Mangaluru to Host MSME and Startup Conclave on August 21
Mangaluru is set to host a conclave for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups on Friday, August 21. The event aims to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, policymakers, banks, and ecosystem stakeholders to foster growth in key sectors such as technology, trade, e-commerce, tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare.
The conclave is being organised by the Mangaluru Productivity Council and the Rotary Club of Mangaluru Central. Kota Srinivas Poojary, Member of Parliament for Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, will inaugurate the event at 9:30 a.m. at the Red Cross Prerana Hall, opposite Taj Vivanta Hotel, on Old Port Road.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, S.S. Nayak, the conclave director, said that over 400 entrepreneurs and startups are expected to participate. He noted that the gathering is designed to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration, enabling small businesses to access credit facilities, government subsidies, and expert guidance on critical issues like CIBIL scores.
The conclave will feature six expert-led sessions covering a wide range of topics. These include CIBIL score management, government subsidies, credit facilities from banks, and sector-specific discussions on fisheries, agriculture, dairying, animal husbandry, and food processing. The sessions are intended to provide practical insights to help MSMEs and startups navigate challenges and scale their operations.
In the evening, awards will be presented to exemplary MSME achievers in the presence of Captain Brijesh Chowta, Member of Parliament for Dakshina Kannada. The recognition aims to honour businesses that have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and growth, setting benchmarks for others in the sector.
The registration fee for general participants is ₹1,500, while students can register for ₹1,000. The organisers have encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and students to attend, emphasising the value of networking and learning from experienced professionals in the field.
MSMEs play a crucial role in India's economy, contributing significantly to employment and exports. Events like this conclave are vital for ensuring that small businesses remain competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape. By connecting entrepreneurs with financial institutions and policymakers, the conclave seeks to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the sector, including access to capital and market opportunities.
The choice of Mangaluru as the host city is significant, given its growing reputation as a hub for trade and enterprise in coastal Karnataka. The event is expected to provide a fillip to the local ecosystem, encouraging innovation and collaboration among businesses in the region.
