New Delhi, September 22, 2026 : More than 50 enterprises have been launched by participants of NIIT Foundation’s ChangeMaker Academy , a programme aimed at helping aspiring entrepreneurs from underserved communities build and run small businesses.
Over 180 aspiring entrepreneurs have enrolled in the programme since its inception, with participants starting businesses across sectors including food, education, healthcare, tailoring, beauty and wellness, arts and embroidery, retail and sustainable products, the organisation said.
The ChangeMaker Academy combines entrepreneurship training with mentorship, leadership development and practical business skills . Participants are trained in areas such as business planning, developing business models, understanding customers, pricing, sourcing, decision-making and managing day-to-day operations .
The programme also introduces participants to responsible business practices , including sustainable sourcing, reducing waste and exploring environmentally conscious alternatives.
Among those who have started businesses through the programme are Dimple from Delhi, who launched a cloud kitchen, and Rebati from Laal Bhatta in Jamshedpur, who started a general store.
Dimple, who had earlier completed a data-entry course and worked at a call centre, wanted to pursue a career in the food sector. Through the programme, she received exposure to business planning, sourcing, pricing, customer understanding and operational aspects of running a food business.
She subsequently launched Swad Niwaas, a cloud kitchen, and is involved in its operations, sourcing, pricing and customer engagement.
“ChangeMaker Academy helped me look at my idea not just as a dream, but as something that could become a real business. The practical learning helped me understand planning, sourcing, pricing and understanding customers. Starting Swad Niwaas has taught me that entrepreneurship requires both confidence and discipline,” Dimple said.
Rebati, a homemaker from Laal Bhatta in Jamshedpur, used the training to develop skills in decision-making, communication, planning and business management before launching Saurav & Shubho General Store.
“As a homemaker, I never imagined that I could become an entrepreneur. ChangeMaker Academy gave me the confidence and practical skills to take that first step. Today, I proudly run my own store, creating a livelihood for my family and serving my community,” Rebati said.
Tulika Mehra, National Head – Innovation, NIIT Foundation , said entrepreneurship programmes need to go beyond theoretical training and provide individuals with the practical skills and confidence required to take an idea forward.
“For individuals who want to pursue entrepreneurship, it is important to build confidence, decision-making abilities and a practical understanding of what it takes to run a business. ChangeMaker Academy brings these elements together through entrepreneurship learning, mentoring, life skills and real-world exposure,” she said.
The ChangeMaker Academy is part of NIIT Foundation’s broader work in employability, entrepreneurship and digital skills, aimed at creating pathways from learning to livelihoods for youth, women and underserved communities.
NIIT Foundation is a not-for-profit education society established by the promoters of NIIT in 2004. It implements CSR programmes for corporates and corporate foundations and works with partner organisations on education and skill development initiatives.
The Foundation has a pan-India footprint covering 28 states and three Union Territories and works across areas including career and skill development, digital literacy, financial literacy, cybersecurity, community awareness and AI-enabled programmes.
NIIT Foundation is recognised by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) as an Awarding Body (Dual) for delivering NSQF-aligned training, assessments and certifications.