Entrepreneur awareness, vendor meet tomorrow

Chandigarh: The National SC-ST Hub, Ludhiana, under the Union ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), in association with the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI)–North India, will organise an “Entrepreneur Awareness & Special Vendor Development Programme” in the city on May 25.The programme is aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship among existing and aspiring SC-ST entrepreneurs from the tricity region, while also enhancing their access to business opportunities, skill development and financial support mechanisms.Officials said the initiative will create awareness about a range of central government schemes, procurement policies, and institutional support available to entrepreneurs, while also equipping participants with practical insights on starting, managing and scaling business ventures.Experts and representatives from several government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), financial institutions and training organisations are expected to participate. These include GeM, SAIL, POWERGRID, FCI, BBMB, State Bank of India, EXIM Bank, MSME Development and Facilitation Office (DFO) Ludhiana, District Industries Centre (DIC) Chandigarh, SC-ST Development Corporation Ltd., industrial training institutes (ITIs) and Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), among others.“Participants will have the opportunity to directly interact with officials and industry professionals, understand vendor registration processes, and explore procurement opportunities with PSUs and government bodies,” a UT official said.The programme will also focus on improving market linkages, enabling entrepreneurs to integrate into existing supply chains and government procurement systems, officials added.Organisers said the event is expected to witness participation from a large number of entrepreneurs and youth interested in self-employment. “Such initiatives are crucial in promoting inclusive growth by empowering SC-ST communities through entrepreneurship and access to institutional support,” the official said.The organisers expressed confidence that the programme would help strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities, promote self-employment and contribute to economic development in the region.