Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme

An ESDP is a training programme project that aims to encourage inclusive growth; it focuses on women, young people, and underprivileged communities. The programme gives guidance and support to these communities and provides them with both theoretical and hands-on training for six weeks. This guidance is supposed to help you in starting a new business or improving already-existing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme’s objective is to make entrepreneurship available to everyone, regardless of their background. The programme helps you build rural livelihoods through targeted training. It inculcates an entrepreneurial culture across various sections of society. You receive capacity building support to enhance existing MSME operations. The training enables you to identify market opportunities and develop actionable business plans.

• You receive comprehensive hands-on training tailored to specific trades and market needs

• The programme offers special focus on underprivileged and marginalised groups with fee exemptions

• You get support for new enterprise creation with actionable business plan development

• The training encourages rural and livelihood enterprises for inclusive economic development

• You receive post-training support for entrepreneurship certification and government scheme registration

• The programme provides process-oriented activities ensuring practical skill application

Here are the requirements: 

• You must be 18 years or above in age

• You should demonstrate interest in self-employment or entrepreneurship activities

• The programme gives preference to SC/ST, women, differently-abled, ex-servicemen, and BPL individuals

• Educational and fee criteria vary based on the implementing bodies conducting the programme.

You can apply for the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme easily by following the below given steps:

• Step 1: Visit the nearest MSME Development Institute or Technology Centre in your area. You can find the complete list of centres at https://dcmsme.gov.in/All_MSME_DIs_TCs.aspx

• Step 2: Collect the ESDP application form or download it online.

• Step 3: Fill out the application form with correct information and attach all the necessary documents.

• Step 4: Submit your application and documents for verification at the designated centre.

• Step 5: Participate in the Aadhaar-based authentication and selection process conducted by authorities.

• Step 6: After selection, attend the training sessions as per the schedule provided.

You can access detailed programme information at https://www.dcmsme.gov.in/esdpDetail.htm for additional guidance.

The Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme teaches you how to develop sustainable companies through structured training. You get the knowledge and practical skills needed to launch microbusinesses with confidence. The initiative helps marginalised populations, women, and young people in India, among other different communities.  Through a number of financial programmes connected to ESDP training results, you receive support from the government.  The programme makes a substantial contribution to inclusive economic growth and rural development across the country.

For those looking to scale further, Bajaj Markets Business Loan products can be explored as a complementary funding option to support growth and commercialization after the grant period.