Unlocking MSME Funding Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

On 09.01.2025 a session on "Unlocking MSME Funding Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs” was organized by the Entrepreneurship Development Cell and IIC in association with the Department of CSE. This session was handled by Dr.R.Prem Ananth, IIC Convenor, AP/ECE, Francis Xavier Engineering College. Sixty five students from third year CSE and one faculty of CSE Department participated in the program. The program was coordinated by Mrs.D.Elizabeth Paulsyah, Assistant Professor, Department of CSE from 10.50AM – 12.35 PM.

The program started with the introduction of a guest speaker by Mrs.D.Elizabeth Paulsyah. During this session, the guest speaker explained the concept of MSME funding opportunities. The guest speaker said that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of many economies worldwide, driving innovation, employment, and economic growth. However, one of the most significant challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs is accessing the necessary funding to launch or expand their ventures. He explores various funding opportunities available for MSMEs and strategies to unlock them effectively.

Many governments offer dedicated programs, such as: Credit Guarantee Schemes: Ensures loans are provided without collateral. Subsidized Loan Programs: Offers lower interest rates. Startup Incentive Schemes: Provides grants for early-stage ventures. For example the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in India. Development banks focus on priority sectors, including MSMEs. ideal for innovative businesses with high growth potential.

Platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe allow entrepreneurs to raise funds from a large pool of small investors. Rewards or equity-based models are popular and offer more flexible lending terms than traditional banks. Through this program, participants showed keen interest in the concepts, and opportunities and gave satisfactory feedback at the end of the session.