Entrepreneur Guidance Cells (EGC)

Proficiency Interface Cells (PIC) is one of the new innovative schemes being implemented in the 10th plan by the State Government for the strategic development of Small Scale Enterprises. A PIC is an economic/industrial development tool designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial activity through an array of business support resources and services. Critical to the definition of a PIC is on-site management, which develops and orchestrates business, technology, marketing and management resources tailored to an entrepreneur’s needs. As per the scheme, the officers, especially technically qualified, of the Industries Directorate and District Industries Centres (DICs) are given modern General Management Training (GMT) and Specialized Technical Training (SST), to form self-motivated teams and to effectively interact with entrepreneurs/investors/industrialists etc. As a facilitator/mentor, the cell will have a service delivery mechanism for the projects of entrepreneurs/investors/industrialists " from concept to commission" through consultancy /advise/guidance. The escort service to will also provided to the extent possible.

To achieve the objectives of the PIC, it is proposed to set up exclusive Entrepreneur Guidance Cells (EGC) with separate identity.

The general objectives of the center will be

1. To provide a platform with "state of the art" facilities/infrastructure for the functioning of Proficiency Interface Cells (PIC).

2. Act as a "one – stop – shop" for all industry related information and dissemination of the same to entrepreneurs/investors/industrialists in Small Scale Enterprises Sector.

3. To ensure hassle free dissemination of technical expertise to entrepreneurs by Proficiency Interface Cells (PIC).

4. To provide a platform for the entrepreneurs/investors/industrialists to interact with the PIC members.

5. Maintain "digital database" of all industry related information for appropriate dissemination.

6. To ensure appropriate facilitation.

7. To facilitate interaction between PIC members, experts and consultants and entrepreneurs/investors/industrialists.

It is proposed to set up four Entrepreneur Guidance Cells (EGC) at strategic locations in the state during the year 2004 -2005. The Centers will be attached with DICs.

Each cell will have a minimum office space of 250 SQ.FT, exclusively furnished with modern communication and information storage and retrieval facilities. Facilities based on Industry resource locator and incubator schemes will be linked to this information network.

Under the PIC, of 4-6 trained officials are grouped to form Core Teams (CT) in each specialized area. Each of the PIC teams in each sector specialization will hold at least two sittings two or three days in a month at each center as per pre notified schedule. During the sitting, the CT will interact/discuss with the clients as per prior schedule. (Online registration for service of PIC can be considered) Inviting subject expert/ FI representatives/ technology transfer institutes/ consultants for finalizing the project. This CT will provide escort service to the client throughout the project and after.

Initially there will be 6 Core Teams (CT) in the following sectors.

1. Food processing

2. Rubber & Plastics

3. Light Engineering

4. Ayurveda & Herbal

5. Electronics

6. Chemical, Ceramics and

7. Pharmaceuticals

The Entrepreneur Guidance Cells (EGC) will disseminate information in the following areas among other services.

1. Project ideas/project reports/project profiles

2. Appropriate technology/technology transfer (through network of institutions)

3. Details of machinery/source/suppliers/price etc

4. Source of raw material/availability/price

5. Availability of infrastructure (IRL)

6. IPR/ISO services, export/import information etc

7. Linkage with Financial institutions, banks etc.