Jharkhand Enterprise Promotion Programme Launched in Gumla to Boost Rural Women Entrepreneurs

The Jharkhand Enterprise Promotion Programme was launched in Gumla with the aim of strengthening rural women-led businesses and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship in the district.

The programme was jointly organised by the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) and the Indian Institute of Management Incubation and Mentorship Initiative. The launch was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Dileshwar Mahto, Deputy Development Commissioner Animesh Ranjan, Zila Parishad Chairperson Kiran Bara, Zila Parishad Vice-Chairperson Sanyukta Singh, and representatives of the IIM Incubation and Mentorship Initiative, Ashruta Singh and Alok Ranjan. District Programme Manager Shailendra Jarika was also present.

Entrepreneurial women from different blocks of Gumla, along with Bank Sakhis, Community Resource Persons for enterprise promotion and Business Development Service Providers, participated in the programme. District and block-level officials, including district managers, block programme officers and block programme managers, also attended.

The Jharkhand Enterprise Promotion Programme is aimed at giving a fresh direction to rural development by promoting women-led enterprises and helping rural entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. The initiative seeks to strengthen their business skills and provide the support required to establish and expand successful enterprises.

Under the programme, entrepreneurs will be connected with capacity-building initiatives, expert mentoring, financial assistance and easy access to zero-interest loans. Support will also be provided for market linkages, product branding and packaging, enabling women entrepreneurs to improve the quality, visibility and marketability of their products.

A key feature of the initiative is its centre-and-support-centre model. A central centre has been established in Ranchi, while support centres will be developed in different regions of the state to provide entrepreneurs with assistance closer to their areas of operation.

Deputy Development Commissioner Animesh Ranjan stressed the need to identify and develop new enterprises based on local needs, resources and market potential. Such an approach, he said, could help create businesses that are better suited to the economic conditions and opportunities available in the district.

Representatives of the IIM Incubation and Mentorship Initiative, Ashruta Singh and Alok Ranjan, explained the concept, objectives and implementation framework of the programme to the participants. They also briefed them about the various facilities and support mechanisms available to entrepreneurs under the initiative.

The programme was conducted by District Programme Manager Shailendra Jarika, who also expressed gratitude to the guests, officials and participants at the conclusion of the event.

The initiative is expected to provide rural women in Gumla with greater access to training, finance, mentoring and markets, potentially helping them turn small livelihood activities into more organised and sustainable enterprises.