Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme 2026

The Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP) by the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME) aims to Read More... equip young individuals and others with the knowledge and skills needed to launch and manage their own businesses. Read less

Details

Are you dreaming of starting your own business or looking to enhance your entrepreneurial skills? The Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME) has a program designed just for you!

What Is This Scheme?

The Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP) is an initiative by the O/o DC-MSME under the "Development of MSMEs" vertical. Its main goal is to help talented youth and other interested individuals understand all the essential aspects of starting and running a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME). These programs are regularly conducted to encourage self-employment and industrial ventures, especially in technical institutions like ITIs and Polytechnics, to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This program is open to anyone interested in setting up their own business or self-employment venture. It specifically aims to motivate young men and women from all walks of life, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), women, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen, and those living below the poverty line (BPL). The training is tailored to build both technical and business acumen, helping participants develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The ESDP plays a crucial role in building an entrepreneurial culture across India. By providing essential business and technical training at an early stage, it encourages individuals to consider self-employment as a viable career path and equips them with the skills to succeed. The program also focuses on advanced training in areas like e-commerce, biotechnology, and modern agriculture, and aims to support the creation of new MSMEs and boost the growth of existing ones, ultimately leading to more jobs and improved productivity. Furthermore, it offers opportunities for vocational training and in-depth study for MBA and engineering students.

Objective

The Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP) by the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME) aims to equip young individuals and others with the knowledge and skills needed to launch and manage their own businesses.

Benefits

Financial & Infrastructure Benefits

Financial assistance as per Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Up to ₹5,00,000 or 2% of project cost for baseline survey/DPR preparation (whichever is less).

3% of total project cost for Project Monitoring Unit (PMU).

Creation of infrastructure such as:

Common Facility Centres

Raw Material Banks

Design Centres

Trade Facilitation Centres

Support for product diversification, branding, and export promotion.

Skill Development & Capacity Building

Training and skill upgradation for artisans.

Engagement of designers with ₹55,000 per month (including TA) for up to 3 years.

Preference to NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) graduates.

Market & Livelihood Benefits

Increased employment opportunities.

Better income and living standards for artisans.

Access to national and international markets.

Promotion of exports and foreign exchange earnings.

Mode of Disbursement

Funds released in installments through Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS).

Cashless and electronic transactions are followed.

Disbursement based on project progress and utilization certificates.

Frequency of Disbursement

1st Installment: 50% of approved project cost.

2nd Installment: 40% after utilization of 70% of first installment.

Final Installment: 10% after project completion.

Validity

Project duration: 3 years (extendable by 1 year with approval).

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be a part of the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme, individuals need to meet the following criteria:

You must be 18 years of age or older.
You should be interested in starting your own industrial, business, or self-employment venture.
The specific educational qualifications and fee structure are determined by the Implementing Agencies organizing the program.
Approximately 40% of the beneficiaries for E-SDPs should belong to weaker sections of society, including SC/ST, women, and persons with disabilities.

Fee Exemption: Participants from SC, ST, Differently-Abled Persons, Ex-Servicemen, Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, and women are exempt from paying any program fees.

How To Apply

If you are eligible and interested in joining the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme, here's how you can get started:

Identify and contact your nearest MSME Development Institute (MSME-DI) or MSME-Technology Centre.
Inquire about the upcoming Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes (EAP), Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Programmes (E-SDP), or Management Development Programmes (MDP).
Follow the instructions provided by the institute for registration, which may include filling out an application form and submitting required documents.

Note: The exact application procedure and schedule will be available at the respective MSME-DIs and Technology Centres.

Documents Required

When applying for the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme, make sure to have the following documents ready:

Proof of Identity (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card)
Proof of Age
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Disability Certificate (if applicable)
Any other documents as specified by the implementing agency.

FAQ’s

What is the primary goal of the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP)?

The ESDP is designed to nurture young talent and others by educating them about the essential aspects of industrial and business activities needed to start Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It also aims to motivate individuals to consider self-employment as a career path.

Who can participate in the ESDP?

The program is open to youth and individuals keen on establishing their own industrial, business, or self-employment ventures. It particularly encourages participation from SC/ST individuals, women, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen, and those from BPL families.

Is there a minimum age requirement to join the program?

Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for the ESDP.

What types of training are offered under the ESDP?

The program offers a variety of training modules, including the one-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP), the six-week Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Programme (E-SDP), and the one-week Management Development Programme (MDP). Advanced versions of E-SDP and MDP are also available.

Do I need to pay a fee to attend the ESDP programs?

While program fees are applicable, participants belonging to specific categories like SC, ST, Differently-Abled Persons, Ex-Servicemen, Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, and women are exempt from paying any fees.

What documents do I need to submit when applying?

You will generally need to provide proof of identity (like Aadhaar or Voter ID), proof of age, and relevant certificates if you belong to SC/ST categories or have a disability. Additional documents might be requested by the organizing agency.

How can I find out about upcoming ESDP programs near me?

You can get information about upcoming programs by contacting your nearest MSME Development Institute (MSME-DI) or MSME-Technology Centre. They can provide details on schedules and application procedures.

What is the main purpose of the Management Development Programme (MDP)?

The MDP is designed to build the capacity of existing MSMEs by providing insights into modern management practices and systems. The goal is to improve their decision-making, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Participants aged 18 and above can attend.

Are there any specific groups that receive priority for training?

Yes, the program aims to motivate young individuals and special focus is given to motivating young persons from SC, ST, Women, Physically Handicapped, Ex-Servicemen, and BPL categories. Around 40% of E-SDP beneficiaries are targeted from these weaker sections.

Who is responsible for conducting these training programs?

The training activities are implemented through various Implementing Agencies (IAs), including MSME-DIs, MSME-TCs, and other government departments and organizations, as approved by a high-level committee.