New Initiative to Empower 4,500 Aspiring Micro-Entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu
Chennai: A major program to promote micro-entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu has been launched by the Ashok Leyland Foundation in partnership with the Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST). The initiative aims to tackle unemployment and reduce migration by supporting semi-skilled, unemployed, and underemployed youth, with a special focus on tribal groups, SC/ST communities, and women seeking independent income opportunities.
Running from 2025 to 2028, the project will reach 4,500 youth through counselling, while 900 aspiring micro-entrepreneurs will receive structured training. Of these, around 40% are expected to be women and SC/ST participants, ensuring strong inclusion in enterprise development.
The program seeks to build a self-sustaining ecosystem for rural microenterprises, reduce the need for migration, and strengthen local economies by increasing production and value creation. It will also promote digital readiness among participants through training in cyber security, digital marketing, and online payment systems.
Lakshmi Venkataraman Venkatesan, Founding and Managing Trustee of BYST, said: “Rural youth have the drive and capability to build strong enterprises when the right support is made available. Enterprise does not belong to cities alone. When young people start businesses in their own communities, they strengthen the local economy and inspire others to follow.”
Sasikumar, Chief Operating Officer of Ashok Leyland Foundation, added: “Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of skill and enterprise, yet many rural youth face gaps in guidance, networks, and access to credit. This programme supports the state’s vision of local job creation and strong value chains, ensuring young people build local enterprises instead of migrating for menial jobs.”
The initiative is expected to generate new enterprises, expand income sources, and reduce migration pressures, ultimately creating resilient local businesses across Tamil Nadu.
