Firozabad to Host Special Vendor Development Program for SC-ST Entrepreneurs

Firozabad, September 16, 2026: The National SC-ST Hub (NSHO), Agra, has announced a significant one-day ‘Vendor Development Program’ scheduled to take place in Firozabad on September 17, 2026. The event, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs from the SC-ST community, will be hosted at the SRK Degree College campus located on Kotla Road. The program is set to commence at 9:00 AM, bringing together a diverse group of government officials, industry experts, and financial representatives to foster business growth and professional development.

Program Objectives and Expert Participation

According to official sources, the seminar serves as a crucial bridge between budding or established SC-ST entrepreneurs and various governmental resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), PPDC, CFTI, CDGI, the District Industries Centre (DIC), Lead District Managers (LDM), and experts from GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal, as well as practicing Chartered Accountants (CA). This comprehensive assembly ensures that participants receive actionable guidance on navigating the complexities of public procurement and business expansion.

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A.K. Srivastava, Branch Head of the National SC-ST Hub, emphasized that the core objective of this initiative is to integrate SC-ST entrepreneurs directly into the government procurement ecosystem. The program agenda covers a wide range of essential topics, including registration on the GeM portal, understanding the nuances of both state and central government welfare schemes, and the technical requirements for vendor registration within Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). Furthermore, the session will provide clarity on the procedures for securing bank loans and other forms of vital financial assistance, allowing for a more streamlined approach to accessing institutional credit.

Community Impact and Strategic Vision

The event is being organized under the skilled coordination of the MSC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association. Dr. Sunil Jain, President of the MSC Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the historical significance of this event, noting that it represents a pioneering effort in Firozabad to establish a direct dialogue between the government and the local business community. Dr. Jain expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that such a large-scale, interactive platform has not been organized previously in the city, marking a new chapter for the local economic landscape.

Addressing the challenges faced by local business owners, Dr. Jain noted that many entrepreneurs often miss out on government benefits simply due to a lack of awareness or difficulty navigating bureaucratic processes. The primary goal of this seminar is to eliminate these information gaps, ensuring that members of the SC-ST community feel empowered to connect with various departments of the Government of India. By providing a transparent environment where questions can be answered by senior officials, the organizers hope to see local enterprises scale new heights and contribute more significantly to the regional economy. Participants are encouraged to arrive promptly at 9:00 AM at the SRK Degree College to maximize the networking and learning opportunities presented by this dedicated day of industry engagement.