Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship through initiatives like the CM ELEVATE Program.
Speaking at the concluding day of the three-day PRIME MeghaPreneur Expo 2024, held at the SRGT Polo Ground, on Friday he emphasised the programme’s goal of empowering over 20,000 entrepreneurs across diverse sectors within the next three to four 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.
Sangma also underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent across the state.
The Chief Minister 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.”
He also said that the government’s goal is to empower over 20,000 entrepreneurs across various sectors within the next three to four years—an unprecedented feat in the state’s history.
He also said that recognising the state’s efforts, the government of India has awarded Meghalaya as a top-performer in the national startup awards amongst small states.
Sangma said that this achievement is a testament to the vision and collaborative effort of the team at PRIME and the response the government has received continuous feedback from entrepreneurs.
He said that with over 5,500 entrepreneurs currently under the government’s support, it anticipate a significant increase in the coming years.
The event concluded with a series of awards ceremonies, including the handing of the Certificate to the PRIME team for TOP Performer Award, and 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 Jayanta Das, Shashank Kumar, and Raghuram Kuchibatla, enriching the entrepreneurial landscape in Meghalaya. Acknowledging the accomplishments of existing entrepreneurs, the expo featured captivating sessions by entrepreneurs like 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). Pranjal Konwar, Chief Operating Officer of IIMCIP, provided an insightful overview of PRIME and its pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship in the region.
