# IIM Indore launches accelerator programme for SC/ST entrepreneurs 2026-08-05T23:15:24+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk The Free Press Journal reported that the IIM Indore Incubation Foundation has rolled out a Business Accelerator Programme in partnership with the National SC-ST Hub, a scheme run by the Ministry of MSME, combining classroom sessions, mentoring, networking with industry and coaching on selling through the Government e-Marketplace. IIM Indore's director, Prof Himanshu Rai, said the initiative reflects the institute's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent from the SC/ST community. Participants chosen for the cohort spend six days in residence on the Indore campus, work through 36 hours of online sessions, and get six months of follow-up mentoring, with those who finish earning joint certification from IIM Indore, the ministry and the hub. Eligible applicants must have run their business for at least six months, and women-led SC/ST enterprises get preference. The programme costs Rs 1,11,000 plus GST, though qualifying candidates can draw on assistance of Rs 1,00,000 plus GST, applications were due by 31 August, with the cohort pencilled in for 19 to 24 October. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The fee assistance reported here brought the effective cost down for eligible participants, though the report does not say how many seats the programme offers or how selection will run beyond the stated eligibility rules. Prof Rai's comments describe the institute's aims for the programme rather than any outcome it has produced so far, since the cohort had not yet begun. The six-day residential session is scheduled for 19 to 24 October, and whether the cohort opens on those dates is the next step this notice can be checked against. ## Coverage - www.freepressjournal.in Tags: IIM Indore Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/iim-indore-launches-business-accelerator-programme-for-sc-st-entrepreneurs/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/iim-indore-launches-business-accelerator-programme-for-sc-st-entrepreneurs/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.