Tamil Nadu govt launches TN-RISE to create startups in rural areas

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has launched TN-RISE (Tamil Nadu Rural Incubator and Start-Up Enabler) to create more women-led startups in the rural pockets of state.
An initiative of the state-owned Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation, the special platform will operate with financial assistance from the World Bank.
Launching the TN-RISE here on Tuesday, minister for youth welfare and special programme implementation Udhayanidhi Stalin said the state is home for 13.5% of firms led by women in India.
"Women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges in advancing their business ideas, as well as in accessing finance, credit and marketing opportunities. TN-RISE aims at eliminating these obstacles by offering customised market linkages, financing and operational advice. Also, it will provide high-end business incubation services to women-led rural enterprises."
As many as 126 woman entrepreneurs and 80 woman enterprise groups will receive guidance through this initiative.
“Hundreds of women entrepreneurs and women enterprise groups will benefit through TN-RISE every year,” he added.
Seeking the support of industries and entrepreneurs, Udhayanidhi said TN-RISE has signed MoUs with multinational companies including Flipkart and HP to provide guidance and training to budding woman entrepreneurs.
In his address, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, additional chief secretary, rural development, panchayats and panchayat union, said the vision of the government of Tamil Nadu is to ensure that the maximum number of startups are coming up within the shortest possible time.
“It is an ambitious project of the state government. Guidance such as government subsidies and schemes and availing capital from financial institutions would be offered," he said.
Samik Sundar Das, task team leader, World Bank, said, "We are sure that known the track record of government of Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu, this will sustain and present for a long time of outcomes that will be seen in the world as example. As Tamil Nadu delivers, we all know India learns. So, I think this is a forum, where India will learn again from."