Sikkim hosts first ever Udyami Bharosa Sammelan

Increase in enterprise registrations reflects the growing culture of entrepreneurship in Sikkim, says CM

GANGTOK,(IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay graced the First-Ever Udyami Bharosa Sammelan 2026, organised by Commerce and Industries Department at Manan Kendra here on Monday.

The event aims to honour local entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and inspire aspiring young innovators through interactive panel discussions, start-up showcases, and keynote sessions delivered by prominent figures in the ecosystem.

The programme had the presence of the Chief Minister as the chief guest.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, while addressing the gathering, expressed appreciation for the active participation of entrepreneurs in the programme. He described entrepreneurs as individuals who have the courage to create their own path, prepare business plans and look for solutions when faced with challenges. He said that entrepreneurship requires self-belief, perseverance and the willingness to take responsibility for creating one’s own livelihood while generating opportunities for others.

The Chief Minister highlighted the State Government’s focus on engaging youth and entrepreneurs and promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career and livelihood option. He noted that this approach has resulted in the emergence of entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, including retail and wholesale, restaurants and fast-food outlets, dairy farming, organic products, handicrafts, food processing, transportation, technology and e-commerce. He said that the growing presence of enterprises across different sectors reflected the changing entrepreneurial landscape of the State.

The Chief Minister stated that the programme was intended to place entrepreneurs at the centre and focus on their future growth and development. He also highlighted the vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur”, aimed at enabling families to explore entrepreneurship and self-employment.

He stressed that entrepreneurship should not be associated only with large industries or businesses. Small home-based enterprises, local businesses and individual self-employment ventures are equally valuable and should receive recognition and encouragement.

Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the State Government, the Chief Minister referred to financial assistance for entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He also highlighted efforts to promote the creative and content-based economy and described Sikkim RISE as an important platform for nurturing new entrepreneurs.

Emphasising the importance of accessing accurate information, the Chief Minister urged entrepreneurs to understand Government schemes directly from the concerned departments. He advised to carefully study the provisions and eligibility criteria of various programmes and make informed use of the support available.

Acknowledging that many entrepreneurs in Sikkim are first-generation entrepreneurs without inherited business experience or established market networks, he encouraged them to learn from both success and failure. He advised them to adopt a gradual and disciplined approach, understand their markets, maintain financial discipline and focus on quality, customer satisfaction and sustainable business models.

The Chief Minister said that the increase in enterprise registrations in Sikkim reflected the growing culture of entrepreneurship in the State. He encouraged the youth to identify local needs and develop products and services within Sikkim, thereby creating employment and retaining economic value within the State.

Calling for greater support for local enterprises, he urged to embrace “Vocal for Local” and contribute to the “Making Sikkim” initiative by producing, promoting and consuming locally made goods and services.

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big but start small, stating that a successful enterprise could begin with a good idea, a quality product and a satisfied customer. He said that consistent effort, responsible expansion and the support of the community could enable small enterprises to grow into sustainable businesses and create opportunities for others.

In his address, Minister, Commerce & Industries Department and Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Tshering T. Bhutia, stated that the foremost objective of the programme is to create an enabling environment that promotes entrepreneurship, business and commerce. He said that through strong vision, planning and leadership, the Government aims not only to promote businesses but also to generate employment opportunities and nurture a culture of entrepreneurship in the State.

He highlighted the “One Family, One Entrepreneur” initiative as an important component of this vision aimed at building the confidence and capacity of families to establish and sustain small businesses. These may include traditional handicrafts, traditional occupations, small enterprises and other locally relevant ventures.

He emphasised that as more people within communities take up entrepreneurial activities, they gain confidence and develop an entrepreneurial mindset which would help create a strong community of hardworking and talented entrepreneurs while contributing to the overall economic development of Sikkim.

Expressing gratitude for the support extended by the State Government through the programme, he said that the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening Sikkim’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and enhancing the skills and capacities of its people.

