As part of the ongoing SAFE Forest Ecopreneur Incubation Program, 16 early-stage entrepreneurs participated in a 4-day immersive field trip to Mountain Hazelnuts (MH) – Bhutan’s leading forest-based agribusiness. This visit was designed as a critical experiential learning opportunity, offering participants direct exposure to sustainable enterprise practices, community engagement strategies, and alternative financing models within the Bhutanese context.
The experience allowed participants to explore how MH operates at scale while staying rooted in community values and ecological responsibility. From interactive sessions with company leaders to real-time observations in rural villages, the trip was an eye-opening journey into what it takes to build a socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable business in Bhutan.
Key Highlights
Expert Sessions with MH Leadership
The field trip began with a series of expert-led sessions hosted at MH’s headquarters.
In the Community Engagement session, MH’s Field Operations Head shared the company’s approach to working with thousands of rural hazelnut growers across the country. Discussions covered adoption challenges, collaboration with local government, and the use of mobile-based tools for data collection and monitoring. A strong emphasis was placed on building long-term trust with growers and creating shared value.
The Impact Financing & Fundraising session, led by MH’s CEO, Dr. Sean Watson, offered rare insights into the company’s experience securing funding from development finance institutions (e.g., ADB, UN), impact investors, and philanthropic partners. Entrepreneurs learned how aligning funding sources with mission and impact metrics can strengthen investor confidence and drive long-term growth.
Participants were taken on an in-depth tour of MH’s headquarters in Lingmethang. They met with various departments and learned about the company’s operational model, which prioritizes:
- Strategic hiring to match growth phases
2. Keeping capital expenditure (CapEx) low in the early stages
3. The pursuit of international certifications like ISO and Rainforest Alliance to access global markets and strengthen incentives for growers
4. The vital role of MH’s field staff in maintaining strong relationships with communities
Field Visits to Grower Communities
The second day of the trip took participants into the field, where they visited MH’s grower communities in Ngatshang. Here, participants had the chance to interact directly with farmers and observe the long-term impacts of MH’s community-based model.
Farmers shared stories of how their livelihoods had changed since joining MH-citing improvements in income, access to support, and a sense of partnership with the enterprise. Entrepreneurs observed how MH works collaboratively with growers to solve problems, improve yields, and build a shared vision of sustainable success.
The day ended with a reflection dinner, where participants and facilitators came together to share their takeaways, offer feedback, and connect over shared experiences.
Strengthening Peer Connection and Entrepreneurial Commitment
Beyond technical learning, the field trip served as a valuable space for peer engagement and community building within the cohort. Interactive games, group discussions, and informal conversations created a supportive environment for participants to bond, exchange ideas, and reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys.
The field experience also allowed the SAFE program team to connect with participants in person-addressing individual concerns, reaffirming program goals, and encouraging more active participation in the incubation process moving forward.
Many participants returned with renewed energy, inspiration, and clarity about their venture goals, having seen firsthand how a mission-driven enterprise like Mountain Hazelnuts can scale impact without compromising values.
Reinforcing the SAFE Program Vision
This field trip served as a practical extension of the SAFE Incubation Program’s key pillars:
- Ethical entrepreneurship rooted in purpose and sustainability
2. Community-led innovation that empowers local stakeholders
3. Scalable impact that balances environmental protection with economic opportunity
By learning from one of Bhutan’s most impactful social enterprises, participants walked away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to build meaningful, lasting change; both within their ventures and the communities they serve.
