HUL, Genpact Launch Accelerator To Scale Minority-owned Businesses In India

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and Genpact on Monday launched an accelerator program to help scale businesses owned by minority and underrepresented groups in India.

The program ‘Be.Seen’ has been launched to enable minority businesses to be absorbed into the supply chains of large consumer goods companies including HUL.

The pilot phase of the program is expected to enable shortlisted business owners to develop critical behavioral and technical skills over a period of six months, including advancing business and growth plans, pitching to investors, as well as fundraising activities.

Be.Seen is being implemented by social impact research and advisory firm Sattva, which is providing essential training and mentorship, including access to networks, knowledge, and resources to enterprises owned by under-represented and minority groups including women, persons with disabilities, members of scheduled castes or tribes, and transgender communities.

HUL, Genpact and Sattva will accept applications from businesses that are 51 per cent or more owned, managed, or controlled by members of diverse groups, and are certified by an approved certification body or who self-declare as diverse businesses. 

“Be.Seen aims to create opportunities for diverse and underrepresented businesses to grow and become supply-chain-ready. Diversity in supply chains is a competitive advantage for any business and widens economic and social impact,” said Ansu Archana, Procurement Director, Beauty & Wellbeing, Hindustan Unilever Limited. 

The companies will bring forward their top leaders with deep domain expertise to hold virtual masterclasses, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and expert-led workshops across key areas such as finance, supply chain management, sales and marketing, communication, business development, digital transformation and more. 

“HUL’s partnership with Genpact will support minority-owned businesses while helping HUL advance towards its commitment of spending Rs 2,000 crore annually with diverse businesses by 2025,” added Archana.