Military Veterans Encouraged to Build Businesses Through Entrepreneurship Workshop in Guwahati
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Guwahati, July 17, 2026: In a significant initiative to promote economic self-reliance among former armed forces personnel, the NER Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organized a comprehensive Entrepreneurship Workshop in Guwahati on Friday. The programme aimed to empower military veterans with the knowledge, practical skills and institutional support needed to successfully transition from military service into the world of entrepreneurship.
The workshop brought together more than 100 military veterans, offering them valuable insights into establishing and managing successful enterprises. Experts conducted sessions on business planning, financial management, digital entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, startup funding opportunities and various government support schemes available for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Addressing the gathering, Air Vice Marshal Sanjib Bordoloi, AVSM (Retd.), highlighted that the qualities cultivated during military service—leadership, discipline, resilience, integrity and problem-solving ability—provide veterans with a strong competitive advantage in the business world. He encouraged participants to channel these strengths into building sustainable enterprises that not only generate livelihoods but also contribute to regional economic growth.
Representatives from several leading institutions, including the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), MSME Development & Facilitation Office, Guwahati, and The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), outlined a range of support mechanisms available to ex-servicemen. These include entrepreneurship training, mentoring, financial assistance, credit facilitation and networking opportunities designed to help veterans launch and expand their businesses.
The workshop featured interactive discussions, expert guidance and networking sessions, enabling participants to engage directly with successful entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Veterans expressed appreciation for the practical knowledge shared during the programme and voiced confidence in applying the lessons learned to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, with organizers reaffirming their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among military veterans and supporting their journey towards long-term financial independence and meaningful participation in the region’s economic development.
IBG NEWS Insight
With thousands of defence personnel retiring every year, entrepreneurship has emerged as an important avenue for utilizing the leadership and operational skills acquired during military service. Collaborative initiatives involving industry bodies, financial institutions and government agencies are increasingly playing a vital role in helping veterans become successful job creators rather than job seekers, thereby strengthening both local economies and the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
