IIM Lucknow is set to commence its 60-hour Business Accelerator Programme for MSME entrepreneurs from October 2026. The blended programme combines live online sessions, campus immersion and mentoring by IIM Lucknow faculty.
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow is offering a Business Accelerator Programme for MSME Entrepreneurs under the aegis of UPSIC. The executive education programme is designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business understanding, improve financial and operational management, adopt technology and develop leadership capabilities.
The programme will have a total duration of 60 hours and will be delivered through a combination of live online sessions and in-campus learning. The programme is scheduled to start in October 2026.
IIM Lucknow MSME Programme: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Business Accelerator Programme for MSME Entrepreneurs |
| Institute | IIM Lucknow |
| Duration | 60 hours |
| Mode | Live online and in-campus immersion |
| Programme start | October 2026 |
| Online sessions | Approximately 18 weekend sessions |
| Campus component | Two-day campus intervention with valedictory ceremony |
| Mentoring | IIM Lucknow faculty |
| Fee sponsored by UPSIC | ₹1,19,000 + 18% GST |
| Fee payable by participant | ₹50,000 + 18% GST |
| Total programme fee | ₹1,69,000 + 18% GST |
Programme Structure
The programme is planned across six months. The first month includes the campus component, followed by online learning and a final campus intervention.
- Month 1: Campus-based sessions at IIM Lucknow
- Months 2–5: Approximately 18 live online sessions conducted on weekends
- Month 6: Two-day campus intervention and valedictory ceremony
- Mentoring: Sessions by seasoned IIM Lucknow faculty
The programme will use case-based learning, simulations, interactive discussions and classroom activities to provide participants with practical exposure to business challenges.
IIM Lucknow Business Accelerator Programme Eligibility
According to the programme details, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Graduates with a minimum of 50% marks and two years of work experience, including self-employed or working professionals.
- Postgraduates with a minimum of 50% marks who are currently working professionals.
The programme is intended for MSME entrepreneurs and professionals looking to strengthen their business and leadership capabilities.
Programme Modules
The curriculum covers business strategy, finance, operations, marketing, technology and leadership across six modules.
Module 1: Building Future-Ready Entrepreneurs
This module focuses on developing entrepreneurs' understanding of the MSME ecosystem and managing growing enterprises. Topics include:
- Understanding the MSME growth ecosystem
- People management
- Creating a positive and productive work culture
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
- Succession planning for family-owned businesses
- Financial empowerment and institutional support
Module 2: Strategic Growth and Business Expansion
Participants will learn about strategic planning and execution, with topics including:
- Strategic thinking and decision-making for MSMEs
- Business planning and strategy
- Growth strategies for small enterprises
- Competitive positioning and differentiation
- Export readiness and international trade opportunities
Module 3: Financial Mastery and Business Acumen
The financial management module covers:
- Basics of accounting and financial statements
- Cash-flow management
- Working capital optimisation
- Financial decision-making
- Cost optimisation and profit enhancement
- Accessing finance
- Investor pitching and fundraising essentials
Module 4: Operational Excellence and Business Efficiency
This module focuses on improving business operations and productivity. It covers:
- Lean operations
- Productivity enhancement
- Building a culture of quality excellence
- Supply chain and vendor management
- Technology adoption in operations
Module 5: Market Leadership, Branding and Customer Engagement
The marketing and customer management component includes:
- Positioning and branding for emerging businesses
- Digital marketing strategies
- Customer relationship management
- E-commerce integration
- Innovation, creativity and product development
- Design thinking methods
Module 6: Transformative Trends and Practices
The final module introduces participants to emerging technologies and sustainable business practices, including:
- AI and automation for business efficiency
- Cybersecurity and digital risk management
- Sustainable business practices
- Green manufacturing
- Energy efficiency
The programme brochure notes that the training areas may be modified based on participant interests, IIM Lucknow faculty discretion and UPSIC authorities.
Experiential Learning and Campus Experience
The programme incorporates case-based learning, simulations, interactive discussions and classroom activities. These are intended to expose entrepreneurs to real-world business scenarios and help strengthen analytical thinking, strategic problem-solving and decision-making.
Participants attending the residential component will also receive access to several campus facilities. These include the institute library and computer centre, along with facilities such as the swimming pool, gym, squash court, billiards room, sauna and jacuzzi.
The programme also includes a welcome kit comprising a bag, notebook, pen, certificate and certificate folder. Programme directors will host a dinner or city tour for participants. Yoga and meditation classes and a nature walk are also included as part of the campus experience.
Accommodation and Residential Facilities
The programme follows a blended format, with both online and residential components. During the residential module, the institute will provide boarding and lodging facilities.
Accommodation will be arranged on a single-occupancy basis, subject to availability, in air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi connectivity. Participants will receive three main meals a day, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, along with two energy breaks and evening snacks.
The residential component is designed to facilitate networking, peer interaction and collaborative learning among participants.
IIM Lucknow Programme Fee
The total programme fee is listed as ₹1,69,000 plus 18% GST. Of this amount, ₹1,19,000 plus GST is sponsored by UPSIC, while the individual participant is required to pay ₹50,000 plus 18% GST.
The programme therefore provides a subsidised participation fee for eligible MSME entrepreneurs under the UPSIC-supported structure.
About IIM Lucknow
The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) is a management education institute offering programmes in management and executive education. The institute's executive education offerings include programmes designed for working professionals and business leaders.
The Business Accelerator Programme combines IIM Lucknow's faculty-led learning with practical case-based activities, online sessions and campus immersion to address areas relevant to MSME growth and management.
Programme Start Date
The IIM Lucknow Business Accelerator Programme for MSME Entrepreneurs is scheduled to start in October 2026. The programme will provide 60 hours of blended learning through online sessions, campus interventions and faculty mentoring.
Entrepreneurs and working professionals interested in strengthening their strategic, financial, operational and leadership capabilities can check the programme's official application and admission information for further details.
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