, experience-based training, making it a strong platform for aspiring social entrepreneurs.

Nabil Bank CEO Manoj Gyawali, in his welcome remarks, reiterated the bank’s commitment to social responsibility through promoting social entrepreneurship, highlighting its contribution to national development.

Launched on Nov 26, 2021, Nabil SSE aims to foster innovative thinking in entrepreneurship and support inclusive, enterprise-driven initiatives through training, mentorship, and networking.

The six-month fellowship provides participants with three days of residential training each month, while the remaining days are dedicated to hands-on work at their own ventures. Mentorship is provided throughout the program to help participants overcome practical business challenges. The fellowship emphasizes practical learning and network expansion for social entrepreneurs.

To date, 96 social entrepreneurs have participated in the fellowship, establishing 62 enterprises and generating over 14,500 jobs.

Additionally, Nabil SSE certificate courses are being conducted across 10 educational institutions nationwide, benefiting 1,069 students from all seven provinces. These participants have collectively established 131 enterprises, creating more than 2,500 jobs.

Nabil Bank Limited, Nepal’s leading commercial bank, has consistently pursued initiatives under its corporate social responsibility framework to bring positive social change.

Through Nabil SSE, the bank has reinforced its commitment to sustainable development by promoting social entrepreneurship, fostering enterprise, and generating employment opportunities nationwide.