Srinagar witnessed a significant milestone in its entrepreneurial journey as Startup Kashmir hosted its first-ever meetup dedicated to women entrepreneurs at Kong Posh restaurant. The event was a vibrant celebration of female entrepreneurship, drawing a dynamic mix of seasoned professionals, thriving business owners, and promising newcomers.

The evening began with an enthusiastic welcome from Deeba Ali of Startup Kashmir. Among the notable speakers was the esteemed entrepreneur Rifat Mushtaq, the powerhouse behind Rifat Printing Press. Rifat’s riveting story of resilience, evolving from manufacturing matchboxes and polythene to excelling in the cardboard industry, struck a deep chord with the audience, illustrating the power of perseverance and innovation.

Adding to the event’s significance was Shahid Mir, CEO of Greenovator Incubation Foundation (GIF), backed by the DST Govt of India. Shahid shared valuable insights into the numerous schemes available through GIF, aimed at bolstering entrepreneurial ventures, thus providing a practical roadmap for attendees looking to scale their businesses.

Seerat Zahra, the vibrant force behind Glitz and Glam, highlighted the essence of such gatherings, advocating for shared learning and mutual growth. She passionately urged the attendees to embrace open communication and collaboration, emphasizing that every woman’s entrepreneurial journey is a treasure trove of learning.

Echoing Seerat’s sentiments, Batool Aijaz of Jazba Foods underscored the importance of a supportive network. She praised Startup Kashmir for creating a crucial platform where women can connect, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations.

Veteran entrepreneur Jahan Araa imparted wisdom to aspiring businesswomen, offering practical advice that could help them navigate their entrepreneurial paths with greater confidence and clarity.

Nava Shah, founder of Jamkle Jars, spoke about the power of honesty and dedication in business. She pointed out that such meetups play a vital role in building understanding and fostering empathy among entrepreneurs, which are key elements for any successful venture.

Saba Bhat, another accomplished entrepreneur, added her voice to the collective, reinforcing the evening’s core message: the importance of a strong, collaborative network for women in business.

The meetup was not just an event but a testament to the indomitable spirit and creativity of women entrepreneurs in Kashmir. It highlighted their ongoing efforts to overcome challenges and spearhead innovation in their respective fields.

The event concluded with Shahid Ansari, CEO of Startup Kashmir, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all participants. He applauded their unwavering spirit and contributions to Kashmir’s entrepreneurial landscape, emphasizing the role of such initiatives in promoting startups and creating employment opportunities.