SDW aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in Sikkim

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GEYZING, : To provide a platform for budding entrepreneurs and startup aspirants, State Commerce & Industries department is organizing Sikkim Design Week (SDW) events across the State. The initiative aims to offer youth first-hand experience in entrepreneurship, creativity and the various opportunities available in startup ventures.

The Soreng chapter of SDW, held recently at the Rurban Complex near Soreng Bazaar, was attended by SLA Speaker M.N. Sherpa, area MLA Aditya Golay, Salghari-Zoom MLA Madan Cintury, officials from Commerce & Industries department and emerging entrepreneurs from across Sikkim.

Sikkim Design Week is a celebration of the State’s creative heritage and emerging industries. It seeks to provide a platform for local talent, MSMEs, artisans and startup enthusiasts by showcasing the innovative spirit of Sikkim through workshops, exhibitions and networking opportunities. The organizers emphasized that SDW encourages youth to become self-reliant by making effective use of locally available resources.

The event is being conducted with the support of strategic partners such as National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), along with established entrepreneurs from within and outside the State. One of the key objectives is to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design practices, empowering local creators to gain national and international visibility.

Commerce & Industries secretary Karma D. Youtso, in her address, stated that the department is proud to launch Sikkim Design Week to empower and encourage upcoming entrepreneurs and creative talents. She described SDW as a movement aimed at promoting skills, creativity and entrepreneurship in the State.

Calling the initiative progressive, Soreng-Chakung MLA Aditya Golay stated that such programmes will provide meaningful support to emerging entrepreneurs and creative talents. He affirmed that the State government is committed to offering both patronage and financial assistance. “Entrepreneurship is the key to overcoming the saturation in government employment,” he said, adding that individuals eager to explore entrepreneurial ventures would be fully supported by the State government. “Financial support for creative and entrepreneurial work has been ensured to help youth build sustainable livelihoods,” the area MLA added.

The workshop attracted a large number of young participants and featured motivational talks by several successful entrepreneurs. Representatives from local brands like Agapi emphasized that launching a business venture often requires less capital but demands dedication and sincerity.

Sikkim Design Week will be held across all six districts to engage and empower youth in entrepreneurial ventures and creative pursuits, helping them lead sustainable lives without depending solely on government jobs.