After dedicating decades to the nation, many Indian Army veterans face the challenge of transitioning to civilian life. Recognizing this, I Create India, in collaboration with the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV), has launched a mentorship program to guide ex-servicemen into entrepreneurship, enabling them to start ventures in sectors like farming and kewda oil processing.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
- Comprehensive Training and Mentorship: I Create India offers a structured program that includes a five-day Aspiring Entrepreneurship Workshop (AEW), followed by personalized mentoring and handholding support to help veterans develop and execute their business plans.
- Establishment of Business Incubation Centers (BICs): Under the MoU with DIAV, multiple BICs have been set up across various Army locations in India, providing veterans with resources and support to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys.
- Success Stories: Veterans like Ardhi Krishna Rao have successfully ventured into businesses such as kewda oil processing, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in facilitating meaningful post-retirement careers.
- Significant Impact: As of early 2025, over 14,500 Army veterans have been trained through this initiative, with more than 1,600 successfully launching their own businesses across diverse sectors.