Dimapur, Dec. 12 (EMN): In a first of its kind, YouthNet has launched the North East India first startup incubation programme for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in its Dimapur office on Monday. The programme was launched in collaboration with office of the state commissioner for PWD, and Startup Nagaland under the department of Industries and Commerce.
An update from YouthNet informed that the programme was a part of its incubation centre programme with a co-working space dedicated for the entrepreneurs of PWDs. YouthNet incubation centre provides access to infrastructure, networking, financing and related business services for the entrepreneurs.
In her welcome address, the director of YouthNet, Nuneseno Chase, highlighted the importance of inclusiveness for all kind of entrepreneurs and stated that the programme was devised to be the most effective channel to develop the skills PWDs need to thrive and prosper their business.
Also speaking on the occasion, the inspector of Industries under Startup Nagaland, Lhoushevikho Lhoushe, gave an overview of the key factors of Startup Nagaland Policy 2019 and the department’s initiatives. Lhoushe also hinted on amending the policies for the benefit of the Persons with Disabilities.
The programme coordinator from the office of the State Commissioner for PWDs, Ashe H Kiba, also highlighted on the inclusive programmes that allow entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to learn and grow side by side, for the benefit of all.
The State Commissioner for PWDs, Diethono Nakhro, through a virtual message, thanked YouthNet for the opportunities and also acknowledged the government’s efforts to foster and monitor inclusive systems for all categories at all levels from advocacy, awareness creation to implementation support.
Earlier, proprietor of Gogivers Recruitment Agency, Hinoto Chophy, pronounced invocation and proprietor of Lovi Twine, Lovitoli, shared her experience with YouthNet, in the programme chaired by manager, YIC, Neikepekho Shosahie.
It may be mentioned that YouthNet Incubation Centre supports and nurture innovative entrepreneurs and startups in their pursuit to become scalable and sustainable businesses, whilst offering a practical and engaging programme to help entrepreneurs build their business.
YouthNet Incubation Centre is the first business incubator in the state under the Startup Nagaland Policy 2019, department of Industries and Commerce. YouthNet endeavors to embody the entrepreneurial spirit in Nagaland.
“Over the years, we have curated programmes that attempt to reach every niche of the business ecosystem with 91 entrepreneurs currently in incubation, over 35 entrepreneurs funded, over 80 events conducted in 15 months and with three co-working spaces for entrepreneurs at free of cost,” it stated.
YouthNet Incubation Centre endeavours to provide support to successfully scale-up business, drive innovation forward and create positive impact, it stated.