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Empowering Rural Youth: New Micro-Entrepreneurship Initiative Launched in Tamil Nadu

A new initiative has been launched in Tamil Nadu to promote micro-entrepreneurship among rural youth, particularly targeting semi-skilled and unemployed individuals. The program, running from 2025 to 2028, aims to support 4,500 young people, with a focus on women and SC/ST communities. By providing structured training and fostering digital skills, the initiative seeks to reduce migration, enhance local production, and create sustainable income opportunities. Leaders emphasize the potential of rural youth to build strong enterprises, contributing to local economic growth and inspiring others in their communities.
By Ambika Singh Dec 16, 2025, 16:05 IST
Empowering Rural Youth: New Micro-Entrepreneurship Initiative Launched in Tamil Nadu

Introduction to the New Initiative

A fresh initiative aimed at fostering micro-entrepreneurship has been introduced in Tamil Nadu, spearheaded by the Ashok Leyland Foundation in collaboration with the Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust. This program is specifically designed for young individuals who are semi-skilled, unemployed, or underemployed, with a particular focus on supporting tribal communities, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women aspiring to create their own income streams.


Program Details and Goals

Scheduled to run from 2025 to 2028, the initiative aims to engage 4,500 young people through counseling, while providing structured training to 900 aspiring micro-entrepreneurs. Notably, the program intends to ensure that approximately 40% of the participants are women and youth from SC/ST backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in business development.


Objectives of the Partnership

The collaboration aims to minimize youth migration from Tamil Nadu, enhance local production and value addition, and establish sustainable income opportunities for rural families. Additionally, it will focus on equipping micro-entrepreneurs with digital skills, including training in cybersecurity, digital marketing, and online payment systems.


Insights from Leadership

Lakshmi Venkataraman Venkatesan, the Founding and Managing Trustee of the Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust, emphasized the potential of rural youth to create robust enterprises when provided with adequate support. She stated, 'This partnership embodies our conviction that entrepreneurship is not confined to urban areas. When young individuals launch and nurture businesses in their communities, they bolster the local economy and inspire others to follow suit. Our collaboration with Ashok Leyland Foundation will cultivate a new generation of skilled and confident micro-entrepreneurs who will not have to seek employment elsewhere.'


Expected Impact

This initiative is anticipated to generate new businesses, enhance local income opportunities, and diminish the necessity for migration. By empowering young people to establish resilient enterprises within the state, it aims to fortify the local economy.


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