Piyush Goyal Launches ‘The Bharat Project’ to Empower 1 Million Entrepreneurs from Small-Town and Rural India

Piyush Goyal Launches ‘The Bharat Project’ to Empower 1 Million Entrepreneurs from Small-Town and Rural India

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Saturday officially launched The Bharat Project, a visionary initiative by YourStory. This ambitious programme is designed to uplift and empower one million entrepreneurs from Tier II, Tier III cities, and rural areas across India.

Announced in Mumbai, The Bharat Project aims to bring together government bodies, ecosystem enablers, creators, and communities to unlock grassroots entrepreneurial potential. By bridging the gap between small-town talent and national opportunities, the initiative seeks to democratise access to critical tools like funding, mentorship, and education.

“The spirit of entrepreneurship in Bharat is unstoppable. With the right support, India's small towns can become global hubs of innovation. The Bharat Project is a timely initiative that will take the energy of our youth to new heights,”
— Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry

 

AI-Powered Platform for Founders

At the heart of the project lies an AI-powered, mobile-first platform designed to guide and support aspiring startup founders. This digital ecosystem will offer mentorship in both Hindi and English, making it accessible to a broader audience from diverse regions.

Additionally, the initiative will introduce WhatsApp-based learning programmes and state-led, district-level activations to provide on-ground training, entrepreneurship education, and resources to fuel business creation and expansion.

Bharat Ideathon: Spotlighting Local Innovation

To further nurture innovative ideas, YourStory will launch the Bharat Ideathon, a nationwide idea challenge aimed at sourcing business ideas from over 1,000 districts. Participants will get the chance to access mentorship, public visibility, and support networks.

Top ideas from the Ideathon will be showcased at BharatSparks, a national launchpad event where shortlisted entrepreneurs from small towns and villages will pitch to investors, receive grants, and connect with long-term enablers of growth.

Shuru-kar: A Documentary Series on Startup Stories

As part of the broader storytelling initiative, YourStory will also unveil ‘Shuru-kar’, a seven-part OTT documentary series that captures real-life journeys of startup founders, investors, and policymakers from across the country. This series aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and build a strong narrative around grassroots innovation in India.

A Movement Beyond the Metros

India’s economic landscape is rapidly evolving, especially in non-metro areas where around 65% of the population resides. Despite growing interest, founders in these regions often face challenges in accessing capital, mentorship, and cutting-edge technology.

The Bharat Project directly addresses these challenges, aiming to turn isolated entrepreneurial efforts into a powerful, national movement. It focuses on unlocking talent that lies in India's kitchens, farmlands, streets, and small-town garages.

“India’s future is not limited to metros. It’s brewing in the kitchens, backyards, and streets of Bharat. The Bharat Project is a step towards ensuring that every aspiring entrepreneur has access to resources, stories, and support to turn their idea into impact,”
— YourStory

 

Why The Bharat Project Matters

1. Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Provides tools and mentorship in regional languages to reduce barriers to entry.

2. Nationwide Talent Discovery: With outreach in 1,000+ districts, it taps into local business potential at scale.

3. Tech-Enabled Learning: Uses AI and mobile-first strategies to support users in remote areas.

4. Investor Access: Launchpads and pitch opportunities help founders raise funds and scale.

5. Cultural Representation: Documentary series brings visibility to small-town innovation stories.

The Bharat Project is more than just a startup initiative—it is a nation-building exercise, creating pathways for millions of youth to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to India’s economic growth.