Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday launched the CII Kerala Entrepreneurs Development Forum, an initiative aimed at strengthening the micro-entrepreneurial ecosystem in the State. The forum, established by the CII Centre of Excellence on Employment & Livelihood, seeks to transform job seekers into job creators and provide comprehensive support to micro-enterprises.

The initiative recognises the crucial role of MSMEs in the economy. The Centre of Excellence will focus on connecting industry with micro-entrepreneurs, facilitating mentorship programmes, catalysing skill development, and developing scalable business models.

CII Kerala Entrepreneurs Development Forum will offer mentorship, networking, and capacity-building programmes. It will provide a platform for micro-entrepreneurs to address challenges, access industry mentorship, and receive business guidance. The first batch of 50 micro-entrepreneurs, supported by V-Guard Industries, will receive tools, training, and industry linkages to scale their businesses.

CII has called for corporate participation, urging established businesses to support micro-entrepreneurs to accelerate grassroots economic growth. 

CII representatives highlighted the importance of collaboration and sought guidance from the Chief Minister on strengthening engagement between the Centre and the State government. The organisation expressed confidence that the initiative will empower small businesses, generate employment, and drive sustainable economic growth in Kerala.

As Kerala stands poised on the cusp of unprecedented growth, CII Kerala released a Vision document 2047 “Kerala - Road to $Trillion Economy”, the culmination of years of strategic deliberations by CII. Released by Pinarayi Vijayan, the report presents a laser-focused roadmap to catapult Kerala into the coveted $1 trillion economy club.

Published on February 21, 2025