He further stated that the Commerce and Industries Department is working towards building the capacity of entrepreneurs and providing them with the necessary support, opportunities and enabling platforms. He stressed the importance of strengthening the skills, capabilities and potential of the people so that they can contribute meaningfully to the development of the State.

In her welcome address, Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Karma D. Youtso, expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister for gracing the First Udyami Bharosa Sammelan 2026 and welcomed the participating entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and stakeholders to the programme.

She highlighted the commitment of the State Government and the Department towards creating a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise development in Sikkim. She emphasised that various initiatives and programmes have been undertaken to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with opportunities, institutional support, mentorship, capacity building, market linkages and platforms to showcase and scale their enterprises.

Youtso stated that the Udyami Bharosa Sammelan serves as an important platform to facilitate meaningful dialogue, recognise the contribution of local entrepreneurs, identify areas requiring greater support, and encourage young people to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable avenue for growth and employment.

In his address, OSD, Commerce and Industries Department cum General Secretary, SEED Cell, Dipen Subba, expressed immense pride in witnessing the emergence of Sikkim as a growing centre of entrepreneurship. He conveyed his gratitude to the State Government for the continued support in creating a strong and enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurs, innovation, and enterprise development in the State.

He elaborated on the role and functioning of the SEED Cell, highlighting its efforts towards nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs through handholding programmes, mentorship programmes, capacity building, facilitation, and other forms of institutional support. He emphasised the Chief Minister’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur”, stating that the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship at the grassroots level and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

He further highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Commerce and Industries Department to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with particular emphasis on providing continuous handholding programmes and support to emerging enterprises. He spoke about the growing potential of the Orange Economy and content-based economy, and the opportunities they offer to Sikkim’s youth, particularly in the creative and digital sectors.

Highlighting the Sikkim RISE initiative, he stated that the programme has provided a significant platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises and has contributed to the growing culture of entrepreneurship in the State.

Further, he expressed confidence that, with the continued guidance of the state government and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, Sikkim would emerge as a significant hub of entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.

Thereafter, the Chief Minister launched the Catalogue of Temi Tea and the Government Fruit Preservation Factory and released the book titled 100 Successful Entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister was also felicitated by the executives of the SEED Cell as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for organising the first-ever Udyami Bharosa Sammelan.

This was followed by experience-sharing sessions by two successful entrepreneurs, Dawa Lhamu Sherpa of Dawa Creations and Rohan Pradhan of Apicare, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and experiences.

Subsequently, a documentary video showcasing entrepreneurship development initiatives in Sikkim, along with a video documenting Sikkim RISE – A Startup Ideathon 2026, was screened.

The programme further featured a pitching session by the winners of Sikkim RISE 2026 under three categories:

1.Ideation (Business Venture)- Pasal -  Pem Uzeyla Bhutia , Yashu Lama and Chimila Bhutia

2. Prototype- (Business Venture)- Hasyam Farms - Arpan Gurung

3. Revenue- (Business Venture)- Himalaya Creator, Api Farm- Kamal Sharma

A video showcasing the Sikkim Startup Policy was also screened, highlighting the State’s initiatives to promote and strengthen the startup ecosystem.

The programme also witnessed the announcement of key partnerships and signing of MoUs between the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIM-CIP) and the Commerce & Industries Department, as well as partnerships involving Amazon and Flipkart Services with the Commerce & Industries Department.

The Chief Minister thereafter felicitated the National Handloom Awardee, along with five Outstanding Entrepreneurs, one Young and Aspiring Entrepreneur, and the Sikkim RISE Jury Members. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of Sikkim RISE 2026, followed by the distribution of cheques to 80 beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Udyamshilta Yojana.

Also present were, Ministers, Advisor-cum-MLA, Advisors, Chairpersons, Mayor, GMC, HoDs of various Departments, OSDs, Entrepreneurs and other dignitaries.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Director, MSME, M. Ravi Kumar.