Our Journey: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 

For years, Asian Confluence has championed entrepreneurship as a driver of regional growth, cross-border collaboration, and cultural-business integration. From grassroots capacity-building to international exposure, our initiatives have connected entrepreneurs in Northeast India with peers, mentors, and global opportunities.

Key Programs and Initiatives

1. Women Entrepreneurs & Inclusive Growth

In 2020, in partnership with US Consulate Kolkata, we launched the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), mentoring and supporting 150 early-stage entrepreneurs from Northeast India through training, mentorship and access to global networks. Building on this success, in 2022 we co-hosted  a five day training- Advanced Level Business Communication Training in Dimapur and Imphal,  equipping young women entrepreneurs with vital skills in communications, presentations and networking. Together, these initiatives have not only fostered entrepreneurial confidence but also created women leaders driving inclusive growth across the region. Tage Rita Takhe- a remarkable alumna of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs(AWE) in 2020 is a shining example of entrepreneurial excellence and social impact. Hailing from Zero valley , she founded Naara Aaba, India’s first kiwi wine brand which also helped revitalize her community by sourcing organic produce from farmers. Her journey from agricultural engineer to pioneering entrepreneur earned her the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2022, India’s highest civilian honour for women. 

2. Cross-Border Entrepreneurial Exchanges

Brahmaputra Meets Chao Phraya (BMCP): Asian Confluence in partnership with the Royal Thai Embassy created a platform for entrepreneurial exchange between India and Thailand through   three editions of  business networking. Delegates explored tourism, agri-business, handicrafts, and creative industries, learning from successful Thai business models. The first  edition featured a physical engagement with the Thai Ambassador in India, giving Northeast Indian entrepreneurs the opportunity to directly interact with Thai leadership and discuss collaboration opportunities.

YEN-D Program (2022–2024): Immersive visits to Thailand and reciprocal exchanges, connecting young entrepreneurs with Thai business models, trade events like THAIFEX, and strategic collaborations. Entrepreneurs gained strategic insights into Thai markets and potential partnerships and initiated dialogues that paved the way for participation in THAIFEX, Café Amazon study visits, and future trade collaborations.

In 2023, the Director General of Thailand visited Northeast India, hosted by Asian Confluence. A group of emerging and young entrepreneurs from Northeast India, spanning sectors such as tourism, food processing, and MSMEs participated in this one to one interaction. Direct briefings and discussions with the Thai DG/Ambassador on market linkages, investment opportunities, and trade frameworks opened up a whole new area of business opportunities. 

3.  Northeast India Linkages

Kizuna Conclaves: Business sessions linking Indian and Japanese entrepreneurs in technology, creative industries, and cultural entrepreneurship. Promoted people-to-people connections as the foundation of sustainable partnerships.

4. Policy-to- Business  Integration 

AIDPP Workshops: Brought together policymakers and entrepreneurs under the ASEAN–India Development Partnership Program to design collaborative projects in tourism, trade facilitation, and digital entrepreneurship.

Manipur Conclave: The conclave focussed on connectivity, human capital, and regional cooperation  creating an  enabling environment  for entrepreneurs.. The conclave also gave opportunities to upcoming entrepreneurs to showcase their products and set up stalls for display.  

EU-Northeast India Roundtable: the roundtable envisioned high level discussions on investment opportunities , sustainable value chains, and strategic partnership. 

5. Cultural-Entrepreneurship Nexus

Asian Confluence has consistently positioned culture and heritage as economic assets, linking artisans, performers, and cultural entrepreneurs with larger networks.Events across Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam have blended cultural showcases with business dialogues, ensuring that creative industries are seen as vital for sustainable growth.

Our Impact 

Through this multi-faceted approach, Asian Confluence has:

• -- Built a regional network of entrepreneurs spanning Northeast India, Thailand, Japan, and ASEAN countries.
• -- Provided women, youth, and creative industry entrepreneurs with mentorship, exposure, and access