About Sherpa
Sherpa - We take you to the top; to exceed your expectations.
SHERPA
State Holding for Economic Resources Progressive Alliance
Sherpa is an investor guidance system by Overseas Keralites Investment & Holding Ltd (OKIHL), created to help NRIs and returned NRIs invest in Kerala with confidence.
Inspired by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who supported Edmund Percival Hillary in reaching the summit of the Himalayas, Sherpa stands beside investors throughout their journey. The role is to guide, support, and steady the path, so ideas can turn into viable projects.
SHERPA is a trusted platform created to support investments in Kerala. Built in collaboration with local bodies, government agencies, financial institutions, subject experts, and key stakeholders, SHERPA stands beside NRIs and investors, helping them navigate the journey from idea to execution with confidence.
This unique initiative of the Government of Kerala is designed to handhold projects across sectors. From the first conversation to final approvals, SHERPA simplifies processes, removes bottlenecks, and helps investors move forward without unnecessary delays or confusion.
Many investors find that starting a business in a new place can feel overwhelming, not because of lack of opportunity, but due to unfamiliar systems, regulations, and processes. SHERPA exists to make this easier. Instead of navigating a maze alone, investors are supported through a clear, guided path that turns complexity into clarity.
From project planning and financial guidance to coordination with local authorities for approvals, Sherpa acts as a trusted point of support. The goal is straightforward. To help investors bring their plans to life and contribute meaningfully to Kerala's growth.
With access to detailed insights at the municipality and village levels, SHERPA helps shape investments that suit both investor goals and local realities. This creates meaningful partnerships, long-term value, and shared success for investors and communities across Kerala.
With SHERPA, you can
- Align your vision with on-ground realities
- Get connected to the right experts to shape your project
- Access timely approvals through coordinated support with local bodies
- Work closely with KSIDC and other agencies for regulatory clearances
- Connect with financial institutions
- Discover well-researched investment opportunities
Welcome to SHERPA.
Your trusted guide for investing in Kerala.
Sherpa Portal
A reliable, single-source support system for NRKs and other investors to turn their investment plans in Kerala into reality.
Developed by C-Dit with guidance from the Kerala IT Mission, and launched at LKS 2026 by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala, the platform reflects the State's commitment to investor-focused governance.
Powered by AI and smart algorithms, the app is designed to understand investor needs and respond with clarity and speed.
A centralized web portal replaces multiple applications, streamlines workflows, and saves valuable time for investors.
The platform works in close alignment with banks, consultants, K-SWIFT, KSIDC, Kerala Startup Mission, and other key agencies to ensure seamless coordination and support.
Sherpa Lounge
- Sherpa Lounges at every district headquarters, aligned with the Pravasi Mission.
- Sherpa Headquarters to train District Sherpa Agents and conduct periodic evaluations.
- Personal guidance and handholding for NRI investors.
- Coordination with local agencies for approvals. Escalation to Sherpa Headquarters if delayed.
- Guidance for NRKs to use the Sherpa Portal and ensure clear communication.
- Alignment with Sherpa Headquarters and periodic reporting.
Trained District Sherpa Agents
Trained District Sherpa Agents in Norka Pravasi Mission District Offices. Act as face of Sherpa to guide.
These agents act as the primary point of contact at the local level. They are stationed within Pravasi Mission Offices to bridge the gap between complex government policies and the end-user.
The "Face of Sherpa": They provide a human interface for a digital platform, ensuring that users who are not tech-savvy or are unfamiliar with local procedures feel supported.
Localized Assistance: By being present at the District level, they provide guidance that accounts for local regulations and regional nuances.
Role: Their primary duty is to demystify the migration or investment process, acting as a "guide" (much like the mountaineering Sherpas they are named after) through the bureaucratic landscape.
Guidance to use Sherpa Portal
The Sherpa Portal is the centralized digital hub for all services. The agents assist users in navigating this platform.
Registration Support: Helping users create profiles and upload necessary documentation.
Service Tracking: Teaching users how to check the status of their applications or requests in real-time.
Digital Literacy: Providing hands-on demonstrations to ensure the user can eventually manage their own portal account independently.
Facilitation for Finance and Approvals
One of the most critical roles of the Sherpa Agent is assisting with the "hard" requirements of a project or migration.
Financial Liaising: Helping users understand available grants, loan schemes, or subsidies provided by the state or central government for Pravasis (migrants).
Regulatory Approvals: Identifying which licenses or permits are required for a specific venture and assisting with the application process to avoid delays.
Documentation Review: Pre-screening financial and legal documents to ensure they meet the criteria for approval, thereby reducing the rate of rejection.
Escalation to State Level Coordination Officers
Escalation if there are unresolved difficulties to State Level Coordination Officers.
To ensure accountability, the program includes a formal "Escalation Matrix" for issues that cannot be solved at the district level.
Handling Unresolved Difficulties: If a technical glitch, a policy hurdle, or a bureaucratic delay occurs at the District level, the Sherpa Agent is responsible for flagging it.
State-Level Coordination: Issues are escalated to State Level Coordination Officers. These higher-ranking officials have the authority to coordinate between different departments (e.g., Revenue, Labour, Finance) to resolve complex bottlenecks.
Systemic Feedback: This feedback loop helps the government identify if certain "difficulties" are recurring, allowing them to fix the root cause at a policy level.
