In a bid to support and mentor the next-generation entrepreneurs, the Andhra Chamber of Commerce (ACC) in partnership with the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in Anna University and Tamil Nadu’s nodal agency for entrepreneurship StartupTN has set up the P Brahmayya Incubation Centre for Knowledge, in Chennai.

Inaugurated on Friday, the centre is housed within ACCs premises and comprises a 10-12 seater incubation space for entrepreneurs and a library. The idea is to provide early-stage entrepreneurs and teams with infrastructure assistance such as office space, mentorship from ACC’s experts, and go-to market guidance. Going forward, the ACC plans to work with StartupTN and TN Rise to source the entrepreneurs who may be able to benefit from the facilities and mentorship and guidance.

The centre is named after P Brahmayya, a chartered accountant, former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and ACC, and a Founder of CA firm Brahmayya & Co, which today has 13 offices across India.

Speaking at the event, V L Indira Dutt, President of ACC, said that the Chamber will bring to the table its expert knowledge on various sectors through its 18 sub-committees that cover a wide gamut of subjects that include company establishment, company law, taxation, labour laws, and other topics to empower entrepreneurs. “The Chamber through its network can also assist in the marketing of the products of the start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs,” she added.

P S Kumar, the son of P Brahmayya, and also a chartered accountant and past President of the ACC, has spearheaded the initiative and is also among its sponsors. He noted that the library, besides being a source of great knowledge to the entrepreneurs will also give them access to valuable publications and journals for research. We are also planning an e-library for better access and wider reach, he added.

Established in 1928, the ACC is primarily represented by members from the MSME sector with over 1300 members including multinational conglomerates. The Chamber is keen to focus on value-added services for its members that would promote entrepreneurship and support the start-up community.

Representatives of StartupTN, TN Rise, and other key ACC members were part of the event.