Nagaland: Access to finance critical for Naga entrepreneurs, says Hekani

Dimapur, Sep. 2 (EMN): Founder of YouthNet, Hekani Jakhalu, stated that the biggest hurdle for budding entrepreneurs in Nagaland was access to funding, which is the lifeblood of any business.

Addressing a special session on ‘Thinking outside the box’ held at YouthNet Dimapur’s office on September 2, Hekani stated at any business event the conversation will always turn to access to capital.

“Realising this, YouthNet with the support of the department of Industries and Commerce under the Nagaland Startup Policy 2019 have pursued variety of strategies from grants to investment funds to special GST reimbursement and digital upgradation are arranged for serious and promising entrepreneurs,” Hekani stated.

An update from the YouthNet also informed that Hekani has funded seven selected entrepreneurs amounting to INR 7 lakh to facilitate business expansion to selected entrepreneurs.

During the special session, Aku Zeliang taught the entrepreneurs on how to get the basic fundamentals in the first place and structure one’s business journey accordingly. He also shared on the fundamentals on how to access markets in USA, Europe, Middle East and ASEAN countries through his experience.

The director of YouthNet, Nuneseno Chase, in her welcome address, shared on the benefits of being part of an incubator from the facilities, funding and networking opportunities.

It mentioned that YouthNet Incubation Centre is being supported by the department of Industries and Commerce under the Nagaland Start-Up Policy 2019.