The program brought together officials from the Ministry of MSME, J&K Industries & Commerce, JKEDI, NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited, and other senior officials along with business leaders and entrepreneurs.

At a Srinagar event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the first Self-Reliant India Fund Outreach to connect J&K MSMEs and startups with venture capital firms and institutional investors.

Sinha congratulated the Union Ministry of MSME, NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited, JKEDI, and the JK Department of Industries & Commerce for creating a pathway that links J&K startups and MSMEs with venture capital and institutional funders.

The SRI Fund, a Rs. 50,000 crore Fund of Funds under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, is designed to expand access to equity capital for MSMEs and startups by broadening venture capital reach to new regions and promoting equity-based financing, structured as a Mother Fund–Daughter Fund.

The event aims to raise awareness of the SRI Fund and explain how it can bridge funding gaps, with a focus on exposing J&K-based enterprises to venture capital mechanisms and financing options for growth.

Ultimately, the SRI Fund seeks to introduce J&K enterprises to venture capital mechanisms and promote equity-based financing for expansion.

Sinha emphasized that industrial development, startup rejuvenation, and MSME growth in J&K are a national obligation and urged improving resources and opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

He urged VCs and investors to assess entrepreneurial capabilities and regional potential with sensitivity and responsibility in support of young entrepreneurs.

The LG called for better resources and opportunities for young and budding entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir.