In today’s fast-paced world, the youth of our country have shown remarkable potential  and proficiency in various technical fields. However, a significant challenge faced by them is the lack of basic knowledge and training in entrepreneurship. Despite graduating from various good institutes including ITIs and polytechnics, they often struggle to convert their skills into successful enterprises. To bridge this gap between      skill and entrepreneurship, Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM) Jammu and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) collaborated to offer a specialized 1 yearlong Skill to Enterprise Module (STEM) program for youth of J&K and Ladakh.

The program is designed to equip the youth with the necessary knowledge and guidance to start and grow their own businesses. The program will provide comprehensive 4 weeks residential training with 8 weeks virtual training to help the participants develop understanding of business management, compliance, finance, planning and strategic aspects of business. The candidates will be selected by the experts based on the readiness of their ideas and will be provided guidance through industry mentorship and incubation. There will be two batches of STEM commencing  from 4^th Dec and 19^th Dec 2023 at IIM Jammu’s Srinagar and Jammu campuses. The program will be particularly beneficial for those who have completed a technical course and possess a valuable skillset but lack the resources and knowledge to start  their own business. It will also provide an opportunity for those who wish to gain financial independence and create a positive impact in their communities through entrepreneurship. The trained candidates will be connected to financial institutions through credit connect schemes.

The Skill to Enterprise program will be conducted by experienced professionals with a  background in business management and entrepreneurship. The program will consist  of classroom lectures, case studies, and practical assignments that will enable the participants to apply the concepts and skills learned in real-world scenarios. The STEM program is a joint initiative of IIM Jammu and SIDBI and a total of 60 selected participants will be trained over a period of 1 year and the participants will not        be charged any fee.