IIM Indore Launches Accelerator for SC/ST Entrepreneurs

The Indian Institute of Management Indore Incubation Foundation has launched the Business Accelerator Programme, a flagship initiative of the National SC-ST Hub, Ministry of MSME, Government of India. This programme aims to empower SC/ST entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, and market access needed to build competitive and scalable enterprises.

The programme brings together classroom learning, expert guidance, industry networking, and public procurement opportunities in a comprehensive entrepreneurship support ecosystem. IIM Indore Director Prof Himanshu Rai highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative, stating that entrepreneurship can play a pivotal role in creating opportunities, driving innovation, and enabling inclusive economic growth.

At IIM Indore, the institution has always believed that entrepreneurship is a powerful force for creating opportunities, driving innovation, and enabling inclusive economic growth. Through the Business Accelerator Programme, IIM Indore reaffirms its commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent from the SC/ST community. The programme's combination of world-class learning, expert mentorship, industry exposure, and market linkages is intended to help entrepreneurs build resilient, scalable, and sustainable enterprises.

The programme will offer selected participants a six-day on-campus residential immersion at IIM Indore, complemented by 36 hours of virtual learning sessions and six months of mentoring and handholding support. A key component of the programme will be orientation on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and public procurement opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs to better understand and access government markets.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a joint certification from IIM Indore, the Ministry of MSME, and the National SC-ST Hub. The initiative is aimed not merely at imparting entrepreneurial knowledge but at helping participants translate that learning into tangible business outcomes through expert mentoring, business development support, industry connections, and market linkages.

The programme is open to existing SC/ST entrepreneurs who have been operating their businesses for at least six months. It will also welcome wards of SC/ST entrepreneurs who are seeking mentorship, training, and guidance to develop, test, and scale innovative business ideas. Special preference will be accorded to SC/ST Women Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), further strengthening the programme's focus on inclusive entrepreneurship.

The Business Accelerator Programme is a significant step towards promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth among the SC/ST community. By providing access to world-class learning, mentorship, and market opportunities, the programme aims to empower SC/ST entrepreneurs to build successful and sustainable businesses.

In the long run, the programme is expected to contribute to India's growth story by building enterprises that create impact, generate employment, and support a more inclusive and self-reliant future. With its comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship development, the Business Accelerator Programme is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of SC/ST entrepreneurs and their communities.

The launch of the Business Accelerator Programme is a testament to IIM Indore's commitment to promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and economic growth. By leveraging its expertise and resources, IIM Indore is helping to create a more level playing field for SC/ST entrepreneurs, enabling them to compete and succeed in the market.

In conclusion, the Business Accelerator Programme is a significant initiative that has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of SC/ST entrepreneurs. By providing access to world-class learning, mentorship, and market opportunities, the programme is empowering SC/ST entrepreneurs to build successful and sustainable businesses, contributing to India's growth story and promoting a more inclusive and self-reliant future.