Aspiring entrepreneurs told to start small and focus on the market

District Industries Center CEO Benedick William John inaugurates the ‘My Work, My Business’ seminar organized by INMECC and KIF in Palakkad on Wednesday.

Aspiring entrepreneurs should start with minimal investment, choose products with a proven market and keep profit at the center of their business plans, said speakers at an entrepreneurship seminar in Palakkad on Tuesday (Sep 29, 2026).

“Every big business started small. Name any big business and you will find a humble beginning,” said NM Sharafudeen, Chairman, Indo Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce (INMECC), at the ‘My Work, My Business’ seminar jointly organized by INMECC and Kanjikode Industries Forum (KIF).

TS Chandran, former Deputy Director of Industries and Commerce, advised the youth to choose products that have a market and start with as little investment as possible.

“Profit should be the basic objective of any business,” Mr Chandran said. He called for constant innovation, product diversification and expansion into wider markets.

He also cautioned budding entrepreneurs against taking loans and entering into partnerships without careful consideration. “Be extremely careful when buying technology and machinery,” he said, especially when buying used machinery.

Benedict William Johns, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Palakkad, inaugurated the seminar. INMECC Kerala Secretary Younus Ahamed welcomed the gathering. KIF President Sajeev Kumar and Joint Secretary Mohammed Asif spoke.

Mr. Chandran and his team conducted sessions on business opportunities, business start-up procedures, government approvals, Industries Department schemes, subsidies, bank loans and other financial assistance.

This was followed by a panel discussion with Midhu Unnikrishnan, Chief Operating Officer, IIT Palakkad Techin; KP Khalid, Managing Director, Cutie Group; and TC Jayashanker, Managing Director of Jayon Implants.

The seminar targeted job seekers, students, NRIs, women and budding entrepreneurs. She sought to provide practical advice on finding employment opportunities and establishing and developing small businesses. “INMECC will follow suit. We are using our resources to help the bidders,” Mr Ahamed said.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 20:37 IST