Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu in association with Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI) under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Govt. of India concluded the Capacity Building Program on Small Business Developments Units on a promising note. The event was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu in presence of Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics and Programme Director, Dr. Prateek Jain, Programme Director, Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson, Srinagar Off-Campus and Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Executive MBA, IIM Jammu. 

Dr. Prateek Jain presented the highlights of the five-day program followed by an address from Prof. Jabir Ali, Programme Director.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean of Academics and Programme Director, IIM Jammu spoke about increasing the appetite for learning.  He also emphasized being innovative and standing out in the competition by offering uniqueness in your business by constantly evolving with the times. He also mentioned that the mandate of this program was to enable the transformation of informal businesses into formal businesses through capacity development and handholding & providing business incubation services for growing small businesses in the country.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu spoke about the role of teachers, as they are your friend and philosopher in the entire journey.  So, he mentioned that we should have the curiosity to learn and be ahead in our business by offering a competitive edge always.  He also stressed to all the participants to network amongst themselves and make their internal group vibrant and buzzing. He also mentioned to the participants to find mentors amongst the group for developing and nurturing their business.  He also assured the participants that IIM Jammu is always available for all of them in case they need any assistance in the near future.  He also expressed his gratitude to Padmashri Dr.  Milind. P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu for coining the concept of developing SBDUs across the country for coming up with this unique initiative. Lastly, he urged the participants not to take shortcuts and keep their integrity quotient alive to succeed in life and their business ahead. 

The address was followed by individual feedback and a presentation session by all the participants about their own businesses. Through this project 75 Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) will be established across the country to extend support and handholding mechanism for local small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the vicinity of the SBDUs. Out of the 75 SBDUs to be developed all over India, 20 SBDUs will be established in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. 2 SBDUs will also be established in Ladakh. 

The valedictory ceremony ended on a promising note. The second batch of the program will be conducted from 06th March to 10th March 2023.