IIM Vizag, Andhra govt to foster entrepreneurial spirit in villages
VISAKHAPATNAM: IIMV FIELD, the incubation and startup hub of the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam, has partnered with the Andhra Pradesh government to strengthen women-led self-help group (SHG) enterprises across the state through the ‘Sampannakari’ initiative. As part of this, 150 women-led SHG enterprises from all 26 districts will be incubated over a two-year period through the structured programme designed to help them scale and grow sustainably. IIMV FIELD recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with SERP (Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty) of the AP govt, the state-level implementing agency, in the presence of chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The project is being implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) of the ministry of rural development. It builds on similar initiatives undertaken in states such as Karnataka, Kerala, and West Bengal, with a focus on promoting non-farm rural enterprise development. The core objective of the programme is to strengthen rural livelihoods by encouraging entrepreneurship beyond agriculture, including sectors such as food processing, small-scale manufacturing, and service-based enterprises within rural ecosystems, thereby reducing dependency on agriculture alone. Speaking to TOI, IIM Visakhapatnam director Prof M Chandrasekhar said that the Sampannakari initiative aligns with chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of “one family, one entrepreneur.” “The programme focuses on grassroots entrepreneurship, moving beyond urban startup ecosystems to support rural families. It is being undertaken as a pilot initiative to promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. At the same time, it will generate insights that can inform future policy interventions and enable expansion into larger cohorts in subsequent phases. The program aims to build a structured ecosystem for rural enterprise growth by combining financial support, capacity building, and continuous mentorship, ultimately contributing to sustainable livelihoods and rural economic development.,” said Prof Chandrasekhar. IIMV FIELD directors Dr. M. Shameem Jawed and Dr. R. Sai Shiva Jayanth said that the programme seeks to identify and support 150 rural enterprises across Andhra Pradesh. “These enterprises may operate across a wide range of sectors, including food processing, small manufacturing, and other livelihood-oriented activities. The primary focus is on businesses that are already operational and generating a minimum annual turnover of approximately Rs 12 lakh. A small proportion (around 10%) may also be selected from early-stage or nascent ventures to encourage new entrepreneurial ideas,” they said. “Selected enterprises will undergo a structured incubation programme for two years, during which they will receive continuous handholding support. This includes guidance on improving revenue streams, strengthening branding and market positioning, optimising cost structures, and enhancing overall profitability. The programme aims to enable these enterprises to achieve a targeted annual growth rate of around 15%, transforming them into scalable and high-growth ventures,” Dr Jawed and Dr Jayanth added. “In addition to capacity building, the programme provides access to financial support mechanisms. These include performance-based ‘challenge grants,’ awarded based on milestones achieved, as well as linked financing schemes such as subsidised or zero-interest loans to support expansion and working capital needs. Extensive outreach efforts have been undertaken to ensure participation from rural communities. Pamphlets and digital resources have also been distributed across districts to facilitate awareness and engagement,” Dr Jawed and Dr Jayanth added. Eligibility, application process, and selection criteria for Sampannakari programme• Eligibility for the program is closely tied to the self-help group ecosystem. • Enterprises must be led by or associated with SHG members, ensuring strong participation of women in ownership or leadership roles. • The program primarily targets rural-based enterprises, including informal or family-run businesses. • The application process is currently open, with the deadline set for April 15. • To improve accessibility, the process is supported by a mobile-based application platform, along with AI-enabled assistance features such as chatbot and voice support to guide applicants in filling out the forms. • Helpline support is available to address queries. • Initially, about 500 to 1000 applications will be shortlisted based on eligibility and business potential. • This will be followed by detailed ground verification to assess the authenticity, scale, and operational status of the enterprises. • Based on this evaluation, 150 enterprises will be finalised, ensuring a balanced representation across districts and sectors. • To apply for the Sampannakaari program – https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/bN1lgH3D • To know more about the program – iimvfield.com/sampannakaari/
