Vijayawada RISE Centre Drives Women's Entrepreneurship with Ambitious Target
District Collector Dr G Lakshmisha has set a bold new goal for women's economic empowerment in Vijayawada. He announced on Saturday that the Rural Incubation and Scaling-up Entrepreneurship (RISE) centre aims to create 5,000 women entrepreneurs through the 'one family, one entrepreneur' initiative. This announcement came during his inspection of the centre at the Guntupalli Zilla Parishad premises in Ibrahimpatnam.
Centre Already Supporting Over 1,000 Women
Dr Lakshmisha revealed that the RISE centre has already provided crucial support to more than 1,000 women across the district who are pursuing entrepreneurial activities. During his visit, he interacted directly with women entrepreneurs currently undergoing training at the facility. The collector emphasized that efforts are actively underway to expand the program's reach even further.
To strengthen the centre's operations, proposals seeking ₹1.67 crore have been submitted to NITI Aayog. These funds would support effective management and enhancement of the centre's capabilities.
Comprehensive Training and Support Structure
The RISE centre, which became operational in August 2025, represents the first such facility established in NTR district. Sanctioned by NITI Aayog, it offers structured training programs covering multiple essential business areas:
- Skill development for various industries
- Marketing strategies and techniques
- Financial management and planning
- Social media utilization for business growth
The centre receives support from several prominent organizations including the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, Elish, Vikasha, and various skill development agencies. Officials have appointed a dedicated manager to assist women in developing their projects and overcoming challenges within the industrial sector.
Beyond Training: Practical Business Support
The RISE centre's support extends well beyond classroom training. It provides practical guidance on several critical aspects of business development:
- Navigating available government schemes and subsidies
- Establishing bank linkages for financial support
- Accessing appropriate technology for business operations
- Implementing effective online marketing strategies
Dr Lakshmisha expressed confidence that this comprehensive initiative will significantly boost women-led entrepreneurship throughout the district. He believes it will make a substantial contribution to improving the region's per capita income by creating sustainable business opportunities for women.
The RISE centre represents a strategic investment in women's economic participation, combining training, mentorship, and practical support to transform business ideas into viable enterprises. With its ambitious target of creating 5,000 women entrepreneurs, the centre is poised to make a lasting impact on the economic landscape of NTR district.
