Rourkela: The newly formed Tribal India Commerce and Industry (Ticci) on Thursday organised a seminar to sensitise members of the tribal communities about opportunities available to them as entrepreneurs.

The body, affiliated to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), organised the seminar in association with the National Small Industries Corporation and MSME Development Institute. The Small Industry Development Bank of India, Regional Industry Centre and the Rourkela Steel Plant also took part.

The aim of the seminar was to develop vendors among local tribal entrepreneurs in local and public sector units.

"Ticci was formed in December after I drew inspiration from a similar body in Jharkhand," said Ticci president Biraj Kullu, a small-scale local entrepreneur, who learnt about the opportunities available for tribal entrepreneurs during a National Small Industries Corporation programme in Delhi.

"It struck me that I could start a platform with local small unit owners and give them a wider playground," said Kullu, an MBA from Hyderabad, who has his own steel furniture fabrication factory.

Kullu discussed his intentions with Ficci members and got the go-ahead to form his body. "We have 150 members, having started from Sundargarh. Soon, we will spread to other parts of the state," he said.

"We have the talent, but we do not know what to do and how to do things."

National Small Industries Corporation branch manager Bipul Bag was optimistic that such a body would help everyone, especially those wanting to take their business to the next level. "They should learn more about the workings of big organisations," he said.

MSME Development Institute assistant director Sudhir Yadav said: "The institute is looking forward to lending a hand to such activities."