We have an entrepreneur in each one of us, but not all of us find the right outlet or tools to nurture and nourish that zeal. To bridge this gap, Facebook and DEF have collaboratively launched, Digital Outreach and Skills Training (DOST) programme. The project that aims to instill digital marketing skills in 50,000 micro and nano entrepreneurs across five Indian tribal states — Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha, is undergoing construction and will be deployed very soon. Digital Hunar Awards will serve as the end of the line, sweet reward that these entrepreneurs will stand eligible for, once having completed the training.
The objective of the awards is to recognise the micro and nano enterprises that have shown excellence in adopting social media tools, especially Facebook, for better outreach and visibility of their products or services. Winners will receive Rs 50,000 and a tablet each, while runners-up will be awarded Rs 25,000 and a smartphone. DEF is now accepting applications until September 30. Interested candidates may fill the form in English, Hindi or Odiya. It is crucial to instill encouragement and provide foundational strength in ideas that stand out but fail to stand alone for long, due to lack of resources or the right support system. Hopefully, Facebook Dost and the Hunar Awards will set a different trajectory, one DEF hopes to strengthen regularly.