Asha Rajendran
Kollam
Summary
Experienced development sector professional with 16 years in rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and youth employability. Managed multi-location programs, built partnerships with government and private stakeholders, and strengthened rural enterprise ecosystems. Specialized in NRLM/SRLM structures and executing youth skilling initiatives for sustainable livelihood outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Project Manager
IMAGO Global Grassroots India Pvt. Ltd.
Madhya Pradesh
08.2024 - Current
- Currently managing 10+ women-led agro-processing centres across multiple locations, generating ₹2+ crore annual revenue.
- Led planning, implementation, and monitoring of SHG-led agro-processing and livelihood value chain initiatives, enhancing community livelihoods.
- Managed operations of community processing centres, overseeing production planning, coordinating supply chain, tracking sales, and monitoring financial performance.
- Design and deliver capacity-building programmes for SHGs, centre teams, and rural entrepreneurs.
- Strengthened partnerships with State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), local government bodies, and market stakeholders, fostering collaborative community engagement.
- Led programme documentation and impact reporting, developing operational guidelines that ensured effective programme execution.
Project Head – Swavalamban Connect Kendra (SIDBI Project)
Access Livelihoods Consultancy India Ltd.
Madhya Pradesh
10.2023 - 07.2024
- Led end-to-end implementation of SIDBI-supported livelihood resource centres focused on enterprise development and financial inclusion.
- Managed a 50-member multi-location team, ensuring achievement of programme milestones.
- Coordinated with financial institutions, government departments, and ecosystem partners to strengthen collaboration and optimize resource sharing.
- Oversaw MIS, reporting, and monitoring systems, ensuring performance reviews were accurate and informed decision-making.
- Supported entrepreneurs through business development services and financial linkages, fostering enterprise incubation and growth.
Business Consultant / Small Business Support Manager / Feasibility Analyst
Karuna–Shechen India
Bihar
07.2022 - 09.2023
- Implemented enterprise development and skill training programmes for rural youth and women, fostering sustainable economic growth.
- Boosted small business revenue by providing targeted support and resources.
- Secured credit linkages and provided comprehensive business planning support.
- Led feasibility studies to establish vocational training and employability centres, enhancing local workforce skills.
- Delivered cash crop training programmes, including mushroom and strawberry cultivation, to enhance farmer income diversification.
Program Coordinator – HDFC Bank Parivartan Programme
Krishi Gram Vikas Kendra (KGVK)
Jharkhand
04.2021 - 03.2022
- Coordinated 50+ training programmes on agriculture and high-value crops, enhancing participant knowledge and skills for improved farming practices.
- Strengthened youth employability and increased farmer capacity through targeted capacity-building initiatives, contributing to sustainable livelihoods.
- Managed agriculture and livelihood development projects to meet donor objectives and enhance community resilience.
- Collaborated with NGOs under HDFC Parivartan to implement programmes that support community development and resource access.
Block Anchor Person – SVEP (NRLM)
JSLPS / Kudumbashree NRO
Jharkhand
10.2017 - 03.2021
- Led implementation of Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) at block level, enhancing local entrepreneurship initiatives.
- Strengthened rural enterprise ecosystems through targeted mentoring and training, fostering sustainable business growth.
- Collaborated with NRLM institutions, SHGs, and government stakeholders to align program objectives and enhance community engagement.
Mentor – Micro Enterprise Development
MSRLM / Kudumbashree NRO
Maharashtra
12.2014 - 09.2017
- Facilitated entrepreneurship development programmes that fostered new business ventures and stimulated local economic growth.
- Supported entrepreneurs in business planning, training, and market linkage, enhancing business viability.
- Built and mentored network of 47 micro enterprise consultants to strengthen their capacity in supporting local businesses.
Micro Enterprise Consultant
Kudumbashree Mission
Kerala
01.2010 - 10.2014
- Conducted feasibility studies and facilitated market linkages, increasing access to resources for local businesses.
- Enhanced economic empowerment for women through targeted enterprise development initiatives that increased participation in local economies.
- Advocated for women-led micro enterprises and self-help groups, boosting local economic resilience and community engagement.
Education
MA - Rural Development
IGNOU University
New DelhiDiploma in Entrepreneurship & Business Management (DEBM) -
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)
AhmedabadBachelor of Commerce - Co-operation
Kerala University
ThiruvanathapuramSkills
- Project Management
- Programme leadership
- Budget management
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Partnership development
- Team leadership
- Community Development
- Youth entrepreneurship
- Diversity Initiatives
Certification
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) Trainer Training – NIESBUD
- TEAM (Training for Entrepreneurship & Administration Management) – Kudumbashree
Accomplishments
- Supported establishment of 5000+ micro enterprises under NRLM ecosystem programmes.
- Strengthened 67+ Micro Enterprise Consultants across Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
- Established 4 vocational training centres in Bihar and Jharkhand.
- Led establishment of 25 Swavalamban Connect Kendras (SIDBI project).
- Set up 7+ agro-processing value chain centres, generating strong revenue outcomes.
- Facilitated creation of 250+ small businesses through enterprise support programmes.
Timeline
Project Manager
IMAGO Global Grassroots India Pvt. Ltd.
08.2024 - Current
Project Head – Swavalamban Connect Kendra (SIDBI Project)
Access Livelihoods Consultancy India Ltd.
10.2023 - 07.2024
Business Consultant / Small Business Support Manager / Feasibility Analyst
Karuna–Shechen India
07.2022 - 09.2023
Program Coordinator – HDFC Bank Parivartan Programme
Krishi Gram Vikas Kendra (KGVK)
04.2021 - 03.2022
Block Anchor Person – SVEP (NRLM)
JSLPS / Kudumbashree NRO
10.2017 - 03.2021
Mentor – Micro Enterprise Development
MSRLM / Kudumbashree NRO
12.2014 - 09.2017
Micro Enterprise Consultant
Kudumbashree Mission
01.2010 - 10.2014
MA - Rural Development
IGNOU University
Diploma in Entrepreneurship & Business Management (DEBM) -
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)
Bachelor of Commerce - Co-operation
Kerala University
Languages
- Hindi
- Malayalam
- Tamil
- Marathi
- English, Working Proficiency
- Hindi, Working Proficiency
- Malayalam, Native
- Tamil, Basic Understanding
- Marathi, Basic Understanding
Awards
- Runner-up – Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Leadership Award (2019)
- Business Plan Competition – IGNOU (2022)
Languages
- Hindi
- Malayalam
- Tamil
- Marathi
- English, Working Proficiency
- Hindi, Working Proficiency
- Malayalam, Native
- Tamil, Basic Understanding
- Marathi, Basic Understanding