Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) Report

1. Introduction

The Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) was sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The programme aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial and managerial capabilities of artisans engaged in traditional Kantha Embroidery Craft.

2. Objectives

• Enhance entrepreneurial skills of artisans
• Promote sustainable livelihood opportunities
• Strengthen women-led micro-enterprises
• Improve financial literacy and market linkage

The Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) witnessed active participation from artisans and emerging entrepreneurs, with all participants being women—highlighting a strong commitment to gender-inclusive economic empowerment.

Through expert-led sessions, participants received hands-on training in:

• Product innovation
• Quality control
• Marketing strategies
• E-commerce opportunities
• Financial literacy

A key highlight of the program was the live business pitching session, where participants presented their product ideas and received valuable guidance from professionals and government officials.

3.1st Batch Overview (March 13 – March 18, 2026)

The 6-day EDP (1st Batch) was organized by Amaipara Pollishree Handicraft Producer Company Limited from 13th to 18th March 2026, with the participation of 20 artisans.

Resource Persons:

• Mr. B. Banerjee (Former Director, NIFT)
• Mr. Tanmay Brahma (Former G.M., DIC)
• Ms. Sumana Adhikari (Designer)
• Mr. Hafizur Rahman (Financial Expert)
• Ms. Nivedita Singha (Woman Entrepreneur & DRC, Field Facilitator)
• Mr. Rabindra Kumar Parida (PFMS Expert)

4.2nd Batch Overview (March 19–24, 2026)

The 2nd Batch of the EDP was conducted from 19th to 24th March 2026 by Amaipara Pollishree Handicraft Producer Company Limited.

The program saw the participation of over 20 women artisans and emerging entrepreneurs, further reinforcing the initiative’s focus on women-led economic empowerment.

Resource Persons:

• Mr. Avijit Ray (NIFT Designer)
• Ms. Sumana Adhikari (Designer)
• Mr. Biswajit Maitra (Accounts Expert)
• Ms. Sabita Chakraborty (Social Entrepreneur)
• Ms. Namita Das Mondal (Master Craftsperson)

5. Outcomes

• Improved entrepreneurial awareness among participants
• Enhanced design and product development skills
• Increased confidence among women artisans
• Strengthened community-based enterprise potential

6. Conclusion

The EDP has played a significant role in empowering artisans, especially women, by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to build sustainable livelihoods through traditional crafts.