Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDP)

Entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development. Empirical evidence has established that the pace of economic growth in a region is closely linked to the level of entrepreneurial activity. The earlier perception that entrepreneurs are "born and not made" has been conclusively dispelled. It is now well accepted that entrepreneurial capabilities can be developed and nurtured through systematic training, mentoring, and institutional support.

In line with this understanding, HIMCON actively conducts Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) focused on:

• Entrepreneurial awareness and motivation
• Enterprise planning and management
• Financial literacy and project formulation
• Market linkages and business sustainability

HIMCON has successfully implemented EDPs on behalf of and in collaboration with the following esteemed institutions and government departments:

• Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India
• Himachal Pradesh Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (HPCED)
• Department of Industries, Government of Uttarakhand
• Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE)
• Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Bemloe, Shimla

These programmes have contributed significantly to new enterprise creation, capacity building, and promotion of micro and small enterprises, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Skill Development Programmes

In addition to entrepreneurship training, HIMCON undertakes sector-specific skill development, skill upgradation programmes, and technology clinics through its dedicated Skill Development Training Division. These initiatives are designed to align workforce capabilities with industry requirements and emerging economic sectors.

HIMCON has frequently organized skill development programmes across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and North Eastern States, in association with leading national organizations, including:

• National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation,
  Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
• SJVN Limited,
  A Joint Venture of Government of India & Government of Himachal Pradesh,
  Mini Ratna, Schedule 'A' PSU, ISO 9001:2015 Certified
• National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation (NHFDC),
  Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan),
  Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India

These programmes focus on inclusive development, targeting youth, women, socially disadvantaged groups, and persons with disabilities, thereby contributing to equitable socio-economic growth.

Tourism-Related Skill Training & Studies

Tourism is a key driver of employment and self-employment in Himachal Pradesh, with strong linkages to hospitality, transport, handicrafts, adventure tourism, and allied services. Recognizing its economic significance, HIMCON actively supports tourism-related skill training programmes aimed at developing employable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sector.

HIMCON provides these services on behalf of the Department of Civil Aviation & Tourism, Government of Himachal Pradesh, covering various tourism-centric skill domains.

In addition to training, HIMCON undertakes professional consultancy services for the tourism sector, including:

• Preparation of Feasibility Studies
• Detailed Project Reports (DPRs)
• Tourism development and infrastructure studies

These assignments are carried out for selected locations in Himachal Pradesh on behalf of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), supporting sustainable tourism planning and destination development.