Nagaland’s first incubation centre launched

Officials and others during the launching of YouthNet Incubation Centre at YouthNet’s office, Dimapur on July 15. (Photo Courtesy: YouthNet)

Officials and others during the launching of YouthNet Incubation Centre at YouthNet’s office, Dimapur on July 15. (Photo Courtesy: YouthNet)

Dimapur, July 15 (MExN): YouthNet Incubation Centre (YIC), which intends to support and nurture innovative start-ups in their pursuit to become scalable and sustainable business enterprise, was launched on July 15 at YouthNet’s office, Dimapur in partnership with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, under the Nagaland Start-Up Policy 2019. 

YIC will offer a practical and engaging programme to help entrepreneurs build their businesses successfully. With 17 entrepreneurs chosen to be part of the incubation programme for a year, the multi-faceted programme is designed for early stage businesses that require support while they validate their business idea so that they can progress to the next stage in their development. YIC will provide a challenging and comprehensive 1 year curriculum of business building sessions designed to help entrepreneurs plan and start developing several aspect of their business, from the core idea to the product and revenue model.

The launch occasion was graced by officials from the Department of Industries & Commerce, NEDFi Manager-Dimapur, a press release received here stated. 

‘State’s economy needs entrepreneurs’
Addressing the participants on the occasion, Tokugha Achumi, Joint Director, Department of Industries and Commerce said that the state’s economy needs entrepreneurs in order to thrive. With the pandemic affecting the growth of the economy adversely and with many young people returning home, the existing entrepreneurs can become job providers and also the youth strive to take the entrepreneurial journey with the help of support like the YouthNet incubation centre.

He urged the entrepreneurs to dream big, start small and register with genuine channels to get access to benefits of the government.

K Jianthailung, Manager, NEDFi Dimapur highlighted that the management of finances and documentation of business details as key to access funding. NEDFi is open to entrepreneurs to help and support them with their resources available. 

A message was also conveyed by Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director NER-Indian Chamber of Commerce, he congratulated YouthNet for the initiative and said that an incubation centre plays a vital role in supporting the success of start-ups which are started by first generation entrepreneurs.

The 17 incubatees will be mentored by various Naga professionals and experts namely Ben Imchen, Yanfo Kikon, Abokali Jimomi, Margaret Zinyu , Sinlo Kemp and Hekani Jakhalu. YouthNet Incubation Centre will be mentored by Eric Azulay, Director of ACIR & Nexus Incubation Centre of the US Government in Delhi.