Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir, two Kashmiri women entrepreneurs, have raised Rs 75 lakhs in funding through Startup India and the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI). This noteworthy accomplishment illustrates the remarkable potential and entrepreneurial energy of women in the area as well as the fostering atmosphere offered by JKEDI.
The “Women for Startups” workshop, which took place on June 19 and 20 in partnership with Startup India, DPIIT, and the Government of India, was a vibrant event that saw a lot of aspiring female entrepreneurs and firms. Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir’s entrepreneurial path is an inspiration to others, and JKEDI is incredibly proud of all that they have accomplished.
Insha wants to work in the fashion industry, while Dr. Nuzhar plans to engage in the field of waste management.
The director of JKEDI, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS), expressed his enthusiasm for the extraordinary accomplishments of Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir, saying, “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 added, “These achievements reinforce our belief in the untapped potential and talent that exists within J&K.” He also stressed the beneficial effect their success will have on inspiring and empowering future business owners in the region. In order to support more ambitious entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth in the UT, JKEDI will continue to offer a favorable environment and resources.
Throughout the event, Ashtha Grover, Head of Startup India, spoke with hopeful female entrepreneurs. She declared, “The Women for Startups workshops have been held across 16 states and 18 districts in the country. I am thrilled at the overwhelming response from Jammu and Kashmir.” We’re thrilled to have gotten such a fantastic response from Jammu and Kashmir. In the name of Startup India, I’d like to thank the JKEDI team for helping to make the project a huge success and wish the aspiring business owners all the best on their future endeavors. We are devoted to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is welcoming and supports women.
The workshop’s deep technical sessions were led by Rahul Narvekar, the founder and CEO of India Network, and they concentrated on the art of presenting to investors. Narvekar said, “I am extremely astonished by the tremendous enthusiasm and unshakeable resolve demonstrated by these women entrepreneurs. I like the intensity and tenacity shown by these women entrepreneurs. Their commitment to achieving their objectives is admirable, and I would do anything in my power to help them. My commitment to them extends beyond the financial support I have promised and also involves offering guidance to guide them through their entrepreneurial endeavors.
The investment that Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir were able to get will give them the tools they need to develop their businesses and realize their original objectives. It not only recognizes their perseverance and hard work but also highlights the significance of creating an environment that supports and encourages women entrepreneurs. It is amazing to be a part of such an endeavor that attracts individuals from the outside, said Insha Mir when she expressed her satisfaction. Such gatherings give both new and established businesses plenty of exposure and a platform. I had the chance to propose our business strategy to potential investors, and Narvekar promised to invest. The investment that Nuzhat Qazi and Insha Mir were able to get will give them the tools they need to develop their businesses and realize their original objectives. It not only recognizes their perseverance and hard work but also highlights the significance of creating an environment that supports and encourages women entrepreneurs. It is amazing to be a part of such an endeavor that attracts individuals from the outside, said Insha Mir when she expressed her satisfaction. Such gatherings give both new and established businesses plenty of exposure and a platform. I had the chance to propose our business strategy to potential investors, and Narvekar promised to invest. JKEDI strives to unlock the latent potential of budding entrepreneurs and spur economic progress in J&K by offering access to investment options, mentorship, and a friendly atmosphere for companies.
JKEDI has planned a number of noteworthy events in recent months that cater to both aspiring and seasoned businesspeople. These programs support Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, who is committed to developing an entrepreneurial and innovative culture. Through these recent initiatives, JKEDI has successfully illustrated its dedication to supporting joint initiatives for the overall growth of the entrepreneurial landscape and encouraging aspiring business owners.
The Institute’s Jammu Campus hosted engaging programs for students and budding entrepreneurs on National Startup Day as well as other noteworthy JKEDI-organized occasions. The Institute also held the first-ever Startup Leadership Conclave, giving up-and-coming business owners a beneficial forum to network with influential business figures, learn insightful information, and investigate possibilities for expansion and innovation. The event featured renowned businessman Pyare Zia Khan, who spoke with the young businesspeople of Jammu and Kashmir and offered his experiences and insights.
A successful Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) was also organized by JKEDI in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Gujarat. This program aims to support gender inclusion in the startup ecosystem and encourage female entrepreneurs.
Recognizing the value of collaboration, JKEDI also established collaborations with the Kashmir Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIK) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) to work together to foster an entrepreneurial environment across the Union Territory. Additionally, the Institute hosted an Investor Meet and Pitching Session at its Sempora campus, bringing together prospective business owners and industry professionals with Mahavir Pratap Sharma, a well-known angel investor and motivational speaker. The occasion promoted important interactions and the investigation of fresh company concepts in support of J&K’s startup development.
Further evidence of JKEDI’s focus to fostering an entrepreneurial attitude from an early age is their unwavering commitment to delivering Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes in educational institutions, including as Degree Colleges, ITIs, and Schools across the UT. These initiatives are designed to give young people the information and abilities they need to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.
JKEDI wants to make Jammu and Kashmir a thriving center for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development. The Institute is still committed to empowering young people and building an environment that encourages and supports new businesses, which will boost the region’s general prosperity.
