Shillong, Oct, 19: The Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with IIM Shillong, officially launched the CM Business Catalyst: Student B-Plan Challenge, an innovative initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and
sustainable business practices among the youth of Meghalaya. The launch event at Shillong was graced by the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, along with esteemed dignitaries including
the Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri C H Vijayashankar, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, and Hon’ble Minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh.
The CM Business Catalyst program is designed to empower college students to develop sustainable business models that address pressing environmental and social challenges. This initiative aligns with the state’s vision for sustainable development, leveraging IIM Shillong's expertise in innovation, management, and entrepreneurial education.
Mission Objectives:
– Cultivate business acumen among the students of Meghalaya.
– Equip students with essential skills to design and implement successful business ventures.
– Inspire a culture of innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship to tackle local and global challenges.
The challenge will unfold through a structured, multi-stage competition aimed at engaging students while fostering skill development. Participants will benefit from mentorship by IIM students and faculty, as well as knowledge transfer sessions led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs from Meghalaya and across India.
Competition Structure:
– Round 1 and 2: College and Regional Rounds focusing on essential skills for idea development,
supported by templates, video guidance, and mentoring.
– Round 3: IIM Accelerator: The top 20 teams will participate in a weeklong workshop at IIM Shillong,
culminating in the selection of 12 finalists.
– Final Round: State Finals: Final presentations before state dignitaries, where the winners will be announced.
The CM Business Catalyst initiative serves as a feeder program for existing entrepreneurial ventures in Meghalaya, complementing initiatives like CM Elevate and the Chief Minister’s E-Championship Challenge. By nurturing entrepreneurial spirit at the college level, this program aims to develop a robust talent pool prepared for future challenges.
Through the CM Business Catalyst: Student B-Plan Challenge, IIM Shillong and the Government of Meghalaya aspire to ignite a movement of young innovators and entrepreneurs, fostering a long-term culture of sustainability and economic growth in the state.
