YouthNet conducts vendors development programme

DIMAPUR — YouthNet, in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, and supported by the World Bank, conducted a two-day Vendors Development Programme (VDP) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme on October 14 and 15 at Hotel Acacia in Dimapur.

An update from YouthNet stated that the programme was aimed at bringing together Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE), Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) and industry experts to facilitate business linkages by exploring vendor opportunities for MSEs and create awareness about various offerings by PSU to strengthen competitiveness and expand market access of MSE.

It stated that representatives from various government departments, public sector undertakings such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (NHHDC) along with financial institutions were present and delivered sessions on key topics including Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance, procurement policies for MSME, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) schemes and the promotion of indigenous products under RAMP’s ‘Naturally Nagaland’ initiative.

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The sessions featured presentations on MSME support schemes by NSIC and NHHDC, credit facilities by the State Bank of India (SBI) and guidance on seller registration and product listing on Amazon.

Over 70 participants including MSME entrepreneurs from Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland and Peren districts as well as persons with disabilities (PWD) entrepreneurs actively took part in the programme.

The event also featured 10 exhibition stalls, where entrepreneurs showcased a diverse range of locally made products such as incense, baskets, jewellery, handicrafts, handloom items, crochet works and food products, reflecting the rich entrepreneurial talent and creativity of Nagaland’s MSME community.

The programme concluded with sessions that facilitated networking and interaction among the participants.

YouthNet informed that similar programmes would be organised across the state to empower and build the capacity of MSME, contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nagaland.