Sreeram Viswanath
Expert
Published on: Sep 17, 2026
Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship
The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) is an autonomous organization based in Guwahati, Assam, established by the Ministry of Industry, now known as the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, the Institute is dedicated to providing training, research, and consultancy services in Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), with a primary focus on entrepreneurship development. Since its inception in April 1994, with the support of stakeholders such as the North East Council (NEC), Government of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and SIDBI, the Institute has worked tirelessly to foster entrepreneurial growth throughout the region.
The Institute boasts an extensive library and documentation center, a seminar hall, a guest house, a hostel, and an auditorium capable of seating 200 individuals. Furthermore, its operations extend across several states, including Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
Vision and Mission
IIE envisions itself as a leader in delivering high-quality professional development programs, as well as research and information services focused on promoting entrepreneurship and managing MSMEs. Its mission is to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurial ventures by organizing diverse training programs, research activities, and other initiatives aimed at capacity building and enterprise creation, particularly in the Northeastern Region (NER).
Objectives
The Institute is committed to achieving several key objectives:
- Promoting and nurturing entrepreneurship.
- Conducting research and providing consultancy for entrepreneurship development.
- Collaborating with other organizations to enhance the Institute's outreach through training, research, and other activities.
- Providing consultancy and mentoring services to MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs, thus improving participant employability.
- Promoting the use of information technology in the Institute's functions and activities.
- Ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities.
Functions
The functions of IIE include:
- Designing and conducting training programs for various target audiences, coupled with research on entrepreneurship.
- Enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and delivery of change agents and developing practitioners.
- Offering consultancy services to current and future entrepreneurs, helping them with enterprise management and growth efforts.
- Expanding activities through collaborative initiatives and utilizing different information technology tools to improve effectiveness.
Scope of Training
The Institute provides both ATI (Assistance to Training Institutes) and Non-ATI training programs. Its ATI offerings include the Training of Trainers (TOT) and Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP). The Non-ATI training portfolio includes 36 different modes of entrepreneurship training, ranging from 600 hours to fifteen days, often charging minimal or no fee.
Areas of Consultancy
IIE extends consultancy services in various entrepreneurial areas:
- Enterprise Planning
- Enterprise Management
- Enterprise Expansion
- Diversification and Growth
- Management Consultancy
- Marketing Consultancy with a focus on export and border trade
- Technology Sourcing
- Technology Propagation
- Project and Reports
Seminars and Workshops
The Institute organizes seminars and workshops to exchange experiences on implementing self-employment and entrepreneurship programs. These events, such as the Entrepreneurs Meet, are designed to assist entrepreneurs in launching and managing projects effectively.
Projects
IIE has adopted and manages several key projects, including:
- Centre for Sustainable Livelihood (CPSL) Promotion
- Regional Resource Centre (RRC) for Cluster Development
- Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development (STED) Project
- Rural Industries Programme (RIP)