The Deanery of Entrepreneurship (DoE) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to fostering economic empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit among students. Operating under the Holy Cross Innovation and Incubation Centre (HCIIC), a registered association of the college, the DoE functions alongside the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) to equip students with essential business skills, mentorship, and opportunities to launch their ventures.

Our Structure

The DoE comprises a core team that collaborates with five specialized teams, each playing a crucial role in supporting and mentoring student entrepreneurs:

• 1. StartupTN
• 2. Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)
• 3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC)
• 4. Startup Cell of Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), MoE, India
• 5. Competitive Exams Excellence Committee (CEEC)

1. StartupTN

A government-supported organization aligned with the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Policy 2023. The nodal centre for StartupTN in Holy Cross College, fosters innovation and startup ecosystem among students, providing essential resources for budding entrepreneurs.

2. Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)

A nodal hub of the premier institution of India-EDII, that provides training, mentorship, and financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC)

An Initiative by the Government of India, to set up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres in all Arts, Science and Engineering Colleges. IEDC of Holy Cross College serves as a platform for students to experiment, innovate, and bring their ideas to life.

4. Start-up Cell of Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), MoE, India

A central government initiative promoting entrepreneurial activities within academic institutions by offering guidance, resources, and networking opportunities. The startup cell of the IIC of Holy Cross College, works in alliance with the DoE, mentors and guides students to become entrepreneurs by conducting Skill Development Programs to initiate start steps inside the campus and registering them with the Deanery of Entrepreneurship.

5. Competitive Exams Excellence Committee (CEEC)

The Competitive Exams Excellence Committee has been instituted by Holy Cross College to provide comprehensive coaching for entry-level exams, Group I-IV exams, Bank coaching, Railway Recruitment Board exams, UPSC, and NET/SET coaching to help students achieve career excellence.

What we do?

At the beginning of each academic year, the students of the first year Under Graduate and Post Graduate Programme participate in a Career Goal Setting Orientation Program, offered by the Deanery of Entrepreneurship, where students are given awareness on various opportunities, and helping them to define their career aspirations. After this orientation, students choose their preferred career path, leading to classification into four categories, on which further training and mentoring is done throughout their tenure on campus:

• 1.Placement: Support for campus recruitment and corporate career preparation.
• 2.Competitive Examinations: Intensive training for government and bank exams.
• 3.Entrepreneurship: Comprehensive training and mentorship for business startups.
• 4.Higher Studies: Guidance for postgraduate education and research opportunities.

Entrepreneurship and Competitive Exams

For students opting for Entrepreneurship, the Deanery of Entrepreneurship conducts DHEERA, a flagship skill development program training approximately 300 students annually. This initiative includes workshops, hands-on training, and business mentoring to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as entrepreneurs.

Students interested in setting up businesses are officially registered under the DoE as 'Start Steps', marking their transformation into future Start-ups. Each 'Start Step' comprises of a Founder and Co-Founders. Also, a Faculty Mentor or Alumni Mentor will be assigned to each start step to guide their entrepreneurial journey inside the campus. Dedicated Entrepreneurial Hours are scheduled weekly, allowing students to brainstorm new ideas, explore innovative concepts, and develop products that can be transformed into successful business ventures

Business Development & Campus Initiatives

• Students are encouraged to develop their own ventures as small-scale businesses & cottage industries.
• Branding & Packaging Support is provided through faculty and alumni mentorship.
• Business Mentoring Camps are conducted as needed, to provide hands-on training and guidance.
• Campus Bazaars are conducted at frequent intervals to create a platform for students to showcase and sell their products.
• Food Festivals are organized during Fine Arts Week, Sports Day, Parents Teachers Meet and Alumni Meet, to promote the budding businesses of students.
• Seed Money is provided to deserving student entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses.

Recognition & Financial Support

• The student entrepreneurs are honored each year, during the College day.
• Certificate of Entrepreneurship is awarded to outgoing students who have successfully been operating businesses within the campus.
• Extra Credits are given to outgoing student entrepreneurs, of which two extra credits are offered to the Founders and one extra credit to all the Co-Founders of each start step.
• The DoE recommends deserving students to the HCIIC, which provides financial aid to the students who come up with promising ventures.

Pride in Numbers

The academic year 2023-2024 saw the successful development of 100 student entrepreneurs while 52 new entrepreneurs emerged during 2024-2025

Many student businesses are officially registered under the MSME / UDYAM Scheme of the Government of India.

The Deanery of Entrepreneurship is dedicated to transforming students into self-reliant entrepreneurs. Whether you dream of launching a start-step or excelling in competitive exams, the DoE is here to guide you every step of the way.

Start your journey with us today and take the first step toward financial and economic empowerment!

Join Us & Become an Entrepreneur!

Registration Form

Fill out the registration form above and send it to the Dean at: dean-ed@holycrossngl.edu.in

Dr. Jeni Chandar Padua
Dean of Entrepreneurship
Holy Cross College