3rd November 2025, Kathmandu
Nabil Bank Limited has officially opened the application process for the sixth edition of its highly successful Nabil School of Social Entrepreneurship (SSE) Fellowship.
Nabil Bank’s SSE Fellowship
This premier program is designed to nurture and empower social entrepreneurs who are committed to addressing pressing issues of poverty alleviation and inclusive development across Nepal. Interested change-makers have until 28 Kartik 2082 (December 14, 2025) to submit their applications for a chance to join this transformative, six-month, fully supported initiative.
Program Structure and Comprehensive Support
The Nabil SSE Fellowship is a rigorous, action-based learning program conducted in collaboration with the School of Management, Tribhuvan University. It focuses on practical, hands-on development rather than purely theoretical instruction.
Duration and Resources
Duration: The fellowship is a six-month learning program that includes residential training and mentoring. The practical component extends for a total of one year of dedicated mentorship support. Fellows will attend the learning program physically for 3-4 days every month, totaling 18 days of residential training over the six months.
Total Support: The program offers free accommodation and access to all program resources during the residential sessions, although participants typically cover their travel expenses to attend the program.
Mentorship: Each fellow is paired with an experienced social entrepreneur or industry expert who serves as a sounding board and guide for their entrepreneurial journey for one full year.
Learning Focus: Sessions are led by experts, scholars, and industry professionals, covering essential areas like entrepreneurship, finance, social impact, business acumen, and community development. The ultimate expected outcome is for fellows to develop an investment-ready enterprise or a business prepared to trade in the market within 6 to 12 months.
Impact and Sector Prioritization
The Nabil SSE Fellowship has already demonstrated a significant, measurable impact on Nepal’s social economy, validating the bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Proven Track Record
The previous five editions of the fellowship have successfully supported 76 entrepreneurs. This foundation has led to the successful establishment of 62 enterprises. The resulting job creation is substantial: 1,172 direct jobs and an estimated 13,295 indirect jobs have been generated through these social ventures. These statistics confirm the program’s effectiveness in fostering sustainable employment and promoting inclusive economic growth. Previous participants have attested to the program’s benefits in achieving strategic goals, networking, and gaining practical knowledge to scale their ventures.
Focus Sectors and Target Groups
The program specifically prioritizes enterprises that aim to create direct social impact, particularly those improving the living standards of marginalized communities and tackling poverty. The fellowship supports innovative ideas in inclusive development sectors such as:
- Agriculture and Value Chains
- Handicrafts
- Green Energy
- IT and Digital Innovation
- Skill Development and Job Creation
- Cultural Tourism and Local Enterprise Promotion
Furthermore, the selection process gives special priority to applicants from underrepresented groups to promote true inclusivity, including: women, Dalits, indigenous groups, persons with disabilities, returnee migrant workers, and applicants from remote areas of Nepal.
Application and Eligibility Details
The application process is a two-stage selection focused on finding individuals with a genuine commitment to solving social problems through a sustainable business model.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to social entrepreneurs across Nepal who have identified a pressing social problem and are willing to solve it through a social enterprise. Applicants must be Nepali citizens and generally fall within the age group of 18 to 50 years (though the age criteria may vary slightly by cohort, interested applicants should be 18 and above). A minimum of 90% physical attendance during the six-month program is mandatory for successful completion.
How to Submit Your Application
Interested entrepreneurs have a limited time to submit their proposals. The deadline is 28 Kartik 2082.
Online Application: Applicants can apply online directly through the designated portal on the Nabil Bank website.
Email Submission: Alternatively, the application form (Google Form or a downloadable PDF version) can be completed and submitted via email to the official Nabil SSE addresses (e.g., nsse@nabilbank.com or nabilsse2021@gmail.com).
The selection process involves a thorough review of the application forms based on a defined rubric, followed by an in-person interview for selected candidates. Only 20 entrepreneurs are selected for each fellowship cycle, making the competition for a spot intense.
For More: Nabil Bank’s SSE Fellowship