Neichute Doulo: A Visionary Leader in Entrepreneurship and Social Change
Neichute Doulo, a pioneering social entrepreneur from Nagaland, has dedicated his life to reshaping the economic landscape of India’s North-eastern region. As the founding CEO of Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) since 2000, Doulo has been instrumental in promoting entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to government jobs, which have traditionally been viewed as the pinnacle of career success in Nagaland. Through grassroots campaigns in schools, churches, and communities, he has challenged societal norms and made entrepreneurship both accessible and aspirational.
Building Sustainable Livelihoods
Under Doulo’s leadership, tEA has empowered over 18,000 individuals through financial services for small and micro enterprises. The organization also works with 27,000 farmers and 6,500 women street vendors, fostering sustainable livelihoods by commercializing crops, developing micro-orchards, and promoting livestock farming. One of its flagship initiatives is the Trees for Wealth movement launched in 2019, which aims to plant one billion fruit trees to enhance income generation for rural communities. So far, tEA has planted over 700,000 fruit trees and established micro-nurseries to support this vision.
Innovative Financial Models
Doulo’s approach to entrepreneurship includes innovative financial solutions. As Managing Director of Ganpati Stock Ltd., an NBFC providing SME finance to first-generation entrepreneurs in Nagaland and Manipur, he has championed financial inclusion. Additionally, tEA operates as a cooperative organization for microfinance activities, ensuring long-term sustainability while maintaining its non-profit ethos.Neichute Doulo managed to raise funds for Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) without relying on government support by adopting innovative and community-driven approaches:
Crowd-Funding and Citizen Investments
Doulo and his founding team initiated door-to-door fundraising campaigns to gather resources. Each of the 16 founding members contributed ₹500 per month, which later increased by ₹100 to hire an office assistant. This grassroots funding model laid the foundation for tEA’s operations, demonstrating that entrepreneurship could thrive without external dependency.
Avoiding Government and Foreign Aid
Despite the availability of foreign funds under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and generous government funding offers as early as 2003-04, Doulo declined these options. He believed in fostering independence and self-reliance, choosing instead to rely on internal resources and community contributions. This decision was crucial in proving that tEA could sustain itself without subsidies or donations.
Microfinance Model
Recognizing the challenges faced by first-generation entrepreneurs in accessing bank loans, Doulo developed a hybrid financial model. tEA established itself as a cooperative organization for microfinance activities and later as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) for SME financing. This approach allowed tEA to provide financial support to entrepreneurs while ensuring long-term sustainability.Through these strategies, Neichute Doulo not only raised funds but also built a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nagaland, inspiring thousands of first-generation entrepreneurs.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
Doulo’s advocacy extends beyond grassroots efforts. He serves on national platforms such as NITI Aayog’s Standing Committee for Livelihood and Financial Inclusion and is a Grade A National Resource Person for the National Rural Livelihood Mission. His contributions have influenced policy discussions on entrepreneurship and self-employment at regional, national, and global levels.
Awards and Recognition
Neichute Doulo’s ground-breaking work has earned him numerous accolades:
- Social Entrepreneur of the Year – India (2016) by the Schwab Foundation.
- Schwab Fellowship (2017) for visionary contributions to improving global conditions.
- Naga Mothers Association Award (2003) for dedication to entrepreneurship development.
- North East Telegraph Award (2017) for driving growth in the North-eastern region.
- Lifetime Member of the prestigious Ashoka Fellow, Ashoka Innovators for thePublic, Washington D.C. USAfor distinguished social entrepreneurship. Neichute Doulo was recognized for his unique solution of building peaceand community through the promotion of Entrepreneurship.
- Naga Mothers Association Award in 2003for entrepreneurship development inNagaland. The award was given in appreciation and gratitude for his dedicationto the service of the people in the field.
- Chakhesang Youth Front Award 2006for distinguished contribution indeveloping entrepreneurial spirit and creating employment opportunities for theyouth.
- Social Entrepreneur of the Year – India 2016awarded by Schwab Foundation,sister organization of the World Economic Forum and Jubilant Bhartia Group torecognize its path-breaking and innovative work in the field of promotingentrepreneurship in the North east region.
