Guwahati: The Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Assam, is extending its support to the Tejaswinis (Tejaswini Assam Ideation 2024 finalists) in setting up free stalls at the upcoming Winter Expo 2025. The event started on December 25 and will continue till January 12, 2025, at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati.
According to the Joint Director of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Manju Rani Gogoi Talukdar, participants will also receive Travel Allowance (TA) and Daily Allowance (DA).
Emphasizing the commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs and promoting local enterprises, Manju Rani Gogoi Talukdar told Business North East (BNE) that the entry of Tejaswini in the 3rd edition of the Winter Expo has been made possible through the substantial provision of the Department of Industries and Commerce.
“The stalls are provided to ensure market exposure, and participants were informed beforehand by the Joint Director,” an official from the Assam Trade Promotion Organisation (ATPO), the Winter Expo 2025 organizer, told BNE.
The Winter Expo has become a significant platform for artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their work, build networks, and gain valuable market insights.
Meanwhile, This year, the event is expected to draw over three lakh visitors, including buyers, traders, and enthusiasts of handloom and handicraft products. The initiative aims to enhance market visibility for Tejaswini finalists, enabling them to reach wider audiences and boost sales by providing free stalls. The Expo also serves as a hub for participants to interact with local, national, and global purchasers, facilitating growth opportunities and knowledge exchange.
The support extended to Tejaswini aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable economic development and preserve the traditional crafts of the northeast. Apart from free stalls, the Department of Industries and Commerce has also provided information on loans and other forms of assistance to help these entrepreneurs scale their businesses.
This segment has a long history of sanctioning local trades and artisans, recognizing their worth to the economy and culture. Moreover, this initiative aims to support and inspire Tejaswini participants to reach a broader audience, enhance market presence, and increase sales during the event. The department has also offered loan information and other measures to support the Tejaswinis.
Participants of the Winter Expo 2025 will benefit from this continued support, gaining an opportunity to network with potential business partners and industry leaders. The event also highlights the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, promoting sustainable economic growth and preserving traditional crafts in the northeast.
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Meanwhile, Tejaswini Assam Ideation 2024 is a business idea contest aimed at identifying and promoting women from Assam with entrepreneurial mindsets, providing solutions to local problems. The initiative, initiated by the Women's Cell of Industries and Commerce Department, Govt. of Assam, and North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), provided a platform for women aged 18-50 to pitch their innovative ideas and gain recognition.
Winter Expo 2025 organizer ATPO highlighted that the event offers participants opportunities to engage with local, national, and international buyers, connect with diverse audiences, and showcase their products to a large, targeted audience. With over 1.5 lakh visitors last year and an expected 3 lakh+ this year, the Expo is set to provide valuable insights into industry trends and innovations.
Similarly, Assam Startup is extending opportunities to five selected startups, allowing them to showcase their products for free and benefit from exposure nationally and internationally.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
