Small Business Management Training Program for Master Weavers
About the Program:
The core values articulated in IIM Sambalpur’s vision—Innovation, Inclusion, and Integrity—serve as guiding principles for its academic and institutional initiatives. In alignment with these values, IIM Sambalpur, in collaboration with SIDBI, launched a project aimed at fostering sustainable entrepreneurship, with a special focus on strengthening the handloom sector in Odisha.
The initiation was ‘Small Business Management Training Programme’ for the Master Weavers of Bargarh district. The programme not only imparted business skills to the weavers but also commenced with collaboration between multi-stakeholders as Flipkart and SIDBI to support the handloom sector and the Master weavers as micro-entrepreneurs. IIM Sambalpur signed an MoU with Flipkart for onboarding of Master weavers and artisan products on digital marketing platform.
Addressing this need and the gap for the handloom weavers, the faculty members delivered business education in the Odia language, covering core business subjects like marketing management, financial management, operations, and strategy. Emphasis is laid on communication and social media handling. This initiative marks a pioneering effort, making IIM Sambalpur the first management institute in India to impart structured business education in the local language with a focused mission to empower grassroots enterprises.
First Phase (2023) :
Following the successful completion of the programme, 25 master weavers have been onboarded onto the ONDC digital platform and have commenced online sales of their products. In the coming phase, products from nearly 100 weavers are expected to be showcased on the platform, significantly enhancing their market visibility and business prospects. The digital catalogue of the weavers was also formally presented at ONDC.
A book titled “Training Manual for Small Business Management Training Programme” and the project website, www.bunkarvalleys.com was launched by the distinguished dignitaries during the valedictory event. Certificates were awarded to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the programme. An exhibition-cum-sale of the weavers’ products was also organized, providing direct market exposure.
The training programme is specifically designed to enhance participants’ capabilities in market creation and expansion. The curriculum incorporates the five Ps of marketing—product, price, place, promotion, and people—along with insights into global market trends. To ensure sustained impact, incubation support has been envisioned as a critical next step. In this direction, a startup initiative is being developed to facilitate global marketing of handloom products. The long-term vision is to establish a “Bunkar Valley,” inspired by Silicon Valley, that will serve as a dynamic ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global positioning of India’s textile and handloom industry
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Second Phase (2024)
With the objective of strengthening business capabilities while preserving the rich cultural heritage of handloom traditions, IIM Sambalpur, in collaboration with SIDBI, organized the second edition of its 12-day weekend certificate programme titled “Small Business Management Training Programme” for master weavers of Western Odisha. Conducted under the aegis of the Centre for Responsible Business, the programme covered key areas such as design innovation, digital marketing, GST compliance, financial management, managerial practices, and communication skills. 25 master weavers participated in the training, with a focused emphasis on enhancing their market access through digital platforms such as Flipkart, Amazon, and ONDC.
The valedictory event was held at IIM Sambalpur on 31st August 2024. To make it special, the event featured a handloom exhibition followed by a buyer–seller meet. The programme was jointly organized by SIDBI, Aditya Birla Grasim, and Imperial College. Prominent buyers from across India—including Fabindia, Suta, and GoCoop—participated in the event, providing valuable market linkage opportunities. The exhibition was open to the public and witnessed enthusiastic participation from local visitors. A special highlight of the event was the display of natural fibre yarns dyed with natural colours, along with innovative fibre solutions from Aditya Birla’s Excel yarn, bamboo, and banana fibres. The initiative represents a significant step toward promoting sustainable fashion and integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary market and sustainability trends.
Third Phase (2025)
Weaving Tradition into Entrepreneurship | A Journey Towards Global Excellence
On the occasion of Sambalpuri Day (1st August 2025), IIM Sambalpur celebrated the successful completion of the third phase of its Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) for 25 skilled weavers from Western Odisha. The programme was conducted under the aegis of the Centre for Responsible Business, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
The initiative aimed to bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern business practices, enabling weavers to compete effectively in evolving domestic and global markets.
The valedictory ceremony, graced by distinguished representatives from IIM Sambalpur, TPWODL, ORMAS, and the Odisha Livelihood Mission, marked not merely the culmination of a training programme but the strengthening of a broader movement to preserve and elevate India’s indigenous handloom heritage.
As Professor Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, aptly stated:
“Sambalpuri handlooms are not just garments—they represent our identity and pride. Through this initiative, we aspire to take this heritage to the global stage while empowering rural entrepreneurs.”
This initiative underscores IIM Sambalpur’s vision of transforming tradition into sustainable entrepreneurship and positioning Sambalpuri handloom as a globally recognized symbol of craftsmanship and cultural excellence.