Aga Khan Rural Support Programme - AKRSP in partnership with Canada
START – اپنا کاروبار
Applications are now open for the START – اپنا کاروبار Programme, for aspiring entrepreneurs from disaster-affected areas of Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, Hunza and Nagar districts.
Programme Overview
START – اپنا کاروبار is an entrepreneurship support initiative by AKRSP in partnership with Government of Canada. The programme aims to rebuild livelihoods and promote economic recovery in flood-affected communities of Gilgit-Baltistan by supporting youth to start their own businesses.
Who Can Apply - Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18-45 Years
- Education: Matriculation at least. Higher education is an advantage
- Status: Fresh potential micro-entrepreneurs
- Employment: Currently unemployed and opt to continue their career in business
- Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Flood-Affected Areas of Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, Hunza and Nagar districts
- Business Idea: Only viable business ideas from the flood-affected villages will be shortlisted for the programme
Key Focus Areas
✅ Support for Viable Business Ideas: Selected candidates will receive support to turn their business concepts into sustainable micro-enterprises.
✅ Focus on Youth from Flood-Affected Communities: Priority to youth whose families and livelihoods were impacted by recent floods and disasters in GB.
✅ Women and Persons with Disabilities Strongly Encouraged: The programme promotes inclusive entrepreneurship. Women and differently-abled individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.
What the Programme Offers - Expected Support
- Entrepreneurship Training: Business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and management skills
- Mentorship: Guidance from business experts and AKRSP field teams
- Business Plan Development: Help to refine and finalize your business idea into a bankable plan
- Seed Funding / Grant Support: Financial assistance for viable business ideas - subject to AKRSP policy
- Market Linkages: Connect entrepreneurs with suppliers, customers, and value chains
- Follow-up Support: Continued coaching during business startup phase
Ideal Business Ideas for Flood-Affected Areas
The programme supports micro and small businesses relevant to local economy:
- Agriculture & Livestock: Tunnel farming, poultry, dairy, fruit processing, organic vegetables
- Tourism & Hospitality: Guest houses, handicrafts, local cuisine, tour guide services in Hunza/Nagar/Gilgit
- Retail & Trade: General stores, clothing, mobile repair, electric goods in local markets
- Services: Tailoring, beauty parlor, IT services, photography, transport
- Manufacturing: Carpentry, handicrafts, food processing, gemstone cutting
- Green Businesses: Solar products, waste recycling, eco-tourism
Why Apply for START – اپنا کاروبار
1. Rebuild After Disaster: Turn the challenge of floods into an opportunity. Create your own income source instead of waiting for aid.
2. No Prior Business Experience Needed: Programme is for first-time entrepreneurs. AKRSP provides training from basics.
3. Community Impact: Your business will create jobs and services for your village, supporting overall recovery.
4. Backed by AKRSP & Canada: AKRSP has 40+ years experience in GB. Canadian partnership brings international best practices.
5. Focus on Inclusion: Special encouragement for women entrepreneurs and persons with disabilities to promote equitable recovery.
How to Apply
Apply through Online Form:
- Step 1: Click the application link: https://forms.gle/U4gA72oKofzowPqr7
- Step 2: Fill the Google Form with personal details, education, and residency information
- Step 3: Describe your business idea clearly. Explain how it is viable and how it will benefit your flood-affected community
- Step 4: Submit before deadline. You can also scan the QR code in the advertisement
Direct Apply Link: forms.gle/U4gA72oKofzowPqr7
Important Dates & Instructions
- Application Deadline: 20 June 2026
- Note: Incomplete or late applications will not be entertained
- Selection: Only viable business ideas from flood-affected villages will be shortlisted
- Shortlisting: AKRSP team will contact shortlisted candidates for interview and business idea presentation
- Encouragement: Women & Differently-Abled Individuals are encouraged to apply
About AKRSP & Partnership with Canada
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme AKRSP is a pioneering rural development organization working in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral since 1982. AKRSP has helped establish thousands of village organizations and supported micro-enterprises across the region.
This programme is implemented in partnership with the Government of Canada, reflecting Canada's commitment to climate resilience and economic recovery in vulnerable communities.
Take the First Step
Take the first step towards building a sustainable livelihood and contributing to the economic recovery of your community.
If you are between 18 and 45 years of age, have at least a matriculation qualification, and are eager to start your own business, this opportunity is for you.
Apply Now: forms.gle/U4gA72oKofzowPqr7
Deadline: 20 June 2026
Tags: START Apna Karobar, AKRSP Jobs 2026, Entrepreneurship Program GB, Business Support Hunza, Gilgit Business Grant, Flood Affected Areas Pakistan, Women Entrepreneurs GB, AKRSP Canada, Microenterprise Pakistan, Apply by June 20 2026
