The Nagaland government has identified 750 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for a six-month mentoring programme under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative, as it stepped up efforts to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The announcement was made by Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu during the Entrepreneur Award 2025 ceremony organised by the Department of Industries & Commerce in Kohima on Tuesday, where eight entrepreneurs from across the state were honoured for their contributions to enterprise development.
Jakhalu said the selected MSMEs would undergo mentoring to help them scale up and emerge as leading representatives of Nagaland’s entrepreneurial sector, particularly under the Naturally Nagaland initiative, which promotes Made-in-Nagaland products. She added that the department has also conducted extensive outreach programmes, including village-level workshops, to encourage entrepreneurship across the state.
Congratulating the award recipients, Jakhalu said the recognition was intended not only to honour their achievements but also to encourage them to expand their businesses at the state, national and global levels. She urged entrepreneurs to avoid the “founder’s trap” of becoming overly dependent on managing every aspect of their businesses, stressing the importance of delegation, continuous learning and networking for sustainable growth.
Director of Industries & Commerce P Tokugha Sema described the awardees as entrepreneurs whose achievements reflected years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. He said building successful enterprises requires sustained commitment and passion, adding that long-term growth can only be achieved through consistent effort.
The department honoured eight entrepreneurs selected by the State Selection Committee after evaluating applications received from across Nagaland. The awardees are Pisala Sangtam of Forever Handmade 21, Kiphire; S. Khumo of Art & Craft Unit, Noklak; Liyingbeni Odyuo of Liying Clothing, Dimapur; Vitoli Achumi of Aasuto Enterprise, Dimapur; Imtisunup Longchar of Ilandlo Services, Dimapur; Ajung Yaden and Atem Longkumer of TRIBOLT, Dimapur; Supongtola Aier of Zonee Food Products, Dimapur; and Alem Konyak of Beads Jewellery, Mon.
Jakhalu also acknowledged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening MSMEs and local businesses, saying entrepreneurs would play a key role in shaping Nagaland’s economic future.
Joint Director K Francis Hekavi said the recognition marked the beginning of a larger entrepreneurial journey and encouraged the awardees to continue supporting local businesses and enterprise development in the state.
