Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang graced the first-ever Udyami Bharosa Sammelan, organised by Commerce and Industries Department at Manan Kendra in Gangtok 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.
Chief Minister Tamang, 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 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.
Tamang 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,” he said.
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.
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.
Thereafter, the Chief Minister launched the Catalogue of Temi Tea and the Government Fruit Preservation Factory and released the book titled, “100 Successful Entrepreneurs”.
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.
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.
Ministers, Advisor-cum-MLA, advisors, chairpersons, Mayor, GMC, HoDs of various Departments, OSDs, entrepreneurs and other dignitaries were present during the programme.
