The Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur), in collaboration with the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) under the Ministry of MSME, has launched a fully sponsored Business Accelerator programme aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem for SC/ST business owners and emerging founders.

Applications are open until December 15, 2025, with the programme slated to commence on January 17, 2026.

Focused on transforming small ventures into scalable and competitive enterprises, the accelerator offers a blended learning design comprising immersive on-campus engagement and live online sessions. The curriculum includes 72 hours of structured learning and 18 hours of specialised mentoring delivered by IIM Raipur faculty, industry experts and business practitioners.

According to IIM Raipur, participants will work directly on real business challenges through case discussions, hands-on exercises and personalised mentoring clinics.

The programme is structured to help entrepreneurs refine their business models, tap into new markets, improve financial strategy, strengthen operational efficiency and build digital capabilities.

The initiative also offers exposure to government procurement systems and access to a growing peer and expert network, enabling long-term support beyond classroom learning.

Applicants must be graduates aged 18 or above, with preference given to women entrepreneurs. Those registered under "Trading" as the main business activity in Udyam registration are not eligible.

The programme fee of ₹99,000 plus GST is fully funded under the NSSH scheme, making it accessible to early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses. Selected participants will only be required to pay a registration cost of ₹7,500, inclusive of GST.