Question : Business Idea Challenge 2017

(a) whether the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) has organised an event named as "Business Idea Challenge 2017" to encourage entrepreneurship in the North-east region;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the annual industry-academia interface event Sampark of Tezpur University has seen the DoNER’s involvement for the first time;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps being taken to create a platform towards awareness and initiation of entrepreneurship development based on natural resources of the region?

Answer given by the minister

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
[Dr. Jitendra Singh]

(a) An event “Pioneering Business Idea Challenge” was co-hosted by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) at Tezpur University, as part of the University''s Sampark-2017, which is an industry-academia interaction aimed at providing a platform for the students/ budding entrepreneurs of the North Eastern Region.
(b) During the event, Business Plan Contests were conducted. Out of 60 plans received, 15 plans were shortlisted and based on the presentations made, 3 business plans were awarded.
(c) Yes, Madam.

(d) The event was organized on the 3rd March, 2017. A total of four technical sessions were organized in this event, namely "Entrepreneurship and Act East Policy"; Sharing the Journey of Livelihood Creators; Start-ups and their challenges behind and Financing and Credit: The Roots Behind.
(e) NEDFi has taken the following initiatives for entrepreneurship development:-

• Setting up Business Facilitation Centres (BFC) in all North Eastern states to guide new and
First Generation Entrepreneurs (FGEs) in all areas related to project financing, including
preparation of Detailed Project Report.
• Provide mentoring assistance & credit linkages to entrepreneurs.
• Conducting Seminars/Workshops/Entrepreneur Development Program (EDPs)/Business Meets/Awareness
programmes for potential first generation entrepreneurs.
• The Corporation has prepared 100 project profiles related to MSME segments which has been widely
distributed and also uploaded in the website.
• Design & Skill Upgradation Programme for improving the existing skill of the artisans and
craftsmen by providing the design inputs so that value added products based on the natural
resources of the region can be developed.

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