SRINAGAR: Two Kashmir women entrepreneurs, Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir, have successfully raised funding of Rs 75 lakhs through the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) and Startup India. This significant achievement not only showcases the exceptional potential and entrepreneurial spirit of women in the region but also highlights the nurturing environment provided by JKEDI.
The “Women for Startups” workshop, held on June 19 and 20 in collaboration with Startup India, DPIIT, and the Government of India, was a vibrant platform that witnessed immense energy and passion from aspiring women entrepreneurs and startups. The entrepreneurial journey of Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir serves as an inspiration to others, and JKEDI takes immense pride in their outstanding accomplishments.
While Dr Nuzhar is intending to work in the waste management area, Insha wants to work in the fashion sector.
Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), Director of JKEDI, expressed his enthusiasm for the remarkable achievements of Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir, stating, “We are extremely proud of their exceptional achievements, which not only highlight their unwavering dedication and innovative ideas but also serve as a tremendous source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir.” He also emphasized the positive impact their success will have in motivating and empowering future entrepreneurs within the region, adding, “These achievements reinforce our belief in the untapped potential and talent that exists within J&K. JKEDI will continue to provide a conducive environment and resources to empower more aspiring entrepreneurs and drive economic growth in the UT.”
Ashtha Grover, Head of Startup India, also interacted with aspiring women entrepreneurs during the workshop. She expressed her delight at the overwhelming response from Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “The Women for Startups workshops have been conducted across 16 states and 18 districts in the country. We are delighted to have received such a tremendous response from Jammu and Kashmir. On behalf of Startup India, I express our gratitude to the JKEDI team for their support in making the initiative a resounding success and wish the entrepreneurs the very best in their journey ahead. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers women.”
Rahul Narvekar, Founder and CEO of India Network, conducted insightful technical sessions during the workshop, focusing on the art of pitching to investors. Narvekar expressed his admiration for the energy and determination exhibited by these women entrepreneurs, stating, “I am truly impressed by the remarkable energy and unwavering determination exhibited by these women entrepreneurs. Their passion to achieve their goals is inspiring, and I am more than willing to support them in every way I can. My support goes beyond the financial contribution I have pledged; it also includes providing mentorship to help them navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.”
The funding secured by Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir will provide them with the necessary resources to scale their ventures and bring their innovative ideas to fruition. It not only validates their hard work and determination but also emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem that empowers women in entrepreneurship. Insha Mir expressed her satisfaction, stating, “It feels great to be a part of such an initiative which invites people from outside. Such events provide ample exposure and a platform to new and existing businesses. I got an opportunity to pitch and present our business model to the investors and secured an investment promise from Narvekar. I am hopeful that such events will happen again in the near future to boost the entrepreneurial and economic growth of our society.”
Nuzhat Qazi also conveyed her immense satisfaction, highlighting the valuable lessons she gained from the event. She emphasized the significance of understanding various fundraising strategies, networking opportunities, and the essential steps involved in entrepreneurial endeavours. She further emphasized the empowering nature of such events for women entrepreneurs and expressed her belief that they should be organized more frequently to foster courage and growth in aspiring female business leaders.
JKEDI remains committed to nurturing and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in the region. By providing access to funding opportunities, mentorship, and a conducive environment for startups, JKEDI aims to unleash the untapped potential of aspiring entrepreneurs and drive economic growth in J&K.
In recent months, JKEDI has organized a series of impactful events catering to both aspiring and established entrepreneurs. These initiatives align with the vision of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, who is dedicated to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Through these recent endeavours, JKEDI has effectively demonstrated its commitment to empowering budding entrepreneurs and promoting collaborative efforts for the overall development of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Notable events organized by JKEDI include the celebration of National Startup Day, and engaging activities for students and aspiring entrepreneurs at the Jammu Campus of the Institute. The Institute also hosted the first-ever Startup Leadership Conclave, providing emerging entrepreneurs with a valuable platform to interact with industry leaders, gain insightful knowledge, and explore opportunities for growth and innovation. The event featured renowned entrepreneur Pyare Zia Khan, who shared his experiences and lessons with the aspiring entrepreneurs of Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition, JKEDI showcased its collaborative spirit by partnering with the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Gujarat, to successfully organize an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP). This programme is aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting gender inclusivity within the startup ecosystem.
Recognizing the significance of partnerships, JKEDI also engaged with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir Chapter and Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIK) to work collectively towards creating a conducive entrepreneurial environment throughout the Union Territory. Furthermore, the Institute organized an Investor Meet and Pitching Session at its Sempora campus, bringing together renowned angel investor and motivational speaker Mahavir Pratap Sharma, aspiring entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The event facilitated the exploration of innovative business ideas and fostered meaningful connections in support of startup growth and development in J&K.
Moreover, JKEDI’s unwavering commitment to conducting Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes in educational institutions, including Degree Colleges, ITIs, and Schools across the UT, reflects their dedication to instilling an entrepreneurial mindset from an early stage. These programmes aim to equip the youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.
JKEDI strives to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. The Institute remains resolute in its mission to empower the youth and create an ecosystem that nurtures and supports startup ventures, thereby contributing to the overall prosperity of the region.
