Alappuzha Becomes First District to Achieve 100% Target in Year of Enterprises 3.0

Alappuzha has become the first district in Kerala to achieve its 100% target for the financial year 2024-2025 under the "Year of Enterprises 3.0" initiative, led by the State Department of Industry and Commerce. The district exceeded its goal of 7600 new units by establishing 7613 units in just 6 months and 17 days. Out of these, 1090 are in the manufacturing sector, 2980 in the service sector, and 3543 in the commercial sector. These ventures have attracted investments of Rs. 273.35 crore and created 13,559 jobs. Notably, 44% of the new entrepreneurs are women. Thanneermukkam Panchayat leads among local bodies with 123 enterprises, while Alappuzha Municipality tops among municipalities with 392 enterprises. The "One Year One Lakh Enterprises" scheme, implemented in the district in 2022-23, was also a major success. Although the target was 9666 enterprises, 9953 new ventures were launched, generating investments of Rs. 527.57 crore and creating 21,213 jobs. To facilitate this growth, 86 Enterprise Development Executives (EDEs) are actively working across 72 Panchayats and 6 Municipalities. They identify potential entrepreneurs, provide support, and help resolve challenges related to licenses and financing.EDEs assist aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the process, offering business ideas, educating about entrepreneurship, and ensuring the sustainability of businesses under the Entrepreneurial Year scheme. Help desks are set up in all local bodies every Monday and Wednesday, where EDEs provide hands-on support. Additionally, the scheme includes public awareness workshops, Loan License Subsidy Fairs, Marketing Fairs, and Entrepreneur Meets at the Panchayat/Municipality level.To further support businesses, the Department of Industry and Commerce is implementing initiatives like MSME Insurance, Kerala Brand, and Mission 1000, aimed at safeguarding enterprises and enhancing market opportunities.