Nordic Hub India is a non-profit member organization connecting startups, incubators/accelerators, innovation hubs, government, organizations, investors and industry. Its members are based in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland – and now, India. In 2017, they organized their two inaugural programs;Make IT in India and India Market Entry. Additionally, another program that is in the works is the Smart Village Programme.
Nordic Hub India’s aim is to connect Nordic startups with business opportunities in India. This means that they connect these companies with local companies offering soft landing services which include connecting them with the right government agencies, getting the legal details sorted as well as helping them with the day-to-day running of the company. This includes utilizing the local company’s human resources and accounting departments.
In Goa, it is Nordic Intent, a key stakeholder in Nordic Hub India, that assists with these details. Better Living Projects has connected with Nordic Intent through Nordic Hub India.
Better Living Projects is a Norwegian company that was established in 2016. Its mission is to create skills, employment and living wages for women in rural India. The company’s first project, which has already begun, is to create job opportunities for 30 women in ethical textile production by September 2023.
One of Better Living Projects’ co-founders visited India in 2016 and visited the rural community of Sujata, located close to Bodhgaya in Bihar. Interacting with the villagers over a one month period helped him find women who wanted to become financially independent in the long run.
Therefore, Better Living Projects made the decision to return to Sujata in February-March this year and start their work. They began raising funds in the summer and through crowdfunding as well as private donations, managed to make over 20,000 USD which aided in commencing the project. This project was the set up of a small scale enterprise in the form of a sewing center to make ethically produced tote bags for a start. Later, more products will be added towards making sustainable fashion.
In October this year, Better Living Projects began the project with ten women from Sujata who were already trained in textile production but did not have any way to execute these skills. The tote bags that are produced by these women will be sold in Norway with customized branding. By buying these products, customers will be supporting these Indian women and will help to change their lives for the better.
It is a great business partnership between Norway and India and Nordic Intent is proud to be associated with and assist Better Living Projects with their business needs.