Sikkim RISE Initiative Inspires Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Namchi Through Awareness Programme
Namchi, June 24 (IPR): An awareness programme on the Sikkim RISE (Realising Ideas, Shaping Entrepreneurship) initiative under Sikkim INSPIRES was organised by the District Industries Centre (DIC), Commerce and Industries Department, in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Cell at the Officers' Club, Namchi, today.
The programme aimed to create awareness among aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups, members of the public, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and representatives of Skill Development Institutes regarding the opportunities and support mechanisms available under the Sikkim RISE initiative.
The event was attended by Chairperson (Food Processing) Ms Kala Pradhan, General Manager DIC Namchi Mr Dinesh Pradhan, Joint District Coordinato SEED Cell Namchi Mr Abinash Poudyal, Organisation Secretary SEED Cell Mr Prashant Chettri, along with representatives from various government and private skill development institutes, SHGs, start-ups, and officials of DIC Namchi.
Addressing the gathering, Joint District Coordinator, SEED Cell Namchi Mr Abinash Poudyal, stated that the Sikkim RISE initiative is being implemented under the patronage of the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. He described it as a government-backed start-up talent hunt programme aimed at identifying, nurturing and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging start-ups across the State.
He highlighted that selected participants would receive mentorship, incubation support, capacity-building opportunities and assistance in accessing funding, enabling them to transform innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures.
Speaking on the occasion, General Manager DIC Namchi Mr Dinesh Pradhan, informed participants about the District-Level Ideathon Entrepreneurship Talent Hunt to be conducted under Sikkim RISE. He announced that registrations would remain open from 26th to 30th June through the portal www.sikkimrise.com. He encouraged students, women innovators, artisans, rural entrepreneurs, agri-innovators, early-stage start-ups and SHGs to participate in the initiative.
He further explained that the competition would be conducted under three categories—Ideation, Prototype and Revenue Growth Projection. Successful participants at the district level would advance to the State-level event. Winners would be provided with cash prizes, mentorship opportunities, funding linkages, incubation support and assistance in business model development. He also informed the gathering that a dedicated help desk would be established at Central Park, Namchi, while additional assistance and information would be available through DIC Namchi.
Project Manager Sikkim RISE Ms Nikita Limboo, delivered a detailed presentation on the initiative, explaining the eligibility criteria, application procedures and key aspects of developing innovative business ideas. She also guided participants on preparing and effectively pitching viable business proposals.
During the programme, DIC Namchi Inspector Mr Abishek Tamang, briefed the participants on the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), a Government of India scheme designed to support unemployed youth and aspiring entrepreneurs in establishing micro-enterprises through bank-linked financial assistance and government subsidies. He elaborated on the scheme's eligibility criteria, required documentation and the sectors covered under the programme.
The welcome address was delivered by SEED Cell Coordinator, Ms Samika Tamang, while the vote of thanks was proposed by DIC Inspector, Mr Ajay Tamang.
Report From DIO Namchi