Keerthana Vangapally

29-year-old Keerthana Vangapally’s journey as a social entrepreneur began with a deeply personal experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she fell seriously ill. Her family turned to traditional millet-based recipes to aid her recovery, and the impact was profound. This experience sparked an idea: what if more people had access to nutritious, preservative-free food options made from millets?

With a vision to promote healthy eating and preserve traditional food habits, Keerthana launched 9NUTZ Millets Private Limited, a company dedicated to producing millet-based snacks. Her goal was simple yet powerful—to provide healthier food choices for young people, who are the future leaders of tomorrow.

What started as an idea is now a thriving enterprise with 25 employees, 23 of whom are women. Many of these women were previously unemployed, but through Keerthana’s training and employment opportunities, they have gained financial independence and confidence. Her social impact extends beyond her company, as she collaborates with tribal women and self-help groups to source organic raw materials, ensuring that her supply chain is both ethical and sustainable.

Keerthana’s commitment to empowering women and fostering healthy eating habits has made a lasting impact. She specifically targets students from schools and colleges, hoping to instill better dietary habits among young people.

However, her journey wasn’t without challenges. Securing funding and navigating the complexities of business documentation initially proved difficult. That’s when she connected with YBI’s Indian member, Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST). With BYST’s mentorship, financial support, and assistance in loan documentation, she was able to successfully secure funding for her venture. Their guidance helped her navigate the loan disbursement process smoothly, ensuring she could focus on growing her business.

“Earlier, I faced challenges in every aspect of establishing my business, especially with loan disbursement. BYST helped me understand the entire process, from documentation to final approval. Today, I can confidently handle financial paperwork on my own. Thanks to BYST, I was able to turn my vision into reality.”

Through 9NUTZ Millets Private Limited, Keerthana is not just offering healthier snack alternatives; she is creating livelihood opportunities for women and championing a future where healthy choices shape a healthier nation.

Keerthana is the winner of YBI’s Social Entrepreneurship Award 2024 and was a finalist in YBI’s Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024.