Odisha Hosts ‘Kaushal Manthan’ Workshop to Empower Nano and Micro Entrepreneurs

Bhubaneswar: Recognizing the crucial role of nano and micro entrepreneurs in India’s rural economy, a special workshop was organized at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar to enhance their skills in financial inclusion, digital competence, and market access.

The two-day workshop, titled ‘Kaushal Manthan: Capacity Building Workshop – Catalyzing Entrepreneurial Growth’, was conducted by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD). The event brought together 81 entrepreneurs from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, along with policymakers, industry leaders, and financial institutions.

Union Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and MoS for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, attended as the Chief Guest and emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem. “Special initiatives are being undertaken to equip micro and small entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to take their products to the global market,” he said. He further stated that these entrepreneurs will play a key role in realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Odisha’s Minister for Skill Development and Technical Education and Industries, Sampad Chandra Swain, highlighted the Nano Unicorn scheme launched by the state government, urging young entrepreneurs to take advantage of its benefits for setting up businesses.

The workshop focused on breaking barriers to entrepreneurship by promoting collaboration between government agencies and businesses, enhancing financial literacy, and leveraging digital platforms such as the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), and Meta to help small businesses scale their operations. Experts provided insights on financial and transaction management, bank credit support, and market connectivity.

Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasized the need to remove obstacles for business growth, stating, “India’s economy is on the rise, and the goal is to boost GDP by encouraging youth-led entrepreneurship.”

Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), spoke about the importance of seamless government-entrepreneur collaboration to create a more inclusive and dynamic business environment.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NIESBUD and IIM Sambalpur to reinforce their commitment to advancing skill development and fostering entrepreneurship across India. Entrepreneurs who participated in the program were also awarded certificates.

The Union Minister and other dignitaries visited the ultra-modern laboratories at the World Skill Centre, appreciating its contribution to Odisha’s youth skill development. The workshop concluded with a renewed focus on empowering small entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to thrive in a competitive marketplace.