Endeavours to Enhance Access to Basic Services for All

The Urban Micro Business Centre (UMBC) is the flagship project of Centurion Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centre, an independent Section 8 (not for profit) Company set up in Odisha by Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), in order to inculcate enterprise and develop entrepreneurship and contribute to the University`s goal of Shaping Lives and Empowering Communities.

In 2013, the project UMBC was set up with the support of Department of Housing & Urban Development Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Ministry of Housing, Urban & Poverty Alleviation, Government of India. This model has been designed to address the poverty and livelihood challenges through nano-novo-mini-micro enterprises and entrepreneurship. It was recognized by the National Skill Development Agency, Government of India, as one of the 5 most promising models for urban poor skills and development in the country, which should be replicated in other states and taken up for support by Government Departments and agencies.

This project has been declared as, “Deakin-Centurion Centre for Social Entrepreneurs”, under the Overseas Exchange and Learning Programme of Deakin University and other Australian Universities. 

UMBC is situated in an urban slum where parents often leave their children unattended while they go to work. In response, UMBC initiated a free creche facility. Additionally, they launched a four-month training program to enhance digital literacy, encompassing learning modules, internet usage, and software applications.