In a significant push to boost grassroots entrepreneurship, the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Nagpur office has called upon banks to actively support budding entrepreneurs. The appeal was made during a first-of-its-kind workshop tailored specifically for the Gadchiroli district.
RBI Director's Call for Entrepreneurial Support
Sachin Shende, the Regional Director of RBI's Nagpur office, addressed participants on Wednesday, emphasising a dual focus. He urged banks to extend necessary support for funding and skilling to new business owners. Simultaneously, he stressed the critical importance of capacity-building and integrating these entrepreneurs into the formal economic sector.
The workshop was a customised, district-specific initiative organised by the Bank of India under the guidance of the RBI. It forms a core part of ongoing efforts towards financial inclusion and strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem in the region.
District-Specific Focus with Wide Participation
The event witnessed robust participation, with representatives from 425 existing MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs from Gadchiroli in attendance. District Collector Avishyant Panda also addressed the gathering, briefing participants about various upcoming projects in the district. He encouraged them to explore opportunities in providing ancillary support to the new industrial units planned for the area.
The workshop curriculum was designed to address key practical challenges faced by small businesses. It covered essential aspects like the Udyam registration process and maintaining proper records.
Navigating Government Schemes and Digital Markets
A major part of the sessions was dedicated to elucidating key central and state government schemes. Participants received detailed guidance on programmes including:
- PMEGP (Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme)
- CMEGP (State-specific variant)
- MUDRA (Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency) loans
- CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises)
- PM Vishwakarma
Recognising the importance of the digital economy, the workshop also featured special sessions conducted by faculty from IIM-Nagpur. These sessions focused on emerging digital marketing avenues, aiming to equip local entrepreneurs with the skills to expand market access for their products online.
This targeted initiative highlights a concerted move by regulators and public sector banks to foster inclusive growth. By bringing banking guidance, government schemes, and expert training directly to entrepreneurs in districts like Gadchiroli, the aim is to unlock local economic potential and create sustainable livelihoods.
