Bhubaneswar: To strengthen women-led enterprises through better market access, digital visibility, e-commerce opportunities and institutional support, a one-day national seminar ‘Udyami Shakti’ was organised by MSME-DFO, Kataka and the Ministry of MSME, in association with Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd (UCCIL).
Over 100 women entrepreneurs and stakeholders participated in the seminar. The inaugural session was attended by the state government’s MSME department Commis sioner-cum-Secretary Rash mita Panda as the chief guest. MSME-DFO, Kataka Director PK Gupta outlined the objectives of the programme, while UCCIL President Prabodh Mohanty and honorary secretary Sanjeev Mahapatra delivered the welcome address.
Speaking on the initiative, Gupta said, “Women entrepreneurs are an important pillar of India’s MSME ecosystem. Through Udyami Shakti, our aim is to strengthen their awareness of government schemes, digital platforms, market opportunities and institutional support.” Speaking on the occasion, Mahapatra said, “UCCIL, in association with MSME-DFO, has launched the initiative to connect women entrepreneurs with knowledge, networks and opportunities to expand their businesses.”
The seminar featured two technical sessions. Participants were introduced to key platforms and initiatives including Meesho, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), ORMAS, MSME schemes, SIDBI, PMEGP, National SC-ST Hub and ONDC.
Success stories of women entrepreneurs were also presented, while an interactive QnA session provided participants with practical guidance on expanding their enterprises and accessing available opportunities.
“UCCIL would further expand the initiative through outreach programmes in industrial districts, including Jharsuguda, Jajpur and Sundaragada, with an aim to widen the network of women entrepreneurs,” Mahapatra added.