- Schwab Fellowship 2017awarded by the Schwab Foundation in recognition ofhis ‘visionary, pragmatic and courageous contributions to significantly improvethe state of the world.’
- North East Telegraph Award 2017for the dedication to use vision, creativity,business acumen and innovation to lead North East Region towards growth anddevelopment.
- Patkai Christian College Alumni Excellence Award 2023
Professional Positions held and Academic Achievements
Chief Executive Officer, TheEntrepreneurs Associates (tEA)
Managing Director, EATACOL
Provides management leadership as the first Managing Director for The Nagaland State Entrepreneurs Associates Thrift &Credit Cooperatives Federation Limited, an apex state Level organization in developing thrift and credit culture among rural areas and semi urban areas of Nagaland and developing SMEs, Livelihoods both in rural and semi-rural areas. August 2010 till date
Managing Director, Ganpati Stock Ltd.
Serves as the Managing Director of Ganpati Stock Ltd., a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) providing Small and Micro Enterprise (SME) finance to First Generation Entrepreneurs in Nagaland and Manipur states. May 2013 till date
Visiting Lecturerfor Economics and Business at KwathooleeRefugee College, Maesot; Thailand
Taught basic economics and business to undergraduate displaced refugee students at the Karenese Refugee Camp. 2000-2006
Research Assistant, Canadian International Development Agency
Conducted detailed field visits and research to study the traditional ‘Alder Nepalisis,’ a nitrogen fixing tree, on its intensive use on JhumFields in Nagaland and the pollarding techniques of tribal Communities.June 2000 to October 2000
Lecturer, Baptist College Kohima
Served as a Lecturer in Economics for the premier Baptist College in Kohima Nagaland
Other Experiences
Nagaland State Chapter Chairman for Confederation of Indian IndustriesCII, for the tenure2016 – 2017
Youth & Student Body President(1990 to 1997): Provided Leadership toa number of youth and student bodies as Chairman and President inNagaland
Motivational speaker on Self Employment and Entrepreneurship:Spoken at the State and National Level gatherings on Self Employment andEntrepreneurship among youth and policy makers. Have also spoken in premierBusiness Schools like XLRI, Jamshedpur, Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad,IIT, Guwahati, IIM Kolkotta, etc. in the country and outside as well.
Board Member of Various Organizations:As a social entrepreneur, helped developed a number of developmental agenciesand institutions both in the state of Nagaland and in other parts of North East Indialike Nagaland Development Organization (NBCC), Dimapur, Foundation for SocialTransformation, Guwahati, Indian Mountain Initiative, Centre For North East Studiesand Policy Research, New Delhi, etc.
Despite these successes, Neichute Doulo acknowledges persistent challenges. Entrepreneurship in Nagaland is often seen as a fall back option rather than a first choice. He emphasizes the need for smart individuals to embrace business ventures and shift their focus from government dependency to market-driven opportunities. His vision includes developing tens of thousands of first-generation entrepreneurs across the North-eastern region to drive sustainable development.
Legacy of Inspiration
Through his motivational speeches at premier institutions like XLRI Jamshedpur and IIM Kolkata, Neichute Doulo continues to inspire youth and policymakers alike. His relentless efforts have not only made entrepreneurship fashionable but have also laid the foundation for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nagaland and beyond.
He exemplifies how visionary leadership can transform societies by fostering independence, innovation, and sustainable growth. His work serves as a beacon of hope for economic empowerment in India’s North-eastern region.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
1997- M.A. in Economics, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Shillong, Meghalaya
1995- B.A (Hons) in Economics, (NEHU) St. Anthony’s College,
Shillong, Meghalaya
1994- Bachelor of Arts, NEHU, Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima, Seithekiema, Dimapur, Nagaland
1990- High School Leaving Certificate, Nagaland Board of School Education, High School, Thetsumi, PhekDistrict,Nagaland
PERSONAL INFO
Date of Birth: 26th March 1974
Marital Status: Married
Languages Spoken: English, Nagamese, Tenyidie and 3 other dialects.
