Nagaland WENN Bazaar Generates Rs1.14 Crore in Sales

The fifth edition of the Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN) Bazaar recorded sales of ₹1.14 crore over three days, providing a platform for 167 women-led enterprises from across Nagaland to showcase their products and services.

Held at Agri Expo in Chümoukedima from October 15 to 17, the event generated total sales of ₹1,14,35,829 and attracted more than 13,000 visitors. According to the organizers, the Bazaar also generated over 1,500 employment opportunities.

Organized under the theme “One Nagaland, One Marketplace: Women Entrepreneurs from Every District,” the Bazaar aimed to strengthen market access, promote business connections and create growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs throughout the state.

Key Highlights:

• WENN Bazaar recorded ₹1.14 crore in sales from 167 women-led businesses
• The event attracted 13,000 visitors and generated 1,500 jobs
• The Bazaar strengthened market access, mentorship and business partnerships

The event was accompanied by retail sales, but also emphasized business-to-business (B2B) trade, where entrepreneurs could meet with the buyers and the possible trade partners, in order to arrange bulk orders, distribution partnerships and repeat business.

This three-day event also included 10 specialized seminars on business development, innovation, leadership, marketing and enterprise sustainability. Business mentorship and networking sessions were held to reinforce business.        

Various government departments, financial institutions and corporate partners were involved in the support of the Bazaar like the Nagaland departments of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation, and Ministry of Textiles.

WENN said it would build on the market linkages created as part of the event and assist the women entrepreneurs in scaling up their businesses and accessing greater markets.

The event growth is an indicator of the more opportunities available to women business owners in Nagaland. The first edition of WENN Bazaar in 2022 had 20 businesses; the fifth edition had 167 business women from all 17 districts. Agriculture Adviser Mhathung Yanthan also emphasized the value of value addition, branding and market linkages to help the local entrepreneurs expand their markets.

The department of Women Resource Development, Government of Nagaland, also promotes women's economic empowerment by facilitating skill development, providing entrepreneurship assistance, and providing livelihood assistance and market linkage. The purpose of these initiatives is to enhance women entrepreneurs' business skills, livelihoods and financial independence.