cma
About The Program
ChangeMaker Academy (CMA) is a structured entrepreneurship program designed for aspiring young entrepreneurs. Over 6–8 months, participants engage in expert-led workshops, self-paced learning, and hands-on field exposure to build sustainable and scalable enterprises
Through this program you will:
- Develop entrepreneurial/business skills to turn ideas into action
- Build confidence to start and run your own enterprise
- Work on real-world business challenges with mentor support
- Learn by doing through real-world projects and mentorship
- Grow as a changemaker ready to lead the future of business and society
PROGRAM DETAILS & APPLICATION CRITERIA
ChangeMaker Academy (CMA) is a 6–8 month guided entrepreneurship journey for young Change Makers who want to build income-generating, purpose-driven businesses
- Entrepreneurial skills: ideation, business modeling, pitching, and fundraising
- Leadership skills and self-confidence
- Exposure to sustainable business practices aligned with UN SDGs
- One-on-one business mentorship during and after the program
- 1 Young individuals (20–35 years) aspiring to start a business
- Individuals with a business idea (even at an early stage)
- Passionate about solving real-world problems through enterprise
- Minimum qualification: 12th pass
- Basic digital and financial literacy
- Willingness to attend all sessions (online/offline)
- Submit a short online application
- Attend a one-on-one interaction to assess readiness
- Selected applicants are onboarded into the CMA journey
GETTING STARTED
At CMA, we believe that every Change Maker has a story, a spark, and a sense of purpose. In the initial phase of the program, participants engage in a deep self-discovery process. This includes:
- Discover your “why” and personal values
- Explore India’s key social challenges through field exposure
- Understand SDGs and align them with your business idea
- Transform ideas into clear, actionable business goals
You don’t need to arrive with a polished plan – just curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn.
FINALISING GOALS
We will work with you to set goals that define success for you and your business
MEASURING SUCCESS
At the end of the program, you will be ready to set up your own business which impacts a Sustainable Development Goal
NETWORKING FOR GROWTH
Mentors will guide you during and after the program to ensure the future success of your business
VISION
To empower young people to become entrepreneurs and leaders who create sustainable, inclusive, and impactful change in their communities.
MISSION
To equip aspiring changemakers with entrepreneurial skills, leadership capabilities, and sustainable practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
CMA VIDEOS
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PICTURE GALLERY
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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
From Sansailo village in Odisha, Mamina Mohanta grew up as the eldest of four daughters, walking 7 km daily to school with
her father’s dream of seeing her become a teacher. After marriage in 2021, she moved to Jajapur, balancing motherhood and household responsibilities, yet felt her own dreams slipping away. That changed when she discovered ChangeMaker Academy (CMA). Mamina nurtured her entrepreneurial dream of starting a food stall. Through CMA, she gained business skills, confidence, and mentorship that helped her launch her enterprise- Didi’s Cafe . Today, she inspires young women in her village, proving courage and consistency can transform lives. Her message: “Step outside, and the world will guide you forward.”
Mamina Mohanta 
From Sansailo village in Odisha, Mamina Mohanta grew up as the eldest of four daughters, walking 7 km daily to school with
her father’s dream of seeing her become a teacher. After marriage in 2021, she moved to Jajapur, balancing motherhood and household responsibilities, yet felt her own dreams slipping away. That changed when she discovered ChangeMaker Academy (CMA). Mamina nurtured her entrepreneurial dream of starting a food stall. Through CMA, she gained business skills, confidence, and mentorship that helped her launch her enterprise- Didi’s Cafe . Today, she inspires young women in her village, proving courage and consistency can transform lives. Her message: “Step outside, and the world will guide you forward.”
Mamina Mohanta
From Sansailo village in Odisha, Mamina Mohanta grew up as the eldest of four daughters, walking 7 km daily to school with
her father’s dream of seeing her become a teacher. After marriage in 2021, she moved to Jajapur, balancing motherhood and household responsibilities, yet felt her own dreams slipping away. That changed when she discovered ChangeMaker Academy (CMA). Mamina nurtured her entrepreneurial dream of starting a food stall. Through CMA, she gained business skills, confidence, and mentorship that helped her launch her enterprise- Didi’s Cafe . Today, she inspires young women in her village, proving courage and consistency can transform lives. Her message: “Step outside, and the world will guide you forward.”
Mamina Mohanta
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ELIGIBILITY:
Young individuals with a passion for entrepreneurship and community leadership
No prior experience is required; someone who has a business idea, even tentative one can apply
APPLICATION:
Fill out the application form online. Selected applicants will be connected
After applying, there will be a counselling process to assess your passion and readiness for the program.
PROGRAM:
The program runs for 6-8 months, combining theoretical lessons with practical experiences.
You will get access to mentors, resources, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
This is a hybrid program with in-person classes and self-paced learning modules.
Nominal
CMA offers modules on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building for sustainable businesses
OUTCOMES:
You’ll have the skills to launch a business, leadership abilities, and connections to scale your ideas.
ELIGIBILITY:
Experienced entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community leaders are encouraged to mentor participants.
APPLICATION:
Apply through the website or contact the team for details.
PROGRAM:
Mentors provide guidance, help participants refine and finalize their ideas, and support them throughout their journey.
Mentors are expected to dedicate time for regular meetings and provide ongoing support.
OUTCOMES:
You’ll contribute to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, foster community leadership, and be recognized with a volunteering certificate.
ELIGIBILITY:
Organizations and individuals passionate about supporting young entrepreneurs with a commitment to impacting SDGs and community leadership.
APPLICATION:
Reach out through the website or email to discuss potential collaborations or funding opportunities.
PROGRAM:
Partners can support through funding, providing resources, offering mentorship, or collaborating on specific projects.
NEWS & EVENTS
Young changemakers came together for an engaging offline session on Sustainable Business. Led by an expert from IIT Delhi, the session explored how to make business ideas not just profitable — but truly sustainable for people and the planet. From real-world examples to interactive reflections, participants walked away with fresh tools, clarity, and inspiration to build ventures that drive both impact and income. This shows that CMA is truly committed to creating sustainable entrepreneurs — those who think financially, socially, and ecologically, and strive to add value to the community and society they live in.
As part of their ChangeMaker Academy (CMA) journey, students from Pirangut, Duburi, Civil Lines, and MDK centers recently went on Enterprise Visits — with one shared purpose: to learn how real businesses work and create impact. This visit is an integral part of the CMA program, giving our aspiring young entrepreneurs a firsthand look at sustainable practices, business operations, and the values that drive successful enterprises. Why
it matters for our young Change Makers. They understand how ideas turn into action. They see the power of purpose-driven enterprises. They connect classroom learning with real-world challenges. They get inspired to build something of their own! This experience is not just a visit — it’s a spark. And every spark counts when you’re lighting the path to change.
CONTACT US
NIIT Foundation
8, Balaji Estate Kalkaji
New Delhi -110019
Contact No: 011-45512650
Email: cma@niitfoundation.org
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