National, February 12, 2024: The three-day PRIME MeghaPreneur Expo 2024, held at the SRGT Polo Ground, marked a triumphant celebration of entrepreneurial zeal in Meghalaya. The event, graced by the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent across the state.
Dignitaries including Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Shri AL Hek, Minister of Tourism Shri Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Legal Metrology Department, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Excise Department Shri Kyrmen Shylla, Hon’ble MLA Shri Ian Botham Sangma, Hon’ble Commissioner & Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Dr Vijay Kumar D, IAS, among others, graced the occasion, further highlighting the government’s dedication to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In his opening speech, Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship through initiatives like the CM ELEVATE Program. He emphasized the program’s goal of empowering over 20,000 entrepreneurs across diverse sectors within the next 3 to 4 years—a landmark endeavour in the state’s history. Highlighting the substantial government support, he announced contributions totalling approximately Rs 22.67 crores to bolster 71 entrepreneurs across various sectors.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma stated, “As a government, we firmly believe that entrepreneurship serves as the cornerstone for driving the economy of a nation or state. Our strategy, since the inception of MDA I, has been centred around fostering entrepreneurship as the main driver of the economy and creator of employment within our state. Our mission is to acknowledge and support as many entrepreneurs as possible, thus laying the foundation for a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. Through initiatives like CM ELEVATE, most progressive entrepreneurship program, we aim to provide substantial support, offering a 75 percent subsidy and comprehensive assistance to nurture business growth and logistical support and administrative support.”
Hon’ble Chief Minister added, “Our goal is to empower over 20,000 entrepreneurs across various sectors within the next 3 to 4 years—an unprecedented feat in our state’s history. Recognizing our efforts, the Government of India has awarded us as a top-performing state in the national startup awards amongst small states. This achievement is a testament to the vision and collaborative effort of our team at PRIME and the response we have received continuous feedback from entrepreneurs. With over 5,500 entrepreneurs currently under our support, we anticipate a significant increase in the coming years. Congratulations to all the winners and beneficiaries, who represent the driving force behind our entrepreneurial ecosystem and serve as beacons of inspiration for society”.
The event concluded with a series of awards ceremonies, including the handing of the Certificate to the PRIME team for the TOP Performer Award, and the CM ELEVATE Award. The event marked the presentation of certificates and cheques to the Cohort 4 incubatees of the Chief Minister’s E- Championship Challenge 4.0, PRIME Advanced training centres as well as the certificate distribution to the Graduating incubated entrepreneurs of the Chief Minister’s E-Championship Challenge 3.0, among other events followed by a fashion show and dance performance added flair to the evening.
Moreover, the event provided a platform for engaging discussions and presentations by industry experts like Mr. Jayanta Das, Mr. Shashank Kumar, and Mr. Raghuram Kuchibatla, enriching the entrepreneurial landscape in Meghalaya. Acknowledging the accomplishments of existing entrepreneurs, the expo featured captivating sessions by entrepreneurs like Mr. Elvee Marbaniang from Runo Health, among others.
The expo also facilitated academic institutes in showcasing their entrepreneurial endeavors, with St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, and Shillong College sharing their experiences with the Entrepreneurship Development Program (EPDP). Mr. Pranjal Konwar, COO of IIMCIP, provided an insightful overview of PRIME and its pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship in the region.
In summary, the three-day PRIME MeghaPreneur Expo 2024 emerged as a resounding success, epitomizing the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in Meghalaya, and serving as a catalyst for inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.
