The PRIME program, initiated by the Government of Meghalaya, is working towards implementing the initiatives outlined in the Meghalaya Startup Policy. PRIME aims to make entrepreneurship a preferred career choice for the youth of the State through the creation of a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem that enables easy availability of credit, relevant technology, skilling and mentoring support and access to high leverage markets. Through PRIME systematic and targeted support is being provided to aspiring entrepreneurs through a network of PRIME Hubs that will be the one-stop shop for the different segments of entrepreneurs in the State.

Meghalaya, with its rich cultural heritage and a growing pool of talented individuals, has recently witnessed the emergence of some prominent sports personalities. However, when compared to other states across the country, the state’s sports achievements are relatively modest. Even in comparison to neighbouring north-eastern states, which share similar physical attributes, Meghalaya falls short in producing notable sports talents. This disparity calls for focused attention and concerted efforts to unlock the true sporting potential of the state.

In addition to the challenges in sports development, another significant issue that Meghalaya faces is the dearth of entertainment and media establishments that cater to the needs and aspirations of its people. This shortfall is not limited to the absence of cinema halls but extends to the lack of institutes that promote the state’s rich culture and provide platforms for the arts to be performed and displayed. Meghalaya boasts a wealth of cultural traditions that are currently at risk of fading away, as only a few individuals in villages practice and perform these dying arts. It is essential to ensure the preservation and promotion of this cultural heritage so that future generations can also embrace and enjoy it.

To address these concerns and invigorate the sports and entertainment landscape of Meghalaya, we recognize the critical need for well-established and efficiently run facilities. These establishments should serve as centres for sporting excellence, artistic expression, cultural preservation, and community engagement. By investing in and improving these facilities, we can create an environment that nurtures talent, showcases the state’s unique culture, and provides avenues for recreation and enjoyment for all residents.

By undertaking this endeavour, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem that not only encourages athletic excellence but also celebrates the arts and preserves the cultural legacy of Meghalaya for generations to come.

The proposed project aims to enrich the cultural and recreational experiences of the community by establishing Cinema Theatres in our region.

Our Cinema Theatres will go beyond merely screening movies; they will play a pivotal role in promoting local film talent. By providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their works, we seek to nurture and amplify the unique voices and stories from our community. Regular film festivals will be a highlight, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, both local and international, and encouraging intercultural exchange and dialogue. With modern audio-visual technology at our disposal, our cinema halls will offer an immersive movie-watching experience, rivalling the convenience of home entertainment while recapturing the magic of the silver screen.

With respect to the above, projects dealing in the category of “Cinema Theatres” which will promote the cultural enrichment of the people in the state. Applicants may include “value additions” like food courts, child care, gaming zones, car detailing etc.

The details for applying for this is as follows:

• A project report (details mentioned in further sections) will be required which outlines the revenue model of the same
• The applicants must fit the eligibility criteria (details mentioned in further sections)
• A maximum of 20 applicants will be selected in the state of Meghalaya however giving priority to one application per district first i.e., unless every district has had one “winner” (provided applications are received and approved by the selection committee) no other district will have more than 1 selected application
• A maximum project cost estimated is ₹ 1.5 Cr (Rupees One Crores Fifty Lakhs)
• The Grant Subsidy that will be provided by the Government of Meghalaya for the project will be up to the tune of 35% of the total project cost or 50 lakhs whichever is less and the remaining 65% must be contributed via bank loans and own contribution

To ensure the selection of competent and committed applicants, the following eligibility criteria will apply for applications:

• Residency Requirement: All partners involved in the proposal must be residents of the state of Meghalaya. Valid identification documents demonstrating residency will be required as part of the application
• Applicants: Applicants can be individuals, groups (except societies); however, they need to be registered firms in the state of Meghalaya (in case applicants wish to apply and require assistance in registering their firms, PRIME can provide the necessary linkage)
• Experience: Applicants must provide proof of relevant experience in the field related to the proposed project. Fresh applicants without demonstrated experience will not be considered. Experience can be substantiated through past projects, portfolios, certifications, or testimonials.
• Land Ownership or Lease: The proposal must include proof of land ownership or a valid lease agreement for the proposed establishment. If the land is owned, documentation demonstrating ownership will need to be provided. If the land is leased, a valid lease agreement with the necessary tenure must be submitted. Such as Registered land, Bank statements,any uncleared loans, Criminal cases police verification, Name of the proposed place
• Contributing Share: Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to the project by providing proof of the required contributing share. This can include financial contributions, resources, or any other form of investment outlined. The evidence of the contributing share should be clearly presented in the application.
• Employment: The proposed establishment must commit to employing locals in accordance with the funds they have received and the kind of unit they are running. This criterion aims to promote job creation and contribute to local employment opportunities. Proof of employment needs to be provided.
• Usage of Facilities: In the future if the Government of Meghalaya needs space to promote or conduct events of public significance, the recipients should prioritize allowing the usage of the facilities for these events as a first priority with negotiable rates.

These eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that the selected applicants are residents of Meghalaya, possess relevant experience, have secured appropriate land arrangements, demonstrate commitment through contributing shares, contribute to job creation, and allow the usage of facilities for government events if required. By adhering to these criteria, the selection process will identify competent and committed applicants who align with the goals and requirements of the project. Selection will be subject to Legal and Finance department clearances.

• The proposed budget and funding structure for the project are as follows:

  Funding Breakup: The funding component has been stated in the categories. Further details are as follows:

  • Usage of Government Funds: The funds provided by the Government cannot be utilized for operational purposes or working capital. They are specifically allocated for the purchase of assets in the form of machinery or equipment required for setting up the wellness, cultural and entertainment centres. It is important to note that the funds cannot be used for the purchase of land.
  • Breach of Clauses: If any breach is found in the utilization of funds, such as the misuse of Government funds for operational purposes or other diversions of stated funds, a 16% annual interest charge will be levied on the applicant and may include legal action.
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  This is to ensure compliance with the intended use of the funds and to encourage proper allocation. The proposed funding structure aims to provide financial support for the establishment of the wellness, cultural and entertainment centres while ensuring accountability and proper utilization of the funds. It encourages the applicants to make their own contributions and leverage the subsidized Government support as well. Applicants should carefully review and adhere to the funding guidelines and ensure that their financial plans align with the specified terms and conditions to avoid any penalties or breaches of the agreement. It is important to note that the budget and funding structure can be further discussed and negotiated based on the specific requirements and terms set forth by the Government or the governing authority overseeing the project. Hence the applicants who applied for a maximum amount may be provided less than what they applied for based on the committee decision.

• The proposal should substantially outline the intended plans of the entrepreneur following the following structure:
  1. Executive Summary (1-2 pages): Provide a concise summary of the project, highlighting the key activities and objectives.
  2. Profile of applicant(s) (1-2 pages): Outline the background of the applicants, including their relevant experience, previous ventures, training, certifications, and any other pertinent information.
  3. Facilities to be provided & Physical Setup (3-5 pages): Describe the plans for setting up the wellness, cultural, and entertainment centres, including the preferred locations, equipment required (with quotations and drawings), and any necessary documents such as No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant authorities.
  4. Financials (2-4 pages): Present the budget for the project, including the estimated financial requirements, revenue models (e.g., ticket sales, memberships, sponsorships), and any other financial considerations.
  5. Timelines (1-2 pages): Specify the proposed duration of the project along with major milestones, such as the start date, completion date, and significant stages or phases.
  6. Documentation (1-3 pages): In this section, you can request any additional supporting documents that may be relevant to evaluating the proposals.

• Any certificates or proof of past activities may be submitted in the annexure of the proposal.

  Please note that these page lengths are approximate and can be adjusted based on the level of detail you wish to include in each section. It is essential to provide enough information to evaluate the proposals effectively while ensuring the RFP remains concise and focused.

• Initial Screening: The submitted proposals will undergo an initial screening to determine if they align with the objectives and scope of the project. This screening will assess whether the proposed project addresses the stated needs and requirements.
• Case Presentation and Financial Viability: Shortlisted applicants will be required to present their case before an evaluation committee. During the presentation, applicants will need to demonstrate the financial viability of their project. This may include providing a detailed business plan, financial projections, and evidence of financial sustainability.
• Inspection of Land and Documents: Applicants who pass the case presentation stage will undergo an inspection of the land and relevant documents submitted with the proposal. This inspection will verify the ownership or validity of the lease agreement for the proposed establishment. It will also assess the suitability and compliance of the land with the project requirements. The mode of selection is through a “challenge” The submitted proposals for every sector will be collected and evaluated against each other based on a scoring system. The best proposal in every district for every category will “win” and will be accepted for the financial support outlined above. However, it is up to the selection committee to award a “runner award” prize to other applicants with promising results in the same category for the same district.

• The applicants will have to submit a softcopy as pdf to info@primemeghalaya.com and a hardcopy to Reception of PRIME Startup Hub Meghalaya, JN Stadium Complex, Polo. Incomplete or ineligible proposals, not adhering to the guidelines outlined below, will be immediately disqualified, and eliminated from the challenge (e.g., not a citizen of the state, not adhering to prescribed proposal structure).

  After handing in the proposal, the entrepreneurs will be invited at a specified date/time to pitch in front of the selection committee. The entrepreneur may pitch for 15 minutes. The committee will also get the opportunity to get questions answered and request for clarifications, which is timed for another 15 minutes.

  Based on the proposal as well as the live pitch, the selection committee will give their final scoring based on the following criteria. A maximum score of 100 can be awarded. The selection criteria will be published on the PRIME Meghalaya upon launching the contest.