Nabil Bank Opens Applications for New Nabil SSE Cohort

13th October 2025, Kathmandu

The financial landscape of Nepal is witnessing a transformative shift as Nabil Bank Limited, one of the nation’s leading financial institutions, continues to cement its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development.

Nabil SSE Cohort

On this day, October 13, 2025, Nabil Bank proudly announced the opening of applications for a new cohort of its highly successful Nabil School of Social Entrepreneurship (Nabil SSE). This flagship initiative, which includes both the Fellowship and Certificate programs, is poised to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs dedicated to tackling Nepal’s most pressing social and economic challenges, with a pronounced focus on poverty alleviation and inclusive growth.

A Renewed Commitment to Social Impact

The opening of applications for the sixth cohort of the Nabil SSE Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the bank’s strategy to foster socio-economic transformation across Nepal. Interested Nepali citizens, who are at least 18 years of age and possess an innovative vision for social change, have a compelling window to apply, with the deadline set for Kartik 28 (November 13) at 11:59 PM.

According to Nabil Bank CEO Manoj Kumar Gyawali, the strategic emphasis for this year is heavily centered on poverty reduction, empowerment, and inclusive growth. This targeted approach aims to reach marginalized and underprivileged communities, recognizing that empowering social entrepreneurs is a powerful engine for national development and achieving long-term sustainable growth. The initiative aligns perfectly with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national economic priorities, ensuring that entrepreneurial solutions are both innovative and deeply rooted in societal needs.

The Two Pillars of Nabil SSE: Fellowship and Certificate Course

Nabil SSE’s comprehensive framework operates through two distinct, yet complementary, programs designed to cater to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey:

1. The Nabil SSE Fellowship Program (6th Cohort)
The Fellowship is the premier offering, a rigorous six-month program conducted in strategic collaboration with Tribhuvan University’s Faculty of Management. It is meticulously designed for social entrepreneurs who are already working on innovative startups or possess a robust, market-ready idea.

• Program Structure and Mentorship: The core curriculum involves intensive, world-class training and a structured one-year mentorship period. Previous cohorts have benefited from 18 days of residential training over the six months, providing a robust, action-based learning environment. Each fellow is paired with an experienced mentor, serving as a year-long sounding board to help navigate the complexities of their entrepreneurial journey.
• Proven Track Record: The Fellowship has a strong history of success. To date, 76 fellows have participated, with their efforts translating into 62 operational social enterprises. These enterprises are a direct response to social needs across diverse sectors, including livelihood, education, healthcare, agriculture, and energy. The expected outcome for participants is to emerge with an investment-ready enterprise or a business poised with a viable product or service for the market.

2. The Nabil SSE Certificate Course
Complementing the Fellowship, the three-month Certificate Course is designed for broader reach, running across all seven provinces in partnership with local educational institutions. This course focuses on building an entrepreneurial mindset and providing the foundational knowledge and skills for managing a social business.

• Widespread Impact: With over 1,069 participants having already benefited, this course democratizes access to social entrepreneurship training. It offers practical aspects required to become a social entrepreneur, including support for developing a bankable business plan. The course is a key component of Nabil Bank’s drive to promote social entrepreneurship nationwide, particularly in provincial areas.

Province-Specific Sectoral Focus for Targeted Impact
A significant enhancement to the program this year is the introduction of province-specific priority sectors. This tailored approach ensures that entrepreneurial energy and resources are channeled into areas that can deliver the maximum socio-economic benefit for each region, driving truly inclusive growth.

• Koshi: High-value crops, supporting agricultural modernization and premium produce markets.
• Madhesh: Agro value chain, religious tourism, and cultural enterprises, promoting local heritage and agricultural efficiency.
• Bagmati: Digital innovation and green entrepreneurship, focusing on technology-driven and environmentally sustainable solutions.
• Gandaki: Community homestay and tourism, boosting local economies through sustainable travel.
• Lumbini: Agro value chain, with an added focus on religious tourism and cultural enterprises, leveraging its unique historical and economic strengths.
• Karnali: Mountain enterprises, beekeeping, bamboo, and herbal businesses, capitalizing on the region’s distinct natural resources and challenging terrain.
• Sudurpaschim: Rural tourism and livestock entrepreneurship, empowering communities in the far-western region through local business development.

This targeted strategy showcases Nabil SSE’s sophisticated understanding of Nepal’s regional economies and its determination to address specific regional disparities.

A Force for Inclusive Job Creation and Sustainable Development

The Nabil SSE initiative transcends mere training; it acts as a critical engine for inclusive job creation and sustainable economic activity. The bank proudly highlighted that the program has been a catalyst in helping to create over 17,000 jobs nationwide. This staggering number underscores the direct, measurable impact of social entrepreneurship on reducing unemployment and fostering economic opportunity, particularly in areas that need it most.

As a cornerstone of Nabil Bank’s wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, the Nabil SSE is an essential part of a broader commitment to sustainable banking. The bank’s CSR priorities span a variety of critical social issues, including:

• Financial Literacy
• Entrepreneurship Development
• Health and Education
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Climate Change Adaptation

By supporting social entrepreneurs, Nabil Bank is creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where commercial success is intrinsically linked to positive social and environmental outcomes. The partnership with Tribhuvan University and other institutions further solidifies a collaborative model that brings together academia and the corporate sector to drive real-world change.

For interested applicants, the path to becoming a social change-maker begins now. Applications are open and can be conveniently submitted through the official Nabil Bank website or via the Nabil SSE’s social media pages. This is an unprecedented opportunity for individuals with a passion for innovation and a commitment to society to transform their ideas into enterprises that drive inclusive growth and empower communities across Nepal.

For More: Nabil SSE Cohort