#nssh scheme

The Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur), in collaboration with the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, has launched a Business Accelerator Programme for SC/ST entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small business owners. Applications are now open until December 15, 2025, with the programme commencing on January 17, 2026.

This entrepreneurship accelerator programme is designed to equip participants with essential skills, knowledge, and guidance to scale their ventures, move beyond survival, and achieve sustainable business growth. The programme follows a blended learning model, combining immersive on-campus sessions at IIM Raipur with live online classes, totaling 72 hours of structured instruction and 18 hours of personalized mentoring by IIM faculty, industry experts, and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Participants will learn to strengthen business models, identify high-potential markets, improve financial decision-making, and leverage digital tools for operational efficiency. The programme includes case discussions, hands-on exercises, and one-on-one mentoring, enabling entrepreneurs to work directly on their business challenges and create 90–180 day actionable growth roadmaps.

Additionally, the accelerator offers opportunities to explore new markets, understand government procurement processes, and build a strong network of mentors, peers, and ecosystem partners.

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be graduates aged 18 or above, with preference given to women entrepreneurs. Participants with “Trading” as their major activity in Udyam registration are not eligible.

Fee and Registration: The total programme fee of Rs 99,000 plus GST is fully covered under the NSSH scheme, and participants are required to pay only a registration fee of Rs 7,500, inclusive of GST. This ensures the programme is highly accessible for SC/ST entrepreneurs seeking structured support to grow their businesses.