Maharashtra – District Entrepreneurship Mission

Catalyzing Growth

The government of Maharashtra, supported by GAME, has launched the Maharashtra District Entrepreneurship Mission (MDEM).

To promote job creation and economic development in the state, the Maharashtra government’s Maharashtra State Innovation Society under the Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department and the Global Alliance for Entrepreneurship (GAME) inaugurated the first phase of the “Maharashtra District Entrepreneurship Mission”. The first phase of the mission has been launched in Nagpur. The aim of the mission is to create skilled human resources and entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to global opportunities.

This initiative will also fortify the small, medium, and micro-enterprise sector in Maharashtra, which plays a crucial role in India’s development.

MSEM-001

The District as a "Growth-Hub" Approach

Focus on a district as a unit

Bring together all the resources needed in the district to make it a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem & create customize interventions and programs to suit it.

Focus on the speed

With which the needle can be moved – start off by working on problems which when solved will get acknowledged by entrepreneurs.

Imbibe Local ownership

Get the local stakeholders to own the growth agenda for their district and become involved in planning and charting the way forward.

Communicate all growth

Communicate all growth events broadly, celebrate success. Create role models and influencers in the local ecosystem by celebrating growth.

Local non-entrepreneur stakeholders

Engage local non-entrepreneur stakeholders to invest resources in growth. Integrate them in the growth agenda – as mentors, experts, by providing interns, by participating in celebration of growth etc.

Why Nagpur?

  • One of India’s top 15 cities and 3rd largest in Maharashtra
  • Fifth fastest-growing city in the country
  • Home to over 66,000 MSMEs, 500 educational institutions, and flagship industries like Haldirams, CEAT, JSW, and Plasto

Strategic Goals

  • Build a shared district vision for entrepreneurship aligned with Viksit Bharat
  • Identify and empower local champions to drive execution
  • Foster collaborative breakthroughs across government, private, and civil society players
  • Accelerate Nagpur’s GDP growth and job creation through entrepreneurship

Key Interventions

  • Entrepreneurial Landscape Mapping: In-depth diagnostic based on interactions with 150+ stakeholders and consultative workshops with 70 entrepreneurs.
  • TLC Accelerator Pilot: Senior entrepreneurs from Pune and Nashik mentored ~100 growth-oriented MSMEs in Nagpur. Over 1500 MSMEs across 9 districts have benefited from TLC to date.
  • Government Scheme Facilitation: Collaboration with DIC Nagpur and Lemon Ideas for CMEGP strengthening. 125+ entrepreneurs supported.
  • Youth Engagement: Entrepreneurship mindset curriculum delivered in 30 government-aided schools by Udhyam Learning Foundation, reaching 1000 students. 40 student-led ventures showcased at a district-level expo.

Charting the future

Unveiling Maharashtra's Entrepreneurial Blueprint

In a momentous step, Maharashtra and GAME unite to further entrepreneurship in the state. Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision, this partnership aims to elevate Maharashtra as a beacon of entrepreneurial growth, setting an exemplary standard for the nation. With the blend of government support and innovative frameworks, we’re poised to redefine the entrepreneurial landscape.