Gangtok DAC wraps up pitch sessions, focus on long-term entrepreneurship growth

<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">GANGTOK,</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">: A five-day series of pitching sessions aimed at strengthening Sikkim’s entrepreneurship ecosystem concluded in Gangtokon Friday, with over 70aspiring entrepreneurs from across the State presenting their innovative ideas and business ventures before an expert panel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The initiative, organised by Gangtok district administrative centre (DAC) under Sikkim INSPIRES programme, held its final three days of pitching sessions from March 18 to 20 at the DAC conference hall in Sichey. The sessions marked the completion of the programme’s first year of seed funding and challenge fund pitches.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Over the course of five days of intensive pitching sessions, aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and creators from across the Statepresented a wide range of ideas and ventures.Organisers said the sessions provided a valuable platform for participants to refine their ideas through meaningful interactions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">A panel of local entrepreneurs and industry experts evaluated the pitches, offering practical guidance to participants. GangtokDC and a representative from the Institute for Transformation of Sikkim also attended and interacted with candidates.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The GangtokDAC described the atmosphere as collaborative rather than purely competitive, with an emphasis on learning and mentorship. “Throughout the sessions, the energy in the room reflected not just competition, but collaboration, learning, and shared ambition. The panel offered thoughtful feedback and practical suggestions, helping participants strengthen their ideas and move closer to turning them into viable ventures.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">While five winners are expected to be announced soon, officials stressed that the programme’s broader aim is long-term entrepreneurial development rather than short-term funding alone. “The seed funding/challenge fund represents only a small part of a much larger vision to nurture and support entrepreneurship.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">As announced earlier, five winners will be selected with each receiving seed funding of Rs. 3 lakh to support the development and implementation of their ventures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Officials said that participants who do not receive seed funding will still be supported by the district administration by connecting them with established entrepreneurs from Sikkim, guiding them in preparing detailed project reports, and helping them access opportunities available through MSME and Commerce &amp; Industries department and other future opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Addressing attendees at the closing session, district collector Tushar Nikhare highlighted the growing importance of entrepreneurship in driving innovation and employment in the State. He said the initiative represents “the beginning of a longer journey” to build a stronger startup ecosystem in Sikkim. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to continue developing their ideas, officials said the district administrative centre would remain available to provide guidance and support.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The administration also announced plans to create a digital network connecting participants and mentors to share updates, opportunities and resources. “The DAC will remain open to supporting and assisting them within its capacity. A WhatsApp group will also be created to connect mentors and participants for regular updates, future entrepreneurs’ meets, information sharing, and support among entrepreneurs for strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

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