Newmai News Network Shillong | December 8 Perastill R. Marak who has started a business in value added products made out of locally available fruits thereby earning him the tag of Meghalaya’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Month’ was visited by the Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma on Friday. Marak who is the first recipient of this award produces chips, juice and cookies made out of locally available fruits like jackfruit, banana and tapioca. The award itself was conceptualized by the Chief Minister in an effort to promote local entrepreneurs to upscale their business venture with active support and collaboration with the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE). A video of marak’s story will be put up on social media soon that will showcase Chief Minister’s visit to his manufacturing unit. “We understand the potential and power of digital media and I have conceptualized this idea to tell the world that we have serious entrepreneur who are scripting silent stories, which needs to be untold to the world. I am of the strong conviction that by creating video stories, we will be able to market and popularise such initiatives as well as encourage young and budding entrepreneurs,” Conrad said. He also informed that the government will create a platform for all the unique products of Meghalaya, which will be able for purchase through online and offline platforms. “We are starting this initiative to connect our entrepreneurs to the global market. I am of the view that marketing and awareness of our value added products will not only boost the image of the State but will unleash the potential of our products, which will enable sustainable livelihood opportunities,” he added. Under the entrepreneurship promotion programme, apart from promoting existing entrepreneurs the government will embark on a special initiative to identify talents and hone their skills by promoting startups, business development and marketing strategy. “We will be organising business idea competition at the state and district level to promote young people to start entrepreneurial activities and support them by sanctioning seed money to start their ventures,” he said. This is the first of its kind unique programme conceptualized by the government, where the Chief Minister himself promotes an entrepreneur by telling their stories on social media.
