Start-Up Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SEDP)
Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SEDP) emerged as a solution to the challenges faced by micro/nano enterprises, particularly in terms of business skills and financial support. The realization that inadequate market understanding, domain knowledge, accounting, costing skills, and a lack of financial linkages often lead to the struggle and stagnation of these enterprises prompted the initiation of SEDP.
In the Budget session of 2014-15, on July 10th, 2014, the Honorable Finance Minister introduced the concept of the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme. This visionary project was designed to provide comprehensive support to small enterprises and skill-based workers, encompassing both training and credit assistance. The dual focus on existing enterprises and the encouragement of new ones underlined the program's commitment to holistic economic development.
SEDP is not merely an economic intervention; it aspires to go beyond financial gains and positively impact households and communities. With a special emphasis on marginalized sections, women, and SC and ST communities, SEDP aims to instill a sense of dignity and self-reliance, fostering significant social changes. The overarching objective is to align with the government's efforts to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and address unemployment in rural areas by promoting and supporting the establishment of rural enterprises.
In its initial implementation phase, the project covered Reiek RD Block, extending its reach to 21 villages and benefiting 300 individuals. This marks a commendable step towards creating a more robust and self-sustaining rural economic landscape, illustrating the transformative potential of the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme.
