Over 100 military veterans attend Assam entrepreneurship workshop to explore opportunities
Guwahati, July 17
More than 100 military veterans from across the Northeast participated in an entrepreneurship workshop in Guwahati on Friday, aimed at equipping ex-servicemen with the skills and institutional support needed to build successful businesses after retirement from the armed forces, officials said.
The workshop was organised by the North East Region (NER) Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) to encourage veterans to transition from military service to entrepreneurship and become contributors to the region's economic growth.
The programme featured sessions on business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, digital business opportunities, startup funding and access to various government schemes designed to promote entrepreneurship.
Addressing the participants, Air Vice Marshal Sanjib Bordoloi, AVSM (Retd), said military veterans possess qualities such as leadership, discipline, resilience and problem-solving abilities that make them well-suited for entrepreneurial ventures.
He urged the participants to leverage these strengths to establish sustainable enterprises, generate employment and contribute to local economic development.
Officials from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Guwahati, and the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd (NSIC), along with representatives of the NER Chapter of PHDCCI, highlighted the range of support available for ex-servicemen aspiring to become entrepreneurs.
They informed participants about training programmes, mentoring support, financial assistance, credit facilities and networking opportunities aimed at helping veterans establish and expand their businesses.
The organisers said such initiatives are intended to facilitate the transition of military personnel into civilian careers while promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The workshop also included interactive discussions with successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, who shared practical insights and real-life experiences on setting up and managing businesses in today's competitive environment.
Participants actively engaged in the sessions, sought guidance on business opportunities and appreciated the practical orientation of the programme.
According to the organisers, the enthusiastic response reflected the growing interest among retired defence personnel in entrepreneurship as a viable post-service career option.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, with organisers reaffirming their commitment to supporting military veterans through capacity-building initiatives and stronger linkages with financial institutions and government agencies to help them achieve long-term economic self-reliance.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see ex-servicemen being encouraged to become job creators instead of job seekers. The skills they have—leadership, resilience—are exactly what startups need. But financial support from SIDBI and NSIC must be made easier to access; paperwork can be a headache for many.
As someone who served in the Army, I know how tough the transition can be. This workshop is a step in the right direction. The interactive sessions with successful entrepreneurs must have been really helpful. Kudos to PHDCCI for organising this! 👏
It's encouraging to see such programs supporting veterans globally. The combination of military discipline and entrepreneurial spirit can drive economic growth in regions like the Northeast. Hope similar initiatives spread to other states too.
Brilliant initiative! Our ex-servicemen have already sacrificed so much for the country. Now they deserve all the support to build a secure future. The focus on digital business opportunities is smart—young veterans can leverage tech to create modern enterprises. 💪
A well-organized workshop with practical sessions on business planning and funding. The attendees must have gained valuable insights. However, the real test will be in follow-up support—mentorship and easy credit over time. Hope the authorities ensure that.
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