Kohima, June 27 (MExN): Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) organized a commencement day for the outgoing batch of Basic Entrepreneurial Skills Training (BEST) Wave 10.
The Entrepreneurs Associates in a press release stated that the Wave 10 cohort comprised of 21 trainees who completed the 30-day training programme. With the objective to immerse trainees into the practicality of business, BEST let the trainees experiment business ideas; sell products; interact with successful entrepreneurs; visit sites; undergo apprenticeship through EA’s vast entrepreneurial network; and eventually, develop their own business plan. With over 18 year expertise in entrepreneurship, EA’s incubation of entrepreneurs includes credit linkage through the finance wing – The Nagaland state EATACOL (Entrepreneurs Associates Thrift and Credit Cooperatives Federation Ltd.) and GSL (Ganpati Stock Limited). To support local entrepreneurs, EA developed interest free loans of up to Rs. 1 lakh called the FOME Award (Feast of Merit Entrepreneur).
Four wins FOME award
BEST is a rigorous programme on entrepreneurship for start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs; and aspires to create Feast of Merit Entrepreneurs (FOME). FOME is a concept developed by EA based on the Naga tradition of feast of merit, where an individual who acquires wealth shares it back with his community. Therefore, FOME are entrepreneurs who find innovative solutions and take the society forward as part of her/ his own success.
In this regard, four individuals were awarded the FOME Award: Sweyiekul Khatso (Rs. 1,00,000); Hanchio Longse Shio (Rs. 65,000); Peshum Shiu (Rs. 50,000); and Zavikiebi (Rs. 50,000). It might be mentioned that the four awardees are entrepreneurs in the production sector.
The FOME Award was handed by Hepuni Bismark, General Manager, SBI Kohima. He exhorted the gathering by pointing out the need for business houses to maintain proper books of accounts and related documents for bank linkages; and inspired the entrepreneurs to persevere and work hard.
