Over 100 military veterans from across the Northeast gathered in Guwahati on Friday to attend an entrepreneurship workshop, aimed at equipping ex-servicemen with the skills and institutional support needed to build successful businesses after retirement from the armed forces. The event was organised by the North East Region Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry to encourage veterans to transition from military service to entrepreneurship and become contributors to the region’s economic growth.
The workshop featured a range of sessions, including business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, digital business opportunities, startup funding, and access to various government schemes designed to promote entrepreneurship. Air Vice Marshal Sanjib Bordoloi, AVSM (Retd), addressed the participants, highlighting the qualities that make military veterans well-suited for entrepreneurial ventures, such as leadership, discipline, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.
He urged the participants to leverage these strengths to establish sustainable enterprises, generate employment, and contribute to local economic development. Officials from the Small Industries Development Bank of India, MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Guwahati, and the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd were also present to inform participants about the range of support available for ex-servicemen aspiring to become entrepreneurs.
The workshop included interactive discussions with successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, who shared practical insights and real-life experiences on setting up and managing businesses in today’s competitive environment. Participants actively engaged in the sessions, sought guidance on business opportunities, and appreciated the practical orientation of the programme.
The organisers noted that the enthusiastic response reflected the growing interest among retired defence personnel in entrepreneurship as a viable post-service career option. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, with organisers reaffirming their commitment to supporting military veterans through capacity-building initiatives and stronger linkages with financial institutions and government agencies to help them achieve long-term economic self-reliance.
The workshop is part of a broader effort to facilitate the transition of military personnel into civilian careers while promoting self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. By providing the necessary skills and support, organisers hope to empower military veterans to become successful entrepreneurs and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
