Nepalgunj: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Lumbini Province, Krishna KC, has called upon one and all to promote entrepreneurship based on locally-available raw materials. He made this appeal during a one-day training on financial literacy and entrepreneurship for women entrepreneurs, organized by New Business Age in Nepalgunj on Tuesday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Minister KC highlighted that the Lumbini state government has allocated Rs 250 million for interest subsidies for women entrepreneurs and Rs 200 million for concessional loans at a 5 percent interest rate.
After attending the training and listening carefully to the presentations, Minister KC said, "If you have the willpower and interest, you can succeed in entrepreneurship." He expressed his enthusiasm about the program and committed to facilitating and coordinating support for women entrepreneurs. "I will personally see what the Lumbini state government can do to help women entrepreneurs," he affirmed.
Madan Lamsal, chairman of the program and editor-in-chief of New Business Age, expressed his happiness about the increasing presence of women in business in Nepal. "But women still need to work more to take charge of large industries and businesses. For this, the government and the private sector need to work together," he stated.
“Our business journalism is focused on promoting entrepreneurship in the country,” Lamsal added. “I am glad that New Business Age has been organizing such workshops across the country for a few years to train women in financial literacy and entrepreneurship.”
Former executive director of Nepal Rastra Bank, Uma Joshi Bohora, emphasized that success in business requires more than just investment. Entrepreneurs need to learn various skills like production, pricing, and marketing to achieve success.
Ashok Kumar Bhujel, another speaker at the program, noted the importance of discipline in business. "He who pays attention to his own management can manage his business well," he said. Instead of posting idle contents on Facebook, Bhujel advised posting about products or services to promote business.
Sagun Khanal mentioned that Nepal has started exporting traditional foods like gundruk and sinki. “Even leaf plates can be exported. But to run your business smoothly and receive discounts and benefits from various agencies, you should register with the appropriate government agencies,” he explained. Khanal provided detailed information on becoming a successful entrepreneur and accessing various facilities offered by government agencies and banks.
Kiran Rana Magar, head of Siddhartha Bank’s Nepalgunj branch, informed that the bank provides loans to women entrepreneurs, but they must fulfill certain criteria to qualify.
President of Women Entrepreneurs Association, Banke, Sabitra Devi Basnet, thanked the organizers, sponsors, and stakeholders, saying the training was very useful for women entrepreneurs. She also requested that such training should be extended to at least three consecutive days instead of just one day.
Around 115 women entrepreneurs attended the program at Siddharth Cottage, Nepalgunj, including officials from the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Banke; Women Vice President Mandira Pandey; Central Treasurer of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal Sabita Subedi, and officials from the Nepal Cottage and Small Industries Federation, Banke. The event was sponsored by Siddhartha Bank.
