Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), in partnership with Canada, is inviting aspiring entrepreneurs from Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, Hunza, and Nagar districts to apply for the START – اپنا کاروبار Programme 2026. If you are unemployed and have an innovative, viable business idea, this program can help you turn your business idea into reality with training, mentorship, and enterprise support.
Program Name: START – اپنا کاروبار
Implementing Organization: AKRSP – Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKDN)
In Partnership With: Canada
Target Districts: Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, Hunza, and Nagar
Last Date to Apply: 26 April 2026
Apply Online: https://forms.gle/quNUTx6N1x3WUper5
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Criteria for START Programme
AKRSP is calling aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 18–45 Years
- Education: At Least Matriculation / Matric pass minimum qualification
- Employment Status: Unemployed individuals only
- Business Idea: Must have a viable, innovative business idea for Gilgit-Baltistan
- Domicile: Must be resident of Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, Hunza, or Nagar district
Note: Women & Differently-Abled Individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. AKRSP promotes inclusive entrepreneurship.
What You Get – Benefits of START اپنا کاروبار Programme
Selected entrepreneurs will receive support to launch and grow their businesses:
- Business Development Training – Learn business planning, budgeting, marketing, and management
- Mentorship & Coaching – Guidance from AKRSP enterprise development experts
- Business Plan Development – Support to refine your viable business idea into a bankable plan
- Market Linkages – Connect with suppliers, buyers, and digital platforms
- Seed Support – Potential access to startup grants, toolkits, or in-kind support based on business plan approval*
- Networking – Join AKRSP’s network of youth and women entrepreneurs across GB
*Final support package will be communicated to shortlisted candidates during orientation.
How to Apply – Step by Step for START Programme 2026
Official Application Form: https://forms.gle/quNUTx6N1x3WUper5
- Step 1: Check Eligibility – Confirm you are 18-45 years, Matric pass, unemployed, and from Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, Hunza, or Nagar with a clear business idea.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Business Idea – Think through your idea: What will you sell/make? Who are customers? What will you need to start? Why is it viable in your area?
- Step 3: Open Application Form – Click the link: https://forms.gle/quNUTx6N1x3WUper5 or scan the QR code in the advertisement.
- Step 4: Fill Google Form – Enter your personal details, CNIC, contact number, district, education, and describe your business idea clearly in the form.
- Step 5: Submit Before Deadline – Review and submit the form by 26 April 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be entertained.
- Step 6: Wait for Shortlisting – AKRSP will contact shortlisted applicants for interview, business idea pitching, and verification.
Important Instructions – AKRSP START Programme
- Deadline: 26 April 2026. No applications accepted after the due date.
- Only Online Applications: Apply only through the Google Form link above. No hard copy or email applications.
- Complete Information: Incomplete forms will be rejected. Explain your business idea clearly.
- Districts Covered: Only applicants from Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, Hunza, and Nagar are eligible.
- Preference: Innovative, feasible, and market-driven ideas will be prioritized. Women, youth, and differently-abled persons encouraged.
- No Application Fee: The application process is completely free.
Business Ideas You Can Apply With
START – اپنا کاروبار supports all legal business ideas. Examples suitable for Gilgit-Baltistan:
- Agriculture & Livestock: Tunnel farming, trout fish farming, fruit drying, organic honey, dairy products
- Tourism & Services: Guest houses, local tour guiding, handicrafts, cultural products, trekking equipment rental
- Food & Processing: Bakery, dry fruit packaging, apricot/juice processing, traditional food café
- Digital & Tech: Mobile repair, computer training center, graphic design, e-commerce of local products
- Retail & Manufacturing: Tailoring & embroidery units, wool products, gemstone cutting, carpentry, welding shop
About AKRSP & Partnership with Canada
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has supported rural enterprise development in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral since 1982. In partnership with Canada, AKRSP runs youth and women entrepreneurship programs to create jobs and reduce poverty. START – اپنا کاروبار is part of AKRSP’s economic development initiative for unemployed youth of GB.
Why Join START – اپنا کاروبار?
If you have a business idea but no capital or guidance, this is your chance. AKRSP will help you build skills, create a business plan, and connect you to markets. This program is ideal for Matric-pass unemployed youth, women, and differently-abled persons in Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, Hunza, and Nagar who want to start their own karobar.
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