‘A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE)’ is an initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India.
ASPIRE was launched in 2015 to promote entrepreneurship, employment generation, and technology innovation in the agro-rural sector.
The scheme aims to support the establishment of Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment generation in the agro-rural sector
The scheme also aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing support for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The ASPIRE scheme has the following objectives:
Create new jobs and reduce unemployment.
Promote entrepreneurship culture in India.
Boost entrepreneurship and a self-sufficient culture.
Encourage agro-industry start-ups to innovate.
Add value to agricultural produce by automating agricultural activities.
Facilitate market linkage and provide aid and assistance to unattended and neglected social needs
It offers several benefits for rural industries and entrepreneurs, including:
Job Creation: The scheme focuses on job creation and reducing unemployment, particularly in the agro-rural sector, by promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
Market Linkage and Assistance: It facilitates market linkage and provides assistance to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas, aiming to improve the economic and social well-being of people in these regions.
Value Addition to Agricultural and Forest Produce: ASPIRE aims to add value to the agricultural and forest produce sector, promoting various business models for aggregation and value addition in rural areas.
Skill Development and Incubation Programs: The scheme supports the establishment of Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to provide skill development and incubation programs, thereby fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the agro-rural sector.
Financial Support: ASPIRE provides financial support for the establishment of incubation centers and a network of technology centers across India, promoting the creation of local jobs and business concepts with a social impact.
Access to Funding and Mentorship: Eligible agencies, institutions, and private entities can access funding and mentorship support by submitting proposals for setting up Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs).
The eligibility criteria for availing the benefits of the ASPIRE scheme are as follows:
Any individual who is above 18 years of age as an incubatee and skilled.
All the start-ups and emerging new businesses are eligible to take the benefit of this scheme.
The enterprise should fulfil all the mandatory guidelines laid down by the ASPIRE Scheme steering committee under the Ministry of MSME.
Exclusively Information Technology-based applications, even if engaged in rural and agro-focused industry verticals, will not be eligible under this scheme
The scheme aims to create new jobs, promote entrepreneurship culture, encourage economic development at the district level, enable innovative business solutions for unfulfilled social needs, and promote innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of the MSME sector.
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