From February 7 to 9, 2024, Meghalaya hosted the PRIME Meghapreneur Expo, bringing together entrepreneurs from various sectors. Organized by PRIME (Promotion and Incubation of MSMEs), this event aimed to support local businesses and promote economic growth.
The expo opened with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who highlighted the importance of entrepreneurs in boosting the state’s economy. He encouraged everyone to support local businesses and recognized the hard work of entrepreneurs. After cutting the ribbon, he toured the venue, interacting with participants and learning about their projects.
Many organizations, including the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society and the Department of Food Processing, provided valuable resources for entrepreneurs. The expo included opportunities to meet buyers and investors, as well as technical sessions to improve business skills.
One key feature was a space for learning. The Chief Minister returned to encourage participants, sharing his dedication to helping entrepreneurs since taking office. He stressed that supporting entrepreneurs creates jobs for young people, which is crucial for the state’s future.
The first day focused on important skills like packaging and labeling. Entrepreneurs learned about branding and participated in exercises to improve their labeling. A session by Start-Up India offered tips on managing finances and running a business, with one-on-one mentoring to address specific challenges.
Networking was a big part of the expo. Entrepreneurs shared their experiences, with one co-founder of the inclusive clothing brand SooLa noting, “You learn a lot from other entrepreneurs. Their stories motivate us.”
The second day highlighted e-commerce, a critical area for today’s businesses. Walmart Vriddhi led a session on using online platforms, helping entrepreneurs learn how to sell on sites like Flipkart. Many signed up immediately. ONDC (Open Network Digital Commerce) introduced the idea of open-source e-commerce, explaining how it could improve online sales. A Q&A session helped participants understand government support available to them.
The expo attracted a large crowd, showing strong community support for local businesses. Entrepreneurs discussed their journeys, enhancing their learning.
On the final day, the focus was on recognizing the hard work of entrepreneurs. The event celebrated the onboarding of Cohort 4.0 and graduated the previous group. The CM Elevate program supported about 40 new entrepreneurs with subsidies and mentorship.
Inspirational talks from successful entrepreneurs like Zomawii Khiangte of Mizo Brewery encouraged attendees to tell their brand stories. Shashank Kumar, CEO of De Haat, highlighted the importance of self-belief, while Jayanta Das from IHCL NE reminded them to measure success by their community impact.
Local entrepreneurs shared how PRIME’s support has helped their businesses grow. The event wrapped up with appreciation for government departments that assist in fostering entrepreneurship.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, expressing hope for the future of entrepreneurship in the state. With around 450 entrepreneurs in attendance, the PRIME Meghapreneur Expo was a great success, showcasing the vibrant spirit of local entrepreneurship and opening doors for future opportunities.
