The Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) of Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus organised an insightful MSME Funding Awareness and Facilitation Session to bridge the gap between academic innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities. The session aimed to educate students about financial support systems available for startups and small businesses, helping aspiring entrepreneurs transform their ideas into sustainable ventures.
The session was conducted by Pardeep Kumar Verma, Principal Director of Central Institute of Hand Tools, which functions as an MSME Technology Centre. With over 22 years of experience spanning both education and industry, Mr. Verma provided valuable insights into the financial ecosystem supporting small and medium enterprises in India.
Welcoming the speaker and participants, Rajesh Bagga, the institute’s Director, emphasised that the session served as a practical roadmap for students aspiring to establish their own ventures. He noted that while innovative ideas are essential, access to financial resources and knowledge about government support schemes play an equally crucial role in building successful businesses.
During the session, Mr. Verma offered a detailed overview of various loan schemes, subsidies, and credit facilities available through the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. He explained the importance of understanding government-backed financial programmes that can significantly reduce the financial burden on emerging businesses.
A key highlight of the session was Mr. Verma’s explanation of central credit schemes and interest subvention programmes designed to support entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development. Mr. Verma guided students through the step-by-step procedures for applying for these schemes, including documentation requirements, eligibility criteria, and practical tips to improve the chances of securing funding.
Addressing the students, Mr. Verma emphasised that awareness is often the biggest challenge for aspiring entrepreneurs. He stated that many innovative ideas fail to materialise simply because individuals are unaware of the extensive support systems available within the MSME ecosystem. His session encouraged students to explore government initiatives and utilise the resources provided for business development.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where students presented their business ideas and received direct mentorship and practical suggestions from the expert. The discussion enabled participants to gain clarity on funding strategies and understand the financial planning required to establish a startup.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Rajesh Bagga highlighted that the journey from a student to a successful entrepreneur requires not only creativity but also the right financial framework and institutional guidance. He appreciated the efforts of the Entrepreneurship Development Cell for organising the informative session.
The programme was successfully coordinated by the EDC faculty members, including Mr. Amarpreet Singh, Ms. Parmjit Kaur, Ms. Rajinder Kaur, Dr. Manpreet Kaur, and Ms. Nisha. Their efforts ensured the event ran smoothly, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance among students.