JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, in collaboration with the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI), commenced the fifth batch of the Capacity Building Program on Small Business Development Units (SBDUs). The inauguration took place at the Patanjali Classroom, IIM Jammu Jagti Campus on 1st July 2024, heralding a new chapter in entrepreneurial empowerment. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, presided over the event in an online mode. The fourth batch comprised 39 participants 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; Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu; Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Program Director, SBDU, IIM Jammu, Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), Centre for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Skilll Development, IIM Jammu; and Naren Karunakaran, Consultant, Centre for Diversity 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, 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.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, joining online, emphasized the importance of the five-day program. He stated that big business is always talked about in India, but not small business, and this initiative aims to strengthen the small businesses thriving in the country. He mentioned that today, entrepreneurship has taken center stage, with the rise of unicorns and $1 million startups. He expressed immense joy in seeing many women participating in this program and stressed the importance of participants aspiring beyond the skies. He noted that IIM Jammu is in the process of opening 22 SBDUs in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the program, learning the nuances of developing business plans, and marketing products and businesses through various online avenues such as the GEM Portal, Amazon, and Flipkart registration. He urged Dr. Mahesh Gadekar to facilitate networking with past participants of the SBDU program.
With 150 participants already trained in the earlier SBDU programs, along with many other participants in other training programs, IIM Jammu is committed to fostering entrepreneurship in the country. He stressed the importance of participants asking questions, engaging in fruitful discussions, and making the most of this opportunity. He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Skill Development, Govt. of India, for this initiative and mentioned that successful startups are key to community, society, and nation-building. He wished all the participants and the program great success.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, reflected on the institution’s journey and the inception of the Capacity Building Program, envisioned by Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu in collaboration with the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI) under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development, Govt. of India. He emphasized the Institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity while highlighting the necessity of establishing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. He underscored the importance of creating enterprises that lead to job creation. He noted that entrepreneurship is built on two factors: identification of an opportunity and utilization of that opportunity, leading to the creation of unicorns. He urged participants to make full use of the five-day module, which would sensitize them to different aspects of entrepreneurship and mark the start of a new journey and relationship, thereby contributing to the nation’s development.
The ceremony also included the Campus Audio Visual of IIM Jammu followed by brief introductions from the participants, offering insights into their backgrounds and aspirations, further enriching the diverse tapestry of the program. Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Program Director, SBDU, IIM Jammu, proposed the vote of thanks. Candidates from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, representing the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, also participated in a program organized at IIM Jammu by Invest India to enhance their skills. The program aims to refine their abilities, enabling them to play a crucial role in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, as envisioned by the Prime Minister of India. The event concluded with the rendition of the national anthem, symbolizing unity and collective aspirations. The event was coordinated by the Small Business Development Unit Team, IIM Jammu
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.

KR Desk