A two-day Vendor Development Programme (VDP) under the Raising and Accelerating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Performance (RAMP) scheme concluded in Wokha town on Wednesday with participation from more than 50 entrepreneurs from Wokha and Tseminyu districts. The programme was organised by YouthNet in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce and Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC) with support from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the World Bank. The initiative aimed to create awareness among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on vendor opportunities, government schemes, market access and avenues for business growth.

Technical sessions were conducted by representatives of the State Bank of India, Nagaland Rural Bank, YouthNet and the RAMP team. The sessions focused on vendor development, credit linkages, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform and the promotion of indigenous products. Organisers also provided guidance on compliance requirements and procedures to participate in public procurement and on accessing digital sales channels.

Local entrepreneurs from Urban Grower and Tongphi Products shared their entrepreneurial journeys and practical experiences to illustrate market linkages and production challenges. Entrepreneurs representing sectors such as food processing, handloom, handicrafts, weaving, retail, agriculture and service-based enterprises attended the programme. An MSME product exhibition ran alongside the sessions to showcase locally made goods and the region's entrepreneurial talent.

Organisers said the VDP was intended to strengthen linkages between small enterprises and larger buyers, improve access to credit and digital platforms and encourage the promotion of indigenous products in wider markets. The event sought to equip participants with practical tools to scale operations and to explore vendor opportunities in both public and private procurement. Follow-up support was planned through local industry departments and YouthNet to monitor outcomes and to assist enterprises in accessing schemes and finance.