Zunheboto: Entrepreneurs urged to focus on innovation, market research

Morung Express NewsZunheboto | October 15The District Industries Centre (DIC), Zunheboto organised a one-day awareness programme on Startups and Entrepreneurship at VDB Hall, Zunheboto on October 15, highlighting innovation, market research, government schemes and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.The programme featured sessions on government schemes and incentives, startup support, incubation and mentorship opportunities, market access and business development initiatives.Vezito Tetseo, Founder and Owner of Headhunter Leather Crafting Pvt Ltd, spoke on incubation, mentorship, market opportunities and registration through the Startup Nagaland portal. ‘Entrepreneurship requires ideas, risk-taking ability, innovation and a problem-solving mindset,’ he emphasised. Tetseo highlighted the importance of incubation in helping entrepreneurs understand the fundamentals of business and encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to remain open-minded and willing to learn. He distinguished entrepreneurship from conventional retail businesses, stating ‘entrepreneurship involves innovation and introducing something new that is not readily available in the market.’He also stressed the importance of product pricing, branding, packaging, financial risk management and mentorship. ‘Products should not remain confined to a single location, underlining the need for networking, market expansion and connections with incubation centres,’ he stressed. Tetseo further highlighted the importance of business registration for accessing government benefits and loans, while emphasising the value of teamwork.Calling for a supportive startup ecosystem, he urged civil society organisations, NGOs and other stakeholders to encourage entrepreneurs and help them remain motivated. ‘Entrepreneurship should not be viewed solely as a means of making money but also as a way of building communities,’ he said.Er N Toky Chishi, General Manager, DIC Zunheboto, spoke on government schemes and incentives. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to conduct thorough market research, select suitable business locations, study existing businesses and adopt effective marketing strategies. He also stressed product quality, customer relations and humility in dealing with customers.Chishi highlighted the benefits of registering through the Startup Nagaland portal and advised entrepreneurs to maintain proper banking transactions and a good Credit Information Bureau (CIBIL) score to improve their prospects of securing bank loans under various government schemes.Ikupu Tuccu, Inspector of Industries and Commerce, outlined the support available to startups and entrepreneurs. He advised those seeking to expand their businesses to approach the DIC as their first point of contact for guidance and information on relevant schemes. He also referred to the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) and other line departments for assistance, including training opportunities to improve product packaging and standardisation.Tuccu highlighted several government schemes available to entrepreneurs, including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which supports employment generation through the establishment of enterprises and provides subsidies of up to 35%. He also spoke about the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), which provides a 30% subsidy and is available throughout the year through IDAN under the state government.He further discussed the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme and the UNATI scheme, outlining opportunities available to eligible beneficiaries.Speaking on the PM Vishwakarma scheme, Tuccu said it supports traditional artisans and craftspeople through training in various trades, followed by the provision of a toolkit worth Rs 15,000 directly to beneficiaries. Eligible beneficiaries seeking to expand their ventures could access collateral-free loans through banks, he added. The programme was chaired by Tovi N Awomi, LDA, while the closing remarks and vote of thanks were delivered by DIC, Zunheboto.