The Business Facilitation team from PRIME conducted a Capacity-Building Program and Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Entrepreneurship and PRIME on the 6th and 8th of August 2024 at the Institute of Hotel Management, Mawdiangdiang. The program brought together Block Officers from various regions of Meghalaya, aiming to enhance their understanding of entrepreneurship and equip them with the tools to effectively support entrepreneurs at the block level.
Lakshmi Rao, Advisor for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, led an engaging session on Design Thinking. Participants learned problem-solving techniques that can be applied to real-life situations while assisting entrepreneurs. Using these techniques, they presented challenges and explored innovative solutions collaboratively.
Dr. Maxwell Lyngdoh, a well-known Counsellor and Career Expert, conducted a session on Communication Skills, emphasizing the importance of clear and effective communication. By strengthening these skills, block officers will be better equipped to engage with entrepreneurs and encourage them to seek support at the block level.
Arti Lyngdoh, Project Lead at the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, shared invaluable insights into the essence of entrepreneurship and provided detailed information on state government schemes available for entrepreneurs.
The PRIME Funding Team introduced participants to various financial support schemes offered by PRIME. They explained the eligibility criteria and processes entrepreneurs need to follow to access these benefits. The CM Elevate Team further detailed the schemes available under CM Elevate, providing guidance on application processes.
Streamlet Rai, Sector Head of Business Facilitation, provided an overview of the key sectors under PRIME and their functions, ensuring block officers understood the scope of PRIME’s initiatives.
To build on the success of the program, a follow-up meeting was held on the 9th of August 2024 at the PRIME Startup Hub in Shillong and Tura. The meeting brought together District Project Managers (DPMs) from various blocks to strategize on strengthening collaboration between PRIME and block-level officers. The discussions focused on actionable strategies to provide better support to grassroots entrepreneurs across Meghalaya.
Tura Workshop: Empowering Block Staff in Garo Hills
On the same day, the Business Facilitation team from Tura organized a parallel Capacity-Building and Train-the-Trainer Workshop at the PRIME Startup Hub, Tura, specifically for block staff from the Garo Hills region. The workshop, attended by 30 block officers from various districts of Garo Hills, focused on:
- Building a foundational understanding of entrepreneurship.
- Highlighting PRIME initiatives and the support systems available to local entrepreneurs.
The program was impactful, with participants sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback. Officers expressed that the sessions broadened their understanding and provided them with practical knowledge to guide and support entrepreneurs seeking assistance.
A follow-up meeting was conducted on the 9th of August 2024 in Tura, with 5 District Project Managers (DPMs) from different districts in attendance. The discussion centred around strengthening collaboration, collecting feedback, and exploring suggestions to improve support mechanisms for entrepreneurs at the block level.
The Capacity-Building Program and Train-the-Trainer Workshops mark a significant step toward enhancing grassroots entrepreneurship in Meghalaya. By equipping block officers with the necessary skills, tools, and resources, PRIME continues to pave the way for effective and widespread entrepreneurial support across the state. These efforts aim to create a robust ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to Meghalaya’s economic growth.
