As part of IMEDF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations, grassroots partners, and aspiring development professionals, a Workshop on Enterprise Development and the Non-Farm Sector was organised on October 10, 2025. The day-long session brought together participants keen to deepen their understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise support systems - the essential building blocks of sustainable livelihoods in India’s non-farm economy.

The workshop opened with a deep dive into the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, exploring what it means to think and act like an entrepreneur in today’s dynamic social and economic landscape. Participants reflected on how entrepreneurial thinking goes beyond profit-making to become a transformative approach that empowers communities, encourages self-reliance, and drives inclusive growth. Through interactive discussions, they examined the stages of enterprise creation, the role of innovation, and the importance of resilience and adaptability in building successful ventures.

A key focus of the workshop was on developing an entrepreneurial mindset within the development sector itself - recognising that social change agents and community organisations play a critical role in nurturing local enterprise. Activities such as problem-mapping and reflective exercises encouraged participants to analyse real-world challenges, identify root causes, and uncover opportunities for enterprise-based solutions. These sessions created space for analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a deeper appreciation of how entrepreneurship can address systemic barriers in rural and semi-urban economies.

The discussions also highlighted the role of institutional support in sustaining enterprises. Participants explored how technical assistance, capacity building, financial linkages, and market access collectively strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems. Examples from IMEDF’s field experience illustrated how structured support mechanisms enable small and micro-entrepreneurs to move towards opportunity-driven enterprises.

Another central theme of the day was innovation that can be embedded in everyday enterprise development. Participants were introduced to frameworks and tools that help translate ideas into practical, scalable solutions. These insights underscored how innovation, when grounded in community realities, can enhance both social and economic impact.

The workshop concluded with a reflective dialogue on the way forward for enterprise development in India’s non-farm sector. Participants shared their experiences and insights, noting how the sessions helped them connect theory with practice and view entrepreneurship as a powerful instrument for social transformation.