Srinagar: CHINAR International, a leading social impact organization dedicated to empowering children and youth, successfully launched the sixth cohort of its Annual Three-Day Small Business Support Program at Grand Comforts Hotel, Hyderpora, Srinagar. The event was organized in collaboration with the TISS Incube Foundation, Mumbai.
The program aims to identify, mentor, and financially support promising young entrepreneurs from across Kashmir, helping them achieve self-reliance and fostering economic independence. This year, more than 450 applications were received from six districts including Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara. Following a rigorous selection process, around 50 candidates were shortlisted to present their business ideas before an expert panel.
On the first day, 25 aspiring entrepreneurs presented their ideas to a distinguished panel comprising Prof. Satyajit Majumdar (Dean, Incubation Cell, TISS), Sujay Dixit (CEO, Incubation Cell, TISS), Mohd Rafiq (Development Executive, SIDBI), Waseem Ahad (Manager, Centre for Business Development Services, JKEDI), Javeed Hajam (Assistant Director, Programs and Operations, CHINAR International), and Bashir Ahmad (Lead, Youth Development, CHINAR International).
The event also featured inspiring talks by successful alumni from previous cohorts, who shared their experiences of building and scaling their ventures with CHINAR’s support.
Over the first two days, a total of 50 shortlisted candidates will present their business ideas, followed by the selection and felicitation of the chosen participants on the third day. The 25 selected entrepreneurs will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh, along with expert guidance in technical skills, marketing, accounting, and business management.
To date, CHINAR International has supported 97 entrepreneurs through this initiative, contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth. The organization remains committed to fostering entrepreneurship among Kashmiri youth and continues to play a vital role in driving socio-economic transformation across the valley (Press Release).
