A week-long entrepreneurship boot camp for 30 families whose land falls within the Gelephu International Airport site concluded in the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) today. The boot camp marks the first phase of a comprehensive Training and Skill Development Programme designed for households affected by GMC projects.
The programme began earlier this week aimed to help affected families from Samtenling gewog. It helps families transition from subsistence farming to new urban careers, facilitating their integration into the GMC economy.
Over five days, participants worked in seven groups to develop business ideas tailored to the needs of a growing city. Proposals ranged from an old-age care centre and delivery services to organic honey production and non-biodegradable waste management.
To refine their ideas, the groups conducted post-market surveys within the community, gathering feedback to test the feasibility of their plans.
Tshewang Pelden, a resident said, “At first, we were worried about the training and wondered what it would be like and whether we would gain any knowledge from it. But with the help of the mentors and trainers, we learned many new things about starting a business, and we look forward to using these skills to start a business in GMC in the future.”
Another resident Dawa Tshering Tamang said, “I feel the five days of entrepreneurship course was very helpful for us. It was a very good opportunity to gain new knowledge about entrepreneurship. I think this will be a very good platform for both us and the youth to learn about business ideas and the skills related to them.”
The governor said that the city’s success depends on its people.
“Among the Bhutanese, current residents of GMC must benefit the most. And among these current residents, those affected by the GMC project should benefit more than families who are not being relocated from their homes. Is this a big, massive project? No, it is just the beginning. But the intent is big, and the outcome will be very unique,” said the governer.
The participants also received practical training in financial literacy, design thinking, and pitching their ideas to potential investors.
“The main reason why we are conducting this entrepreneurship boot camp is to equip our participants with essential entrepreneurial and business management skills. Through this programme, we help them generate ideas and develop them further. We are promoting sustainable livelihoods and exploring income opportunities available within their communities,” said Samten Choden, the programme officer with the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship, MoICE
Officials say while immediate relief measures such as rent support and school transfers for 72 students are being provided, the long-term goal is economic independence.
For now, the Governor’s Office aims for at least 70 percent of the affected residents to secure stable employment or establish micro-enterprises within a year.
Future training modules will focus on heavy equipment operation, green construction, and wellness services.
Ongoing mentorship and start-up kits, including tools and machinery, will also be provided.
The Training and Skill Development Programme is organised by the Governor’s Office in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship, with support from UNDP Bhutan.
Passang Dorji/Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
