‘StartUp Sikkim: Connect for Growth’ Mentorship Session Held in Namchi.
Namchi, 06 October (IPR): A one-day Learning Mentorship Session on ‘StartUp Sikkim: Connect for Growth’ was organised by the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the District Industries Centre (DIC), Namchi, at the Conference Hall, Town Hall, Namchi, today.
The session aimed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs, startups and MSMEs with awareness, mentorship, idea validation, business guidance and ecosystem linkages to support and strengthen their entrepreneurial journey.
Addressing the gathering, Resource Person from IIM Calcutta, Mr Ram Kumar, informed that an Incubation Centre is set to be established at CCCT shortly. He further apprised the participants about the incubation programme, which may extend up to one year, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with structured guidance and support for developing and strengthening their business.
He stated that Startup Sikkim supports small businesses and entrepreneurs, while the Government of Sikkim provides assistance to help them grow and expand their ventures.
Additionally, a presentation was delivered on key aspects of entrepreneurship and business management, covering problem identification, income assessment, day-to-day accounting, separation of business and personal finances, maintaining updated profit and loss accounts and conducting monthly business reviews. Emphasis was laid on developing unique, customer-oriented products and services that offer convenience and value to consumers.
Lastly, he briefed the participants on the Sikkim Startup Policy 2025, which aims to support 500 startups, including 200 women-led startups, during the policy period. He further highlighted key provisions of the policy including the establishment of an Innovation Hub and four incubation centres, along with structured support through mentorship, funding, resources and market linkages to facilitate the growth and development of startups.
DDM, NABARD Namchi, Mr Rupen Lamichhaney, briefed participants on various support mechanisms for startups and entrepreneurs. He elaborated on the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG), highlighting its collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to promote demand-driven, sustainable, green and need-specific technological solutions directly among rural communities at the grassroots
He also provide an overview on the NABARD Green Lending Facility (NGLF), which is a direct-finance mechanism supporting large-scale projects focused on reducing carbon emissions, promoting green initiatives and contributing towards India’s sustainable development goals.
Moreover, he explained the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which enables wider market access by connecting sellers and producers with buyers across participating digital platforms.
Additionally, he noted that products are required to meet prescribed criteria, including applicable value limits and other eligibility requirements, for listing on the network. Also he highlighted marketing as a key challenge for startups and stressed the importance of strengthening market linkages and leveraging digital platforms to expand their reach.
During the session, General Manager, DIC Namchi, Mr Dinesh Pradhan, appreciated the active participation and encouraged the participants to make effective use of the opportunities and support available under the initiative.
He highlighted the two key sectors under the Startup Sikkim: Connect for growth initiative, namely the Manufacturing Sector and the Services Sector. He outlined the scope of the two sectors, stating that the Manufacturing Sector covers eligible manufacturing activities, while certain products are excluded from the scope, while the Services Sector encompasses a wide range of service-based enterprises, including beauty parlours, automobile-related services and other eligible businesses.
Professor, CCCT, Mr Anup Sharma, informed that CCCT has partnered with the Commerce & Industries Department to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He stated that the newly constructed Incubation Centre would provide startups and entrepreneurs with dedicated workspace and access to mentorship support.
Further, he assured that participants would be provided with mentors aligned with their respective business plans to guide them through their entrepreneurial journey. He also assured that the Centre would serve as a bridge between the Gangtok team and entrepreneurs, facilitating better coordination and communication.
He also informed that interested participants may contact him directly to express their interest in joining the incubation programme.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion and a session on the Expression of Interest (EoI) Form for Incubation Support, facilitating participants in availing incubation support.
Present during the session were Inspector, Commerce & Industries Department, Mr Deepesh Subba, along with aspiring entrepreneurs, startup representatives and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Report From DIO Namchi