Agartala, Oct 28 : The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has received 8,956 applications from aspiring entrepreneurs across the state for its incubation programme aimed at promoting rural enterprises and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, officials said on Wednesday.
The initiative, implemented with technical support from IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), seeks to identify promising business ideas at the grassroots level and help transform them into viable enterprises through training, mentoring and incubation support.
To generate awareness and encourage participation, TRLM conducted outreach programmes across all 58 blocks of Tripura, attracting applications from individuals interested in establishing their own businesses.
Following a detailed screening process, 251 aspiring entrepreneurs have been shortlisted and are currently undergoing specialised pitch-training sessions, officials said.
The training is designed to help participants refine their business proposals, improve presentation skills and prepare to present their ideas before an expert evaluation panel.
In the next phase, the shortlisted candidates will participate in the Challenge Fund Jury Round, where their proposals will be assessed on parameters such as innovation, feasibility, sustainability and potential impact.
Of the 251 candidates, 150 will be selected for incubation support to help them develop their business ideas into operational enterprises, officials said.
The programme aims to go beyond financial assistance by equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with business knowledge, practical skills and the confidence needed to establish and sustain their ventures.
Through its partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, TRLM is seeking to provide participants with access to professional mentorship, business development guidance and a structured ecosystem to support enterprise creation.
The initiative is expected to promote self-employment, encourage innovation and expand livelihood opportunities, particularly among rural youth and communities.
Officials said supporting grassroots enterprises could strengthen local economies by enabling entrepreneurs to generate income and create employment opportunities within their communities.
The programme also seeks to encourage people to explore entrepreneurship as an alternative to conventional employment avenues, thereby contributing to rural economic development.
The substantial response to the initiative reflects the interest among aspiring entrepreneurs in developing independent business ventures, officials said.
By combining grassroots outreach with professional mentoring and structured evaluation, the incubation programme aims to nurture a new generation of rural entrepreneurs and promote sustainable enterprise-led growth in Tripura.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and expand economic opportunities across the state.
