Students Receive Expert Advice on Launching Ventures and Govt Funding Opportunities

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, conducted a National Workshop at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry to foster entrepreneurial spirit among students. The event, held under the Procurement and Marketing scheme, aimed to enlighten students about various government funding initiatives and provide insights into launching new ventures.

Shailesh Kumar Singh, Assistant Director at MSME Development and Facilitation Office (DFO Solan), extended a warm welcome to the attendees, setting the tone for the informative session. He delineated the agenda of the program, emphasizing its significance in fostering entrepreneurship among the youth.

University's Emphasis on Entrepreneurship

Dr. KK Raina, the university's Librarian, underscored the institution's commitment to fostering employment generation. He highlighted the pivotal role of government schemes in nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem nationwide.

Ashok Kumar Gautam, Head of MSME DFO Solan, elucidated the array of schemes extended by MSME to bolster small enterprises. With over one lakh MSMEs registered through the Udhyam portal in the state, Gautam emphasized the Ministry's widespread outreach. He shed light on schemes such as the Cluster Development Scheme, MSME Incubation, and Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell, offering a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Expert Insights: Guiding the Path

Experts from various government organizations lent their expertise, elucidating the support mechanisms available for burgeoning businesses. Dr. Anil Kumar, Senior Scientist from the Directorate of Mushroom Research, outlined lucrative avenues in the mushroom-related sector, underscoring MSME's supportive stance.

Ankush Sharma, a Khadi Village Industries Commission marketing expert, delineated the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme, elucidating its role in facilitating enterprise establishment.

State-Level Initiatives: Harnessing Local Support

Sushil Kaushik from District Industries Centre Solan shed light on the Mukhya Mantri Swavalamban Yojana, a state-government initiative to nurture new industries. Ravi Kumar from Govt e-Marketplace (GeM) expounded on the extensive marketing opportunities offered by GeM, accentuating its status as the largest e-marketplace for governmental transactions.

Pradeep Kumar, Senior Branch Manager at the National Small Industries Corporation, briefed attendees on the corporation's support mechanisms, encompassing marketing, raw materials, and technological assistance for existing MSMEs.

The workshop, spearheaded by Shailesh Kumar Singh, witnessed participation from eminent figures including Dr. DR Bhardwaj, Dr. Kapil Kathuria, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Dr. Anil Handa, and Dr. Bhupesh Gupta. Over 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students actively engaged in the enriching discourse, gearing up to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.