Crafts Business Accelerator Program 2026
AIM OF THE PROGRAM
The Crafts Business Accelerator Program 2026 is a focused initiative aimed at enhancing the business and entrepreneurial capabilities of early-stage craft entrepreneurs. The program provides structured guidance and mentoring from faculty members, industry experts, and sector leaders to build a strong, supportive ecosystem for the crafts sector at national and international levels.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD) seeks to strengthen India’s craft ecosystem by combining design, business, and social impact. While traditional design education in India emphasizes skill development, design innovation, and technology, it often lacks structured support for starting and scaling craft- or design-based enterprises.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs—including artisans, young designers, recent graduates, and homemakers—possess strong ideas and quality products but struggle due to limited business knowledge, financial literacy, mentorship, and market access. The Crafts Business Accelerator Program addresses these challenges through a structured, practice-oriented accelerator model.
Designed for early-stage craft enterprises, the program is delivered through a hybrid learning format across three modules, integrating online sessions with on-campus learning and immersion-based experiences. The program equips participants with essential business tools, strategic insight, and ecosystem access to gain a competitive edge while ensuring sustainability and social impact.
PROGRAM DURATION
- Total Duration: 28 structured sessions (Offline and Online) spread over four months
- Mentorship Duration: Three months of one-on-one mentorship support
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Crafts Business Accelerator Program follows a hybrid structure, combining online learning with in-person learning and field immersions.
PROGRAM FORMAT
- Weekly online sessions (6 hours per week)
- 2 days on-campus induction programme at IICD Jaipur
- 2 days mid-program academic engagement at IIM Udaipur
- 2 days concluding immersion programme at IICD Jaipur
- Continuous one-on-one mentorship throughout the programme
PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH
- Hybrid learning model
- Expert-led sessions
- Hands-on workshops
- Field visits and market exposure
- Individual mentorship
The programme is designed to provide participants with actionable learning, real-world exposure, and strategic guidance to build sustainable and scalable craft enterprises.
SEATS
Maximum intake of 25 participants
ELIGIBILITY
- Early-stage entrepreneurs operating businesses in the craft sector
- Applicants aspiring to create positive social and community impact through craft-based enterprises
- Special emphasis on women entrepreneurs and artisan-led enterprises
- Working knowledge of English is required
EVALUATION
The evaluation of the proposal will be done by a selection committee on the basis of the following evaluation criteria;
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Within this category, we will evaluate the distinctive qualities of the product and its range, as well as the depth of expertise within the craft domain. Additionally, any notable interventions related to the product or range will be considered during the assessment.
- Sustainability and social impact
- Strength and viability of the business
- Founders and team profile
In this section, we will delve into the sustainability and social impact aspects of the applicants' craft businesses. This evaluation will include an examination of the strategies and practices in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business. Additionally, we will assess how the business contributes to social impact within its community or target audience, taking into consideration factors such as job creation, local empowerment, and environmental responsibility.
Under this category, the evaluation will focus on the overall strength and viability of the applicants' craft-based businesses. This assessment will consider various factors, including the business's financial stability, growth potential, market positioning, and competitive advantage. We will analyze how well the business is positioned to thrive in the long term and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and challenges. This assessment aims to gauge the overall robustness of the business and its potential for sustained success.
In this section, we will assess the founders and the team behind the craft business. This evaluation will consider the qualifications, experience, and expertise of the founders and key team members. We will also look at their roles and responsibilities within the business, as well as their ability to collaborate and drive the venture forward. The founders' and team members' profiles will play a crucial role in determining the strength and potential of the business, as they are often the driving force behind its success.
Applications that score below 50% will not undergo further evaluation. Applicants achieving a score of 50% or higher will be invited for a personal interview.
PROGRAM FEE
The program fee is ₹50,000 for craft-based entrepreneurs and ₹15,000 for artisan entrepreneurs payable as a one-time payment at the start of the program. Detailed instructions for fee payment will be provided by the management.
Please note, the fee is non-refundable if a participant chooses to leave the program early or if the management decides to discontinue a participant's enrolment.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The one-time non-refundable application fee is ₹500. Individuals interested in applying should complete the application form accessible on the IICD website.