DIMAPUR: Department of Industries & Commerce, Nagaland organised the Entrepreneur Award 2025 Ceremony at its Conference Hall, Kohima, on July 1, 2026, to recognise and honour entrepreneurs for their outstanding achievements and contributions to entrepreneurship development in the state.
According to DIPR report, at the event, eight entrepreneurs selected by the State Selection Committee were felicitated at the programme: Pisala Sangtam (Forever Handmade 21, Kiphire), S. Khumo (Art & Craft Unit, Noklak), Liyingbeni Odyuo (Liying Clothing, Dimapur), Vitoli Achumi (Aasuto Enterprise, Dimapur), Imtisunup Longchar (Ilandlo Services, Dimapur), Ajung Yaden and Atem Longkumer (TRIBOLT, Dimapur), Supongtola Aier (Zonee Food Products, Dimapur), and Alem Konyak (Beads Jewellery, Mon Town).
Addressing the gathering, advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, commended the awardees for their contribution to Nagaland’s economy through job creation and enterprise development. She said the recognition was intended not only to honour achievements but also to encourage expansion at state, national and global levels. Highlighting the department’s efforts under the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) programme, she informed that 750 MSMEs have been identified for a six month mentoring initiative under the Naturally Nagaland brand to promote Made in Nagaland products.
Hekani urged entrepreneurs to avoid the “founder’s trap” of handling every aspect of operations themselves, stressing the importance of building systems, delegating responsibilities and investing in networking. She acknowledged the support of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for initiatives aimed at strengthening MSMEs and local businesses.
Director of Industries & Commerce, P. Tokugha Sema, congratulated the awardees, describing them as genuine entrepreneurs whose success was the result of hard work, dedication and perseverance. He emphasised that entrepreneurship is a long and challenging journey requiring passion, commitment and sacrifice, and stressed that sincerity and consistency are key to achieving long term growth.
Delivering the closing remarks, Joint Director K. Francis Hekavi said the programme marked the beginning of a larger journey and urged entrepreneurs to keep the spark alive, support local businesses and become torchbearers of economic growth. The programme was chaired by Additional Director Er. Y. Lipongse Thongstar.
