Mangan, October 14 (IPR): The two-day North Sikkim Innovates 2026 – Grand Pitching Event under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative successfully concluded today at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Mangan, with aspiring entrepreneurs from Kabi and Chungthang blocks presenting their innovative business ideas before an expert jury panel.
Organised by the District Administrative Centre, Mangan, the event aimed to promote grassroots innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the local business ecosystem by providing aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their business proposals and explore opportunities for enterprise development.
The programme was attended by District Collector, Mangan-cum-Chairperson, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Anant Jain; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mangan-cum-Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Sandeep Kumar; Member Secretary, ICFC, Mr Muksam Limboo; members of the jury panel, representatives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Gangtok, and officials from SBI Mangan, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and IDBI Bank, along with participants and officials and staff of DAC, Mangan.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by SDM Mangan-cum-Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, Mr Sandeep Kumar, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the initiative in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting aspiring business owners across the district.
Addressing the gathering, District Collector Mr Anant Jain briefly outlined the objectives of the initiative and encouraged the participants to present their business proposals with confidence and clarity. He wished all participants the very best for their pitching sessions and emphasised the importance of developing practical, viable and sustainable business ideas that can contribute to local economic growth.
The pitching sessions subsequently commenced, with participants from Kabi and Chungthang blocks presenting their respective business proposals before the jury panel for evaluation. The panel comprised Mr Nitesh Poudyal, Consultant, RAMP; Mr Ugen Palzor Lepcha of Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS), an NGO; Mr Tenzing Sangpo, associated with a local café and Sikkim Coffee; Mr Ram Kumar of IIM Calcutta; and Mr Rishi Raj Pradhan of Tripti’s Bakery.
In a significant addition to the programme, representatives from RBI and various banks operating in Mangan District interacted with the participants and shared valuable insights into financial literacy, banking facilities, credit support and institutional assistance available to entrepreneurs. The interaction aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of financial management and the resources available to establish and expand their enterprises.
During the session, the RBI representatives highlighted S-FAME — Sikkim Finance and Access for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, a comprehensive guide prepared by RBI, Gangtok, to improve awareness and access to financial and institutional support for MSMEs in Sikkim.
The guide consolidates essential information for entrepreneurs, covering licensing requirements, banking facilities, RBI guidelines on MSME lending, bill discounting through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS), credit guarantee mechanisms, Central and State Government schemes, support agencies, grievance redressal mechanisms, bank loan products and relevant case studies. The initiative was highlighted as a useful resource to help entrepreneurs navigate available financial assistance and strengthen their business operations.
The participants were also briefed on the selection process and the criteria for grant support under Sikkim INSPIRES. It was emphasised that the evaluation would focus on identifying promising ventures with potential for viability, growth and sustainability. Participants were encouraged to utilise any financial assistance judiciously and view the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen their business models, develop market linkages and build sustainable enterprises.
With the completion of pitching sessions across Mangan, Dzongu, Kabi and Chungthang blocks, the district-level Grand Pitching Event concluded successfully, marking an important milestone in the district’s efforts to nurture local talent and promote entrepreneurship.
Following the evaluation process, 15 promising ventures will be selected, with each selected venture eligible to receive a grant of ₹3 lakh under Sikkim INSPIRES to support business development and expansion.
The initiative reflects the continued commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening access to financial resources and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities by empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in North Sikkim to transform their ideas into viable business ventures.
- Report from DIO Mangan