Ashok Leyland Foundation, BYST launch 3-year programme to train 4500 young entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu
The programme will offer intensive structured training to 900 shortlisted candidates and provide business-related awareness sessions to an additional 3,600 individuals. It focuses on underserved communities, including tribal populations, SC/ST youth and women, with targeted outreach in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Namakkal, Salem and Tiruvannamalai.
Initiative aims to curb unemployment and migration through mentoring-led micro-enterprise development
Chennai, December 9: Ashok Leyland Foundation, in partnership with Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST), has launched a three-year micro-enterprise development programme that aims to support 4,500 aspiring entrepreneurs across five districts of Tamil Nadu. The initiative, running from 2025 to 2028, is designed to expand livelihood opportunities, reduce migration and improve digital readiness among rural youth.
The programme will offer intensive structured training to 900 shortlisted candidates and provide business-related awareness sessions to an additional 3,600 individuals. It focuses on underserved communities, including tribal populations, SC/ST youth and women, with targeted outreach in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Namakkal, Salem and Tiruvannamalai.
According to the partners, the initiative will adopt BYST’s “mentor-driven entrepreneurship” model, pairing young entrepreneurs with experienced industry mentors for guidance on business planning, financial management, market access and risk mitigation. The model is expected to improve the success rate and sustainability of micro-enterprises in the region.
The programme also integrates digital-skills development to help beneficiaries participate more effectively in a technology-driven economy. Efforts will include equipping entrepreneurs with digital tools for marketing, compliance and operations, along with providing access to formal financial institutions.
Ashok Leyland Foundation said the collaboration aligns with its broader commitment to building sustainable communities, especially in regions around the company’s operating areas. BYST noted that the initiative supports its longstanding mission of nurturing rural job creators rather than job seekers.
About Ashok Leyland Foundation
Ashok Leyland Foundation is the CSR arm of Ashok Leyland, working on community development with a focus on education, health, environment and livelihood generation.
About Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST)
BYST is a non-profit organisation that promotes rural entrepreneurship through capacity building, mentoring and financial linkage support for young individuals, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.
