A total of 80 women entrepreneurs from Nagaland will be participating in the upcoming three-day WENN Bazaar, organized by the Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN), under the theme “Year of Business Governance.”
The event will take place from October 11 to 13 at CT Square, Chumoukedima, and will be graced by director of Industries and Commerce, Tokugha Achumi as special guest.
Addressing media persons at Naga Bowl Express, Dimapur here on Saturday, WENN chairwoman Alemjungla Jamir outlined the event’s goals: empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their products and services, increasing their visibility, promoting financial literacy, facilitating knowledge exchange, and strengthening business networks. The event also aims to highlight local talent and boost market reach.
This year, participants from across Nagaland will offer a wide range of products, from handicrafts to organic foods, with a special children’s area included to encourage family involvement. In 2023, 53 participants generated nearly Rs. 20 lakhs in revenue over 16 business hours, and WENN anticipates even greater success this year.
WENN, a non-profit organization, was launched in 2022 and officially registered in 2023. Led by chairwoman Alemjungla Jamir, community head Regina Chakruno, finance head Kewengule Therie, public relations Zakietsono Jamir, executive secretary Nengneithem Hengna, and Operations Head Vekutholu Vero, WENN is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs in Nagaland through collaboration, capacity-building, and networking initiatives. It also aims to foster cooperation between local and international stakeholders to support women-led businesses.
WENN’s vision is to provide women entrepreneurs with access to training, resources, and opportunities to influence decision-making within government bodies. Since its inception, WENN has partnered with government bodies and local entrepreneurs, positively impacting Nagaland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
WENN’s membership has grown to 800 women from all 13 districts of Nagaland. The organization continues to expand its influence through mentorship programs, financial literacy workshops, and partnerships with institutions like the State Bank of India (SBI).
While WENN does not provide direct financial aid, it offers critical networking and training opportunities to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges like logistics and pricing in competitive markets.
WENN also enables its members to showcase their products at national and regional trade fairs, expanding their reach beyond Nagaland.