The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, in collaboration with Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI), commenced the fourth batch of the Capacity Building Program on Small Business Development Units (SBDUs). The inauguration took place at the picturesque IIM Jammu Jagti Campus, heralding a new chapter in entrepreneurial empowerment. The event was inaugurated by Shri Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Department of Skill Development, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir. The fourth batch comprised 25 participants hailing from various parts of the country, including individuals from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Among the notable attendees were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, Sh. Sudershan Kumar, JKAS, Director Skill Development, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson of the Centre for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu, Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, IIM Jammu, and Shri Naren Karunakaran, Consultant at the Centre for Diversity Cell and Inclusion, IIM Jammu. The ceremony commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment and empowerment that the program seeks to instill. Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson of the Centre for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu in his welcome address, provided an overview of the program, setting the stage for an enriching journey of learning and growth.

In his address, Shri  Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Department of Skill Development, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir, presented a roadmap titled "Roadmap to Accelerate Employment Avenues through Entrepreneurship (Opportunity and Strategy)." He shed light on various schemes by the Government of India aimed at this objective and discussed the four pillars for building a supportive ecosystem. Additionally, he engaged with participants, gathering their suggestions and feedback regarding the creation of a suitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. He assured all participants of his full support and mentioned plans for close collaboration with IIM Jammu in the future to further develop and scale up the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir

In his address, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics at IIM Jammu, illuminated the remarkable journey of the institution and the inception of the Capacity Building Program, envisioned by Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble. He emphasized the institute's commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity while highlighting the necessity of establishing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. Through this project, he mentioned that a handholding mechanism will be provided for local small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the vicinity of the Union Territories of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, with 20 SBDUs slated for establishment in Jammu & Kashmir and 2 in Ladakh. He urged participants to become ambassadors for the program and expressed confidence that the five-day module would not only sensitize them about management but also initiate a new lifelong relationship.

The ceremony also witnessed brief introductions from the participants, offering insights into their backgrounds and aspirations, further enriching the diverse tapestry of the program. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson of the Centre for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu. The event concluded with the rendition of the national anthem, symbolizing unity, and collective aspirations.

The Project of Transforming Informal Businesses through SBDUs (SBDUs) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has been envisaged to strengthen institutions to deliver quality initiatives for entrepreneurship development across identified locations i.e. 22 SBDUs to be established across the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The program aims to identify existing/ aspiring entrepreneurs to provide the necessary skills and knowledge for business development and create an environment that will enable them to transform informal businesses into formal businesses through capacity development and handholding. The integrated intervention will help the skill development of the potential entrepreneurs in starting a new venture and help them survive and growth.

The Capacity Building Program on Small Business Development Units by IIM Jammu sets the stage for transformative growth, empowering aspiring, and existing entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation.