Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute is set to organise district-level credit facilitation meetings under the District Business Reform Action Plan (D-BRAP) to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Union Territory.
The initiative forms a key component of the implementation strategy of the Jammu and Kashmir Startup Policy 2024–27, which aims to build a vibrant, innovation-driven and inclusive startup ecosystem in J&K. The policy focuses on promoting entrepreneurship through institutional support, financial assistance and capacity-building opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging startups.
With an emphasis on decentralisation and grassroots outreach, D-BRAP seeks to enhance ease of doing business at the district level while ensuring that startup support mechanisms are accessible across all regions.
Under this framework, JKEDI’s district offices have been designated as District Startup Cells, serving as the first point of contact for entrepreneurs. These cells are tasked with identifying potential startups, facilitating registrations, spreading awareness about policy benefits and ensuring effective implementation of government-backed initiatives across the Union Territory.
As part of the programme, JKEDI will conduct a series of District-Level Credit Facilitation Meetings to directly connect entrepreneurs, startups, self-help groups and youth with banks, financial institutions and other stakeholders. The meetings aim to simplify access to credit, improve awareness about financial schemes and foster meaningful engagement between entrepreneurs and funding agencies.
The meetings are scheduled to be held on April 27 in Anantnag and Jammu, and on April 28 in Udhampur and Shopian.
These sessions will provide participants with an opportunity to explore financial avenues, understand credit mechanisms and receive guidance on business planning and funding strategies. The initiative is aligned with the broader goal of enabling startups to access timely financial support and scale their ventures.
The Startup Policy 2024–27 offers a wide range of incentives, including seed funding support, innovation and prototype development grants, market access assistance and capital grants for incubators. It also provides structured mentorship, capacity-building programmes and networking opportunities.
Through District Startup Cells, entrepreneurs are supported in onboarding onto the Startup JK Portal—a centralised platform for registration, mentorship and availing policy incentives.
JKEDI, as the nodal agency for implementing the Startup Policy, continues to organise mentorship sessions bringing together domain experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs to guide startups on key areas such as technology adoption, regulatory compliance and market expansion.
By taking such initiatives to the district level, the government aims to ensure that entrepreneurial opportunities reach grassroots innovators and are not limited to urban centres.
JKEDI has encouraged all interested youth, startups, self-help groups and prospective entrepreneurs to participate in these meetings and take advantage of the opportunities being created to promote entrepreneurship, enable growth and build a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
