Odisha is a developing state that offers a plethora of opportunities for rising entrepreneurs to take their first step towards the entrepreneurial journey. Though starting your own startup or business always seems very exciting, as there is massive competition to make a mark in the market, you don’t know what kind of problems you might have to deal with in the coming future. You have to be prepared with your proper plans and strategy to face any hurdles with ease.

 

Pravat Mohapatra, a Top Startup Consultant in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with his vast years of experience, has recently conducted studies on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and startups in Odisha and presented solutions to stand out in the competitive market.

 

Before going deeper into the topic it is important to highlight some key areas.

 

Meaning of Entrepreneurship

 

Entrepreneurship is the ability to set up your own business or organization to make a profit under any circumstances. It is not just about starting your own venture but also about making it a brand, and reaching out to audiences globally and locally by adopting trending ideas and marketing strategy. In short, finding opportunities, taking risks, and turning ideas into successful businesses that boost the economy of the country. 

 

Successful Entrepreneurs of Odisha

 

Here are some of the most brilliant entrepreneurs from Odisha who have successfully established their brand presence globally

1. Ritesh Agarwal (OYO Rooms): Hailing from Odisha, he founded OYO Rooms, revolutionizing budget hospitality in India.

 

2. Subroto Bagchi (Mindtree): Born in Odisha, he co-founded Mindtree, a global IT consulting and services company.

 

3. Santosh Panda (Explara.com): An Odia entrepreneur, he founded Explara, a platform for event ticketing and management.

 

4. Srikumar Misra (Milk Mantra): Based in Odisha, he established Milk Mantra, a dairy brand focusing on ethical sourcing and quality products.

 

5. Rass (Odissi handloom textiles and crafts): Originating from Odisha, it promotes traditional Odissi handloom and crafts globally.

 

6. Nandan Nilekani (Infosys): Founded in India, this IT giant provides software services and consulting worldwide.

 

7. (Kiran Mazumdar) Biocon: A prominent Indian biotechnology company led by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, known for its affordable and innovative healthcare solutions.

Major Challenges Faced By Entrepreneurs in Odisha 2025

 

Do you want to start your own startup in the Odisha region?

 

Hey,  wait...............................

 

You must need to know  know this -

 

What Pravat, a Renowned Startup Advisor from Odisha says about the problems and major challenges faced by entrepreneurs and startups in Odisha

 

Setting up your own startup that can make its presence felt in the Odisha market

 

The journey of entrepreneurship is not as easy as it looks. It is a challenging role for those who want to make their mark and requires long-term commitment with dedication, perseverance, and consistency.

 

Involvement and patience are required to deal with unforeseen challenges wisely.

 

Here are the top challenges faced by entrepreneurs in India, Odisha, and beyond

 

1. Limited Access to Funding

 

When it comes to starting your own startup in Odisha, it is seen that most entrepreneurs back out due to the lack of funding opportunities. But currently, there are government initiatives and venture capital firms that are willing and ready to provide financial support to startups if they like your idea and presentation.

 

Here are some other ways how you can solve your funding problems.

 

Solution:

 

• Seek guidance from a business consultant like Pravat Mohapatra to explore alternative funding sources.
• Look into government grants, angel investors, and crowdfunding platforms.
• Build a strong business plan and financial model to attract potential investors.
  
  2. Lack of Guidance and Proper Mentorship 

Proper guidance and mentoring by industry experts are the key to success in startup growth. Be it marketing, competitive analysis, financial management, or dealing with any other challenge, an experienced startup business consultant provides the key to success.

If you want to take your startup on the path to success, here are some tips

 

Solution:

• Engage with the best business coach in Bhubaneswar like Pravat Mohapatra, who provides strategic insights and guidance tailored to Odisha’s market.
• Join local business groups and startup support centers.
• Attend entrepreneurship development programs to gain industry-specific knowledge.

 

3. Infrastructure and Technological Limitations

Not all services or businesses require physical infrastructure, you can do it by sitting at home and setting up your own digital presence. But if your business is related to rehabilitation centers, salons, restaurants, etc., then you need proper infrastructure. Also, whether you want to encourage customers to come to you or make them choose your services, it is extremely important to have proper infrastructure and digital presence.

It has been observed that many startups fail due to limited access to modern technology like internet connectivity, inadequate transportation, and digital marketing expertise.

 

Don’t let these issues hinder the growth of your startup, focus on the leading solutions offered by Top Business and Marketing Consultants in Odisha.

 

Solution:

 

•  Leverage the expertise of Top business consultants firm or business advisory to identify suitable locations with better infrastructure.
• Invest in digital transformation tools to bridge the technology gap.
• Utilize co-working spaces and shared technology hubs in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

4. Regulatory and Compliance Hurdles

Along with a proper plan and strategy, when you are starting a business, it is also important that you have all the proper documents as per the legal policies of India and Odisha such as business registration, taxation policies, labor policies, and more. Many business listing sites like Proper GMB Profile ask for proper business documents to verify the business and even show trust and authenticity.

 

Many businesses are facing difficulty in meeting the legal and regulatory requirements and are also losing potential customers.

Here is how you can fix your legal and compliance problems. 

 

Solution:

• Consult a business consultant like Pravat Mohapatra to simplify the legal aspects of running a startup.
• Stay updated with the latest government policies and tax regulations.
• Work with professional advisors to streamline the business registration and compliance processes.

