ENA Sectors 2024-04-01 15:59:12 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Kochi, Apr 1 (KNN)</strong> The Kerala government is launching a statewide network of business mentors aimed at guiding and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, as a part of the 'Year of Enterprises 2.0' campaign with the goal of starting 1,00,000 new enterprises in 2023-24.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Department of Industries and Commerce plans to create a mentorship portal where existing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as aspiring mentors can register and connect. Industry associations will promote this platform, as per sources.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">We want to facilitate networking and knowledge sharing between experienced entrepreneurs and those just starting out, said a department official. District and local conclaves will be organised to bring these groups together, he added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The department will also document and publish case studies highlighting successful MSME stories to inspire others. Monitoring committees at state, district and local levels will review the sustainability of the new enterprises.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This renewed entrepreneurship push follows the first 'Entrepreneurial Year' in 2022-23 which saw 1,39,837 new MSME registrations and creation of 3,00,020 jobs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Separately, in financial year 2023-24, the State Level Approval Committee has granted approval to 88 out of 152 applications for scaling up businesses under the 'Mission 1000' scheme.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To foster long-term success, the Industries department has also launched the MSME Sustainability Plan for the new enterprises established under the Entrepreneurial Year scheme.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The plan aims to ensure at least 70 per cent of these startups remain operationally viable while achieving a minimum 5 per cent annual increase in turnover across all new MSMEs in the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 37238 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/kerala-govt-unveils-statewide-mentorship-network-to-fuel-startup-growth 2024-04-01 15:59:12 knnindia.co.in