Srinagar: CHINAR International, a social development organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable children and marginalized youth in Jammu & Kashmir since 2011, organised a 3-day program in collaboration with the TIF (TISS Incube Foundation-Mumbai) as its knowledge partner. The event is taking place at Hotel Grand Rayaan, situated on the Hyderpora Bypass in Srinagar.
The primary goal of this event is to conclude the selection process for 28 marginalized youth who will become part of the fourth cohort of CHINAR International’s business support program. Thus far, CHINAR International has successfully nurtured and supported 43 businesses run by young entrepreneurs, with this program having proven to be transformative for its participants, leading to significant positive changes in less than two years.
A remarkable total of 650 applicants from all districts of the Kashmir division applied for this program. After undergoing a rigorous three-tier selection process, 50 exceptional applicants have emerged as finalists who will present their innovative business ideas before a panel of esteemed experts.
The Small Business Support Program provides startup funding of up to 1.5 lakh rupees per Small Business Unit and 3.5 lakh rupees per Large Business Unit. In addition to financial assistance, selected candidates will receive invaluable guidance in critical areas such as technical, marketing, legal, and accounting aspects.
The distinguished keynote speaker for the event was Mr. Abdul Hamid Bhat, Chairman and CEO of Rahim Greens. Mr. Bhat shared his inspirational journey, transitioning from being a “Scooter Mechanic” to becoming a “Successful Entrepreneur,” with the aspiring applicants. He commended CHINAR International for their unwavering efforts in assisting deserving youth in establishing their business ventures.
The selection committee comprised highly esteemed individuals in the field of social entrepreneurship Prof. Satyajit Mujumdar – Dean School of Management and Labor Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mr. Sujay Dixit – Vice President of the Incubation Center, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Prof. Saad Parvez – Head of the incubation cell, NIT Srinagar, Dr. Shazia Manzoor- HOD, Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir, Mr. Rouf Khan – Assistant Faculty, EDI, Javeed Hajam – Lead Youth Development, CHINAR International, and Mohammad Rafiq – Consultant, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP
During the first two days of the program, applicants will present their innovative business ideas. On the third day, following a felicitation ceremony for the top 28 candidates, a comprehensive training and capacity-building program will be conducted by the esteemed faculty from TISS and the CHINAR International team.

KR Desk