To inspire the concept of entrepreneurship to young people and to collaborate among entrepreneur support organisations, the second edition of Druk Tshongrig Gatoen (DTG) is underway in Thimphu.
A total of 39 entrepreneurs are displaying their products and services for four days.
DTG is Bhutan’s first festival of, by and for Bhutanese entrepreneurs to bring together entrepreneurs from all sectors to celebrate their entrepreneurial journey. And to inspire youth to consider entrepreneurship as a career choice after graduation, established entrepreneurs will share their experiences and also let people realise the importance of entrepreneurship.
“It is to let people know about how entrepreneurs can help solve the social and economic status of the country. Looking at the products displayed by the entrepreneurs today, a lot of imported goods can be replaced by their products,” Sonam Dorji, the Vice President of Bhutan Association of Entrepreneurs, said.
“The main role that Loden Foundation is playing in an entrepreneurial society is that we provide loans without interests and mortgages to the deserving youths. Youths do not easily get loans from other banks. We have been supporting over 160 youths since 2008 in pursuing their entrepreneurial journey,” Lhakpa, the Program Officer of Loden Foundation, said.
Also, at the opening of the festival yesterday, a sales pitch was organised for entrepreneurs to promote their products. Of the five entrepreneurs, ‘Druna Ghu’-a local biscuit producing firm won the best sales pitch award. The founder of ‘Druna Ghu’ Chimi Demais a farmer.
“My passion lies in food production and I feel that we should really work towards food production in the country. It is because we import thousands of food products from outside. One thing that worries about my product is whether people will like it or not and also how to go about marketing.”
16 educational institutions across the country also began celebrating the festival yesterday. A total of 13 entrepreneurs will also be visiting Gedu College of Business Studies, Norbuling Rigter College in Paro and College of Natural Resources to share their entrepreneurial journey with the students tomorrow.
Tshering Dendup
