Ashok Leyland Foundation and Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust have launched a micro-entrepreneurship program in Chennai, targeting 4,500 semi-skilled, unemployed or underemployed young people in Tamil Nadu, with special focus on tribal groups, SC and ST communities, and women seeking independent income sources.
The initiative, running from 2025 to 2028, will provide counselling to 4,500 youth and structured training to 900 aspiring microentrepreneurs. The program aims to train around 40% participants from women and SC/ST youth.
The partnership seeks to reduce youth migration from the state, increase local production and value creation, and build income pathways for rural families. The program will also promote digital readiness among microentrepreneurs through training on cybersecurity, digital marketing, and online payment modes.
"Rural youth have the drive and the capability to build strong enterprises when the right support is made available," said Lakshmi Venkataraman Venkatesan, Founding and Managing Trustee of Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust. "This partnership reflects our belief that enterprise does not belong to cities alone. When young people start and grow businesses in their own communities, they strengthen the local economy and build confidence for others to follow. The collaboration with Ashok Leyland Foundation will help create a new set of young microentrepreneurs who are skilled and confident and need not look for jobs."
T Sasikumar, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland Foundation said, "Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of skill, enterprise and community strength. Yet many young people in rural areas face gaps in guidance, networks, and access to credit. Our partnership responds to these needs in a focused and practical way. This programme supports the state's vision of local job creation and strong value chains, ensuring young people do not migrate out of state in search of menial jobs, rather build local enterprises for wealth creation."
The initiative aims to create new enterprises, expand local income sources and reduce migration needs. The program will strengthen the local economy by enabling young people to build businesses within the state.
Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust has been creating economic opportunities for young men and women from underserved sections for three decades. The organization assists youth in developing business ideas into viable enterprises under mentor guidance. BYST-mentored rural entrepreneurs have generated 5 lakh employment opportunities across the country.
Ashok Leyland Foundation, established in 2024, is the CSR arm of Ashok Leyland. The foundation drives social impact through education, healthcare, skilling and green initiatives, and water management programs across India.