STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, concluded a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program on Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) on Friday at its Srinagar Campus. This initiative, a collaborative effort with the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) and the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aims to bolster entrepreneurship and skill development at the grassroots level. The ToT program, which commenced on August 5, 2024, was designed to equip trainers from various Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Government Polytechnics with essential skills and knowledge for training local entrepreneurs. The primary objective is to establish 22 SBDUs in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which will act as district hubs for fostering entrepreneurship.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics and Program Director, emphasized the significance of this foundational course in building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. He urged participants to promote the initiative across ITIs and Polytechnics and prepare for upcoming Hackathons and Capacity Building Programs.
Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson of the Centre for Small Business Development Units at IIM Jammu, highlighted the necessity of creating a supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs. He stressed the importance of mentoring and mobilizing support for future programs to ensure a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Dr. Niti Shekhar, Program Director, expressed her hope for many success stories to emerge from these regions. The valedictory ceremony featured certificate distribution, a group photo with Prof. Sahay, and the national anthem, symbolizing unity and collective aspiration. The event was coordinated by the Small Business Development Unit Team of IIM Jammu, with notable attendees including Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer, and Shri Naren Karunakaran, Consultant.
The ToT program has prepared participants to effectively establish and manage SBDUs, contributing significantly to local entrepreneurship and skill development.
