Homepreneur Awards (Suyasakthi Virudhugal), first of its kind in India has been instituted by Brand Avatar (a branding and event management company) to provide a platform to recognize and celebrate the women who have chosen to pursue their passion through entrepreneurship from home. The awards are to be given under various categories and including anything from baking cakes at home, tutoring, freelancing to selling products. HOMEPRENEUR TO ENTREPRENEUR – Mentorship and Investment As a part of this unique programme, few of the applicants will be selected for investment from an angel investment foundation “NATIVE LEAD FOUNDATION”, who will facilitate the expansion of their business by mentorship and investment. The applicant will be selected based on their feasibility and scalability of their business and the leadership ability. Highlights : Thousands of valid nominations received from Tamil Nadu ( Offline and Online ) 800 Nominations were shortlisted in 12 categories 150 women enterpreneurs were called for interview 50+ women are going to shortlist for the coveted awards Opportunity for Women enterpreneur to get investments and mentorship support Criteria for selection : • Uniqueness of the business idea • Social impact created • Business Challenges • Scaleability • Family Impact • Progress & Revenue Eminent and Experienced JURY MEMBERS The jury comprising eminent women from diverse domains will short list and select the winners of the awards under each category. Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Pro Chancellor, Sathyabama University; Ms. Veena Kumaravel, Founder, Naturals Salon; Ms. Poornima Ramasamy, National Award Winning Costume Designer & Stylist cum Entrepreneur; Ms. Rohini Manian, CEO of Global Adjustments Services & Editor in Chief, Culturama Living; Ms. Dhivyadharshini, Renowned Celebrity Anchor, Ms. Aruna Subramaniam, Trustee Bhoomika Trust; Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, AVTAR Career Creators & FLEXI Careers India; Ms. Hema Rukmani, CEO of Thenandal Entertainment and Ms. Nalina Ramalakshmi, Founder, Parent Circle Magazine, are on the Jury panel. Mr. Hemachandran, Founder CEO of Brand Avatar, a company delivering fully integrated branding & marketing communications program, said "HOMEPRENEURS is an untapped talent pool who have innovated in setting up their business in home, there could be some new ideas unearthed. Our Angel Investors and Investment Partners like Native Lead providing mentorship and investment will give a huge boost in encouraging more women to take the leap to entrepreneurship". Mr. C.K. Kumaravel, Co-Founder of Naturals, opined "this platform is a necessary one in recognizing women who are pursuing business, it will give the much-needed encouragement for women to pursue entrepreneurship and become financially independent. I was saddened by the fact that marriage among other reasons is bringing the careers and dreams of women to a grinding halt, we are certain that this platform will recognize those who did not go along the wind and will also provide the encouragement for other women not to give up on their dreams." SPONSORS Homepreneur Awards is supported by organizations that believe in woman empowerment through their business activities and model: Naturals Salon (Title Sponsor); Powered by Sathyabama University; GRT Jewellers (Co-Sponsor); and Thyrocare, Sakthi Masala & Lakshmi Vilas Bank (Associate Sponsors).