(representative image) By enabling young innovators to convert ideas into viable enterprises, Gramodyam aims to transform local opportunities into engines of sustainable economic growth and employment generation.
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The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched Gramodyam, an entrepreneurship development programme designed to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of rural India on its 45th Foundation Day on Sunday.Launched by Shaji KV, Chairman of NABARD, this initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The initiative will be implemented through Institute for Industrial Development.Gramodyam seeks to identify, nurture, mentor and empower aspiring entrepreneurs by equipping them with industry-relevant skills, entrepreneurial competencies and access to essential support systems. By enabling young innovators to convert ideas into viable enterprises, Gramodyam aims to transform local opportunities into engines of sustainable economic growth and employment generation.A media statement said that the programme adopts a digital-first, hybrid delivery model to ensure equitable outreach across all States and Union Territories. Through a combination of digital platforms, social media engagement, community outreach and on-ground mobilisation, aspiring entrepreneurs will be enrolled and guided through a structured entrepreneurial journey. This will include psychometric assessments, counselling, entrepreneurship development training, industry / trade specific training, mentoring and enterprise establishment support.Gramodyam offers an integrated support framework encompassing business opportunity identification, business planning, enterprise management training, credit facilitation, market linkages, mentorship and post-establishment handholding, it said.All beneficiaries enrolled under the programme will undergo e-KYC verification through NSDC, ensuring transparency and authenticity of participation. During the pilot phase, Gramodyam aims to support the creation of approximately 4,000 rural entrepreneurs over a period of three years through a scalable and organic delivery mechanism.Participants will receive expert support in preparing bankable detailed project reports, establishing linkages with NABARD-supported regional rural banks, and other financial institutions for credit support. The programme will provide digital loan application assistance and guidance on relevant government schemes and incentives, thereby improving access to formal finance and reducing barriers to enterprise creation.The statement said that the programme delivery architecture will be integrated with the digital platform of NSDC, enabling real-time monitoring and tracking of participant progress across every stage.Published on July 13, 2026
