Improving Livelihoods and Earnings of Village-Level Entrepreneurs
10x Impact Labs partnered with Jan Sahas on a rapid 0-to-1 Product innovation sprint to improve the livelihoods of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) operating Common Service Centres (CSCs) across Uttar Pradesh. Through extensive field research, user interviews, journey mapping, and solution testing, we explored the challenges faced by VLEs in delivering government services to rural communities while sustaining viable incomes. Using a human-centred design approach, the team identified and validated 10 key pain points, generated multiple solution concepts, and co-designed two high-potential interventions with entrepreneurs and end-users. The engagement culminated in the development and design of two solutions: Mobile VLEs, enabling entrepreneurs to serve multiple villages and significantly increase earning potential, and Meri Yojanaen Cards, designed to increase citizen awareness and footfall at CSCs. The project generated actionable evidence that informed Jan Sahas' decision to invest in further piloting and scaling these innovations to strengthen both entrepreneur livelihoods and access to government services in rural India.
Partner
Services
Problems validated
Solutions ideated
States influenced
VLEs delivering G2C services in Uttar Pradesh faced friction across discovery, transactions and payouts, limiting both their earnings and citizens' access to government services.
2 consultants ran a user-centric sprint: 30 in-depth interviews (20 VLEs + 10 officials), 2 FGDs with 16 participants, co-design workshops, prototyping of the most viable solution, and a pilot program design.
10 validated problems, 8 solution ideas, 2 co-designed with users, 1 prototype, a pilot program design, and an investment thesis input for Jan Sahas.
Insights contributed to one new potential investment decision for Jan Sahas and improvement recommendations for an existing program running in 12+ states, strengthening livelihoods and G2C service delivery for VLEs.