Gangtok, February 22, 2026: The seventh workshop under Project PAILA (Program for Aspiring Innovators and Local Achievers) was successfully conducted on Sunday at SC Bhawan, Development Area, Gangtok, as part of ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the district.
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| A speaker addresses participants during the 7th Project PAILA workshop in Gangtok, focusing on marketing and entrepreneurship skills. (Image: DIO Gangtok) |
Project PAILA is a joint initiative of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gangtok, under the banner of Sikkim INSPIRES, in collaboration with the CSR Department of Sun Pharma, and is being implemented by Stars of Hope. The initiative aims to nurture entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance by offering structured mentorship, interactive workshops, and hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The seventh workshop focused on the theme “Marketing, Branding, Sales & Negotiation,” equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to position, promote, and scale their businesses. Key topics included brand identity building, digital and offline marketing strategies, customer acquisition and retention, sales funnel management, negotiation skills, and effective pitching techniques.
The session featured Ms. Sonam Choden Katsopa, Founder of Taste Bud – Homemade Chocolate, who shared insights from her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing consistency, innovation, and customer trust as pillars of success. The technical session was led by Mr. Nitish Poudyal, Marketing Expert from the Department of Commerce and Industry, who provided detailed guidance on marketing frameworks and practical sales strategies tailored for startups and small enterprises.
Mr. Wasif Ali from the CSR Department of Sun Pharma also attended the workshop, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting grassroots entrepreneurship through the PAILA initiative.
The program was graced by Mr. Tushar G. Nikhare (IAS), District Collector, Gangtok, who encouraged participants to apply the lessons learned to strengthen their ventures. He also announced that promotional materials for an upcoming pitching session will soon be displayed across Gangtok district and its blocks, inviting applications from aspiring entrepreneurs.
The tentative pitching session is scheduled between March 9–15 or 16, 2026. Multiple winners will receive limited seed funding under Sikkim INSPIRES, subject to fund availability. The judging panel will comprise local entrepreneurs associated with the project as mentors and speakers.
The pitching session will be open to all, with preference given to regular workshop attendees. Participants must prepare a brief presentation of their business idea and register through the official links provided in the upcoming advertisements.
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Organisers emphasized that the workshops are completely free of cost and open to individuals of all age groups and backgrounds. Those not selected during the pitching session will continue to receive guidance and support through other suitable schemes and opportunities.
Previous workshop themes have covered onboarding, idea development, market research, business planning and compliance, financial management, and product development. Upcoming sessions include Workshop 8 on “Team Building, Leadership, Growth & Scaling,” followed by a final session dedicated to pitch preparation.
For further information, interested individuals may contact DAC Gangtok at +91 7864899235 or Stars of Hope at +91 8900225195.
