Two budding entrepreneurs from Bhutan’s textile industry were recently awarded Nu 50,000 each for their innovative business ideas during a 15-day Basic Entrepreneurship Course held at the Royal Textile Academy (RTA). The course, designed to foster entrepreneurial skills within the textile sector, brought together 16 participants who explored and developed business concepts over the duration of the program.
Out of 12 business pitches, Sonam Yangden and Choying Lhamo emerged as winners, earning recognition for their creative ventures.
Passion Turned into Business
Sonam Yangden, a freelance writer, has always been eager to learn new skills. Her enthusiasm led her to tailoring, which soon turned into a home-based business. Despite writing scripts and books being her primary source of income, she finds immense joy in creating handmade gifts.
“Writing has been my profession, but tailoring is something that brings me fulfillment. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur until this course changed my perspective,” she shared.
Having dabbled in various skill-based training programs from baking to carpentry, Sonam now considers tailoring her favorite. With a sewing machine at home, she occasionally sells handcrafted items, slowly transforming her passion into a sustainable business.
After high school, she chose a path of self-designed education, drawing inspiration from skilled artisans. Initially uncertain about venturing into business, she now feels empowered. “This training helped me identify my strengths, clear my doubts, and even understand financial management,” she said. The course provided her with the necessary tools to develop a comprehensive business plan in the textile industry.
Innovation in Handicrafts
Choying Lhamo, the second award recipient, has been managing her mother’s handicraft business for eight years. Her winning idea focused on special textile dyes, an innovative approach that caught the judges’ attention.
“The training was intense yet informative, particularly the hands-on activities that built team cohesion and helped refine our business strategies,” she said. The program covered essential entrepreneurial skills, including financial literacy, business model generation, design thinking, and effective business pitching.
Overcoming Challenges
While the training provided a strong foundation, Sonam Yangden highlighted the financial hurdles that many aspiring entrepreneurs face. “Competitions like these provide great encouragement, but the funding is often insufficient to cover all business costs,” she said. However, she remains optimistic about expanding her idea to a global audience.
Despite the challenges, Bhutan’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve, with sectors like e-commerce, delivery services, and digital platforms witnessing growth. Training programs such as this serve as crucial stepping stones for individuals seeking to establish their own businesses with limited resources.
Support and Future Prospects
The RTA will continue to support participants by providing dedicated space in its Museum Shop for product showcases, along with mentoring, networking, and follow-up opportunities. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, further strengthening Bhutan’s entrepreneurial landscape.
With the right training and support, aspiring entrepreneurs like Sonam Yangden and Choying Lhamo are paving the way for innovative growth in Bhutan’s textile industry.
