The Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) has unveiled a significant new initiative aimed at empowering entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. In a strategic partnership with the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) under the Ministry of MSME, the institute has announced a comprehensive Business Accelerator programme with complete fee sponsorship.
Programme Details and Key Objectives
This initiative is specifically crafted to move beyond basic business survival and propel existing and aspiring SC/ST entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and small business owners towards sustainable and scalable growth. The programme is designed to be a transformative journey, equipping participants with critical skills, actionable knowledge, and a robust support system.
The application window for this opportunity is currently open and will close on December 15, 2025. Selected candidates will commence their learning journey on January 17, 2026. The programme structure is a blended model, combining immersive on-campus sessions at the IIM Raipur campus with interactive live online classes, ensuring flexibility and depth of engagement.
Curriculum, Mentorship, and Financial Accessibility
The accelerator's curriculum is intensely practical and focused on real-world business challenges. Participants will receive 72 hours of structured instruction and 18 hours of dedicated one-on-one mentoring. This guidance will come from IIM Raipur's esteemed faculty, seasoned industry leaders, and successful practitioners.
The core learning modules are built to help entrepreneurs refine their business models, identify and explore new markets, strengthen financial decision-making capabilities, and effectively leverage digital tools for operational efficiency. Through case discussions grounded in MSME realities, hands-on exercises, and mentoring clinics, each participant will develop a clear, actionable 90 to 180-day roadmap for their venture.
A major highlight of this programme is its unparalleled accessibility. The total programme fee of Rs 99,000 plus GST is fully sponsored under the NSSH scheme. Participants are only required to pay a nominal registration fee of Rs 7,500 (inclusive of GST), making this high-quality business education from a premier institute remarkably affordable.
Eligibility and Network Building Opportunities
To be eligible for this accelerator, applicants must be graduates aged 18 years or above. The programme actively encourages applications from women entrepreneurs, extending a preference to female participants. However, businesses where "Trading" is listed as the major activity in the Udyam registration are not eligible to apply.
Beyond classroom learning, the programme is a powerful platform for network building. It provides participants with opportunities to understand complex government procurement processes, connect with potential ecosystem partners, and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors who can provide crucial support throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
This initiative by IIM Raipur and the National SC-ST Hub represents a concrete step towards fostering inclusive economic growth. By lowering financial barriers and providing top-tier business acceleration support, it aims to unlock the potential of SC/ST entrepreneurs, enabling them to become significant contributors to India's MSME landscape.
