The inaugural session of the first Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) commenced on 23 September 2024 at the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) of Nagaland University, Kohima Campus. The session was graced by Prof GT Thong, PVC of NU Kohima, as the Chief Guest, and Savio Visa, Director of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Nagaland, as the Guest of Honour.
The EDP spans three sessions: from September 23 to 27, September 30 to October 4, and October 14 to 18, 2024. This initiative targets youth aged 18 to 40 from Kohima district who have innovative business ideas or existing businesses that are less than five years old. Participants will have the opportunity to secure a start-up grant of Rs 5 lakh from the Incubation Centre to help turn their business plans into reality.
According to a press release by NU PRO Peter Ki, 39 students were selected for the program after attending a series of Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs (EAP) held at various colleges: Mount Olive College on August 23, Sazolie College on August 28, and St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, on Aug. 30.
The EDP is part of a broader initiative to establish and manage entrepreneurship development and incubation centers in educational institutions across the North Eastern Region, sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship. Dr Dhrubajyoti Bordoloi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Management, serves as the Coordinator for the program, with Dr Ditalak Mpanme as the Joint Coordinator.