 

5. Expanding Market Reach and Customer Acquisition

Odisha has a population of around 47 million out of which 7.10 million people are daily active users on the internet with varying interests and topics. It is difficult for a startup to build its online or offline identity and attract its potential customers.

Since you are new in the market, you have to compete with established businesses whose products and services are in demand in the market, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to grow and reach the top.

However, here are some ways that can help you create your unique presence in the bustling market of Odisha.

 

Solution:

• Develop a strong digital marketing strategy with expert assistance from an Expert Digital Marketing  Consultant like Pravat Mohapatra.
•  Conduct thorough market research to identify target audiences.
•  Leverage social media, SEO, and influencer marketing to build brand awareness.

6. Skilled Manpower Shortage

Another major challenge faced by startup companies in Odisha is the lack of skilled and professional teams. It is observed that every year many skilled employees migrate to metro cities for better job opportunities. It becomes difficult for startups to find skilled professionals and build a strong team.

 

Here is the strategy that can help you build a dedicated team and boost your business.

 

Solution:

• Offer competitive salaries and career growth opportunities to attract talent.
•  Partner with educational institutions to train and hire fresh graduates.
• Seek business coaching to implement employee retention strategies.
• Competition from Established Players

 

7. Strong Unique Presence in The Market

 

It is not easy for entrepreneurs to make a strong presence in the competitive market of Odisha.

 

You have to compete with businesses that have already made a place in the hearts of the people of Odisha with their products and services.

 

If you are an entrepreneur and want to build your brand identity and attract customers then you have to offer something extra or unique. You can do this by adopting innovative strategies, competitive pricing, and providing exceptional customer service.

 

Moreover, overcoming these challenges requires perseverance, adaptability, and a well-planned growth strategy.

 

Solution:

• Focus on innovation and unique value propositions.
• Use business consulting services to identify niche markets and differentiating factors.
• Leverage digital marketing and customer engagement strategies to compete effectively.

 

FAQs:

1. What are the common challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Odisha?

 

Answer: Entrepreneurs in Odisha face challenges such as limited access to funding, lack of mentorship, infrastructure, and technological limitations, regulatory hurdles, expanding market reach, skilled manpower shortage, and competition from established players. 

 

2. How can I overcome the funding challenges for my startup in Odisha?

 

Answer: You can explore alternative funding sources such as government grants, angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, and venture capital firms. Consulting with experienced Business Advisors like Pravat Mohapatra can also help you navigate funding options effectively.

 

3. How do I find proper guidance and mentorship for my startup in Odisha?

 

Answer: Seeking mentorship from experienced Business Coaches, such as Pravat Mohapatra, can provide strategic insights tailored to Odisha’s market. Joining local business groups, and startup support centers, and attending entrepreneurship development programs can also help you gain valuable industry knowledge.

 

4. What can I do to overcome infrastructure and technological limitations for my startup?

 

Answer: Leverage expert advice from Business Consultants to identify suitable locations with better infrastructure. You can also invest in digital transformation tools and utilize co-working spaces and shared technology hubs in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to bridge the technology gap.

 

5. How can I ensure my startup complies with legal and regulatory requirements in Odisha?

 

Answer: It’s important to consult with business consultants to simplify legal aspects and stay updated with the latest government policies. Work with professional advisors to handle business registration, taxation policies, labor laws, and other compliance processes to ensure your business operates smoothly.

 

6. How can I expand my market reach and acquire customers in Odisha?

 

Answer: To attract customers, focus on developing a strong digital marketing strategy with the help of experts, conduct market research to identify your target audience, and leverage social media, SEO, and influencer marketing. You should also differentiate your brand with unique offerings to stand out in the market.

 

7. How can I address the shortage of skilled manpower for my startup in Odisha?

 

Answer: Offer competitive salaries and career growth opportunities to attract skilled professionals. Partner with local educational institutions to train and hire fresh graduates, and implement employee retention strategies with the help of business coaching.

 

8. How can I compete with established players in the Odisha market?

 

Answer: Focus on innovation, unique value propositions, and exceptional customer service to differentiate your brand. Utilize business consulting services to identify niche markets and effectively use digital marketing and customer engagement strategies to stand out from the competition.

 

9. What should I do if my startup in Odisha faces multiple challenges?

 

Answer: Seek expert guidance from reputed Startup Consultants like Pravat Mohapatra. With proper planning, expert insights, and the right strategies, you can overcome challenges and pave the way for your startup’s success in Odisha.

 

10. How can I get expert advice for my startup in Odisha?

 

Answer: You can connect with Pravat Mohapatra, a well-known Startup Advisor in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He offers expert consultation and business coaching to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and guide them through the startup journey.

 

Conclusion

 

While entrepreneurs in Odisha face multiple challenges, the right approach and expert guidance can make all the difference. 

 

By seeking support from professionals like Pravat Mohapatra, a reputed Business Consultant in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, startups can overcome these hurdles and pave the way for success.

 

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur looking to scale your business in Odisha, connect with Pravat Mohapatra today and take the first step towards a thriving business journey!
 

Call/WhatsApp: +91- 70292 88819

Follow Us On:-
https://www.facebook.com/digitalpravat
https://www.instagram.com/pravat_in/
https://twitter.com/pravatofficial
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pravatmohapatra/
https://www.youtube.com/@myartofsuccess