During Global Entrepreneurship Week, GEW Nepal sat down with startups from across the country to talk about their startup journeys, their experiences creating a business in Nepal and advice they would give other founders.
Kiran Timsina, co-founder of Urban Girl and UG Cakes, discussed why he and his co-founders created the Internet shopping portal for urban women in Nepal, and his hope to see his customer base grow. But it’s the opportunities in Nepal for entrepreneurs that Timsina says people should be paying attention to.
“Our market is still small and new business models can be tested inexpensively, so don’t hesitate about trying your ventures out,” Timsina said. “Besides this, our trade relation with neighboring India can act as a supportive factor when wanting to expand.”
One entrepreneur said she was working in the social welfare sector when she began to explore her creativity with handicrafts and designing. Aayusha Shrestha, owner of AAMO, is an online jewelry shop.
“Through AAMO I want to highlight the importance and scope of craftsmanship,” she said. “I feel people these days have forgotten our history. Through my designs I want to explore and showcase our local culture and its various intricate layers.”
Ramesh Dahal, co-founder of Bagmati Tea Estate, described the challenges he and his partners faced in creating the business, overcoming views and misconceptions about tea farming and its profitability. For future entrepreneurs, Dahal says to prepare and do research.
“I would say that there is a future in entrepreneurship in Nepal but don’t jump into any enterprise building before engaging in necessary research,” he said. “Understand what you may need to expect in the business. After that, all you need is motivation and dedication towards your work.”
Other entrepreneurs highlighted during Global Entrepreneurship Week include Surath Girl, co-founder of Nepal Language and Research Solutions; Kushal Karmacharya, co-founder of S.P. Events & Advertising; and Govinda Siwakoti, co-founder of Onion Films. The official host of Global Entrepreneurship Week in Nepal is Samriddhi, The Prosperity Foundation.