IIM Kozhikode Launches 'Uyare' for Women Entrepreneurs in Kerala

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 29 April 2026

• IIM Kozhikode launches ‘Uyare’ to train 700 grassroot women entrepreneurs
• Focus on business skills, digital marketing, and credit access for Kudumbashree members
• The program is backed by Manappuram Foundation to boost rural entrepreneurship

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has initiated the “Uyare” project. The project is a research-based project to enhance grassroots entrepreneurship among women in Kudumbashree network. Kudumbashree is a large, three-tiered community-based organisation in Kerala that was started in 1997 to eradicate poverty by empowering women, and has over 48 lakh members.

The project will also yield information on the importance of specific training measures and sustained support systems for the small-scale entrepreneurs in rural and semi-urban regions, according to the IIM Kozhikode.

The project was launched on April 27, 2026 at the Migration Support Centre in Kozhikode. The project will provide training to women entrepreneurs to enhance their business and management skills, according to the statement.

It aims to assist women entrepreneurs to enhance their operational efficiency and adhere to regulatory norms. The project also aims to develop capacity for localised business growth.

The project will train about 700 women entrepreneurs in 40 Gram Panchayats in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts from April to June 2026. The sessions will be held at the Gram Panchayat level to increase their accessibility and participation.

The training will be conducted over a two-day period and will emphasise business skills. The sessions will be delivered by the Entrepreneurship Development Society, which has organised capacity building sessions for trainers in partnership with the IIM Kozhikode research team.

The programme comprises five essential components: aspirations within a business; management of working capital; market and credit access; digital marketing; and adherence to legal regulations.

This has been developed at IIM Kozhikode to ensure an experiential, hands-on education based on true events and experiences, through direct, practical application of business theory. An activity kit will be given to each participant which includes two separate items: a workbook with exercises for applying business concepts; and a handout that offers guidance regarding the operation and growth of a small company.

The project is supported by Manappuram Foundation and facilitated by the District Collector’s Office along with the Kudumbashree District Mission. The District Industries Centre is also involved in supporting the initiative.

According to IIM Kozhikode, the programme aims to improve business practices, enhance access to formal credit systems and strengthen participation in digital marketplaces.