The Mizoram Entrepreneurship Conclave 2018 was held for the first time during 1st – 2nd June, 2018 at Convention Centre, Lunglei. The main aim of the conclave was to bring together potential as well as established entrepreneurs, aspiring students from higher secondary schools and colleges and inculcate in them the spirit of entrepreneurship.

 

The first session of the conclave was chaired by Dr. C Vanlalramsanga, Secretary to the Govt. of Mizoram, Planning & programme Implementation Department & Alternate Chairman of MEDMOC. He welcomed the gathering which comprised of students & teachers from Higher Secondary Schools and colleges within Lunglei, local entrepreneurs, winners of EDS Micro Start-Up Capital Competition & Business Plan contest, government officials and prominent citizens. The chairman gave a short presentation on the growth strategy of the state of Mizoram and also appreciated the efforts put in by the Hon’ble Minister, Planning, Finance, etc. in the development of the state. Out of the many successful winners of the Micro Start-Up Capital Competition, three outstanding entrepreneurs were introduced before the crowd viz.

1) Mrs R Lalhmunmawii, who is engaged in pickle making and is based in Zobawk, Lunglei.

2) Mr Melvyn who grows Sacha Inchi, an herb, processes its leaves as herbal tea and roasts seeds as snack.

3) Mrs Vanramchhuangi, a social activist, who has burden of making a green environment by manufacturing eco bags to minimise the use of plastic bags.

 

 Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (EDS) was presented by Mr Isak Lalmuanpuia Chuaungo, Research Officer, Planning & Programme Implementation Department. He explained about the scheme, its components, actions taken and future prospects.

 

Mr Lalsawta, Hon’ble Minister, Planning, Finance, etc. graced the Entrepreneurship Conclave as Chief Guest. He released the report on Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (EDS) at the Conclave. He encouraged the people of the state to make the most use of the natural advantages the state has been bestowed with such as the pleasant climate, use of a common language and prevalence of peace in the state so that each of us can make a successful living. He urged each one present to have a youthful spirit and a new mindset so that they could set examples for other in being self-sufficient. He wished the people well so that they would work harder in their respective fields, grab opportunities and success in their lives.

Mrs Zomawii Hrahsel, a winner of the Vasundhara Northeast Women Entrepreneurs Award gave a speech on her journey to being a successful entrepreneur. She currently owns a bakery in Lunglei. She shared important points to note for entrepreneurs. They include being positive, exemplary, grateful to customers, honest, hardworking and progressing in one’s own field. Mr Joseph Lalhimpuia, Chairman, Mizoram Youth Commission was the Guest of Honour. He addressed the gathering and challenged the youth of today to not only be job seekers but also job givers by using their skills, knowledge and efforts. He also mentioned that the Government is putting its best efforts in being a facilitator for creating a world for the youth. The Mizoram Youth Commission signed an MoU with Alternative Learning System (ALS) for providing coaching classes from Mizo youths just the previous day before the conclave. He reminded the youth that they are the future pillars of the state and the country. The second session was chaired by Mr Joseph L Ralte, Expert Member, MEDMOC who shared his Entrepreneurship journey & experience with Financial access in Mizoram. This was followed by a panel discussion on Entrepreneurship Development & Financial Access in Mizoram. He panel consisted of representatives of banks within Lunglei and Master Trainers of EDS. the problems faced by banks and customers in seeking bank loans were discussed. It was explained as to how different types of loans were to be availed and the requirements to be furnished to the banks were also highlighted. apart from the entrepreneurs who were advised to an extent on loan matters the students who attended this session were advised to start saving little by little from an early stage.

Dr Jonathan Lalnunsiama, Assistant Professor, Govt. Serchhip College listed out several points one must keep in mind when they want to start a business. They are:-

 

1. Do I have an idea?

 

2. Can I protect my idea?

 

3. Conduct Market survey

 

4. Perform the SWOT Analysis

 

5. Grab every opportunity one comes across

 

6. Develop a prototype

 

7. Make a business plan

 

8. Approach bank for bank loan

 

General discussion followed where the audience actively participated. Financial institutions also took keen interest and asked to be invited if any such programmes were to be conducted in future The second day of the Entrepreneurship Conclave was chaired by Dr Lalrinchhana, Chief Planning Officer, High Powered Committee, Lunglei and Secretary, MEDMOC. Mrs Agnes L Khawlhring, Associate Professor, Lunglei Govt. College & EDS Mater Trainer gave a presentation on Entrepreneurship Development Scenario in Lunglei District. A general discussion on the topic- ‘Entrepreneurship Development: What needs to be done?’ was held. Entreprenuers came up with suggestions and sought for solutions to the present problems faced by them. Dr. C Vanlalramsanga, Secretary to the Govt. of Mizoram, Planning & Programme Implementation Department enlightened the entrepreneurs by highlighting the actions already taken and that are being taken by the government to address certain issues that were raised. He also provided directions on whom to approach for solutions to their requirements and the schemes government is implementing. The programme ended with a vote of thanks from Mr C Vanlalmuana, District Research Officer, High Powered Committee Lunglei. During the entire Entrepreneurship Conclave 27 stalls were set up by entrepreneurs who are winners of Mizoram Rahbi (Micro Start-Up Capital Competition)&Mizoram Kailawn (Business Plan contest) conducted under Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (EDS). The Mizoram Entrepreneurship Conclave 2018 was organised by High Powered Committee Lunglei and powered by MEDMOC through Planning & Programme Implementation Department, Government of Mizoram.