Chennai, Dec 5:-A new program to promote micro-entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu was sslaunched by Ashok Leyland Foundation and Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust. The initiative focuses on young people who are semi-skilled, unemployed or underemployed, with a special emphasis on tribal groups, SC and ST communities, and women who seek to establish independent income sources. The initiative aims to build a supportive and self-sustaining environment that encourages rural microenterprise growth.

The project will run from 2025 to 2028 and is planned to reach 4,500 youth through counselling and 900 aspiring microentrepreneurs will receive structured training. Out of these, the program aims to train around 40% participants from among women and SC/ST youth, ensuring strong inclusion in enterprise development.

The partnership seeks to reduce the need for youth to migrate away from the state, increase local production and value creation, and build reliable income pathways for rural families. It will also promote digital readiness among the microentrepreneurs through training on cyber security, digital marketing, online payment modes, etc.

Speaking on the partnership, Lakshmi Venkataraman Venkatesan, Founding and Managing Trustee of Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust, said,

“Rural youth have the drive and the capability to build strong enterprises when the right support is made available. This partnership reflects our belief that enterprise does not belong to cities alone. When young people start and grow businesses in their own communities, they strengthen the local economy and build confidence for others to follow. The collaboration with Ashok Leyland Foundation will help create a new set of young microentrepreneurs who are skilled and confident and need not look for jobs.”

Mr. T Sasikumar, Chief Operating Officer – Ashok Leyland Foundation said,

“Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of skill, enterprise and community strength. Yet many young people in rural areas face gaps in guidance, networks, and access to credit. Our partnership responds to these needs in a focused and practical way. This programme supports the state’s vision of local job creation and strong value chains, ensuring young people do not migrate out of state in search of menial jobs, rather build local enterprises for wealth creation.”

The initiative is expected to create new enterprises, expand local income sources and reduce the need for migration. It will strengthen the local economy by ensuring that young people build resilient local businesses within the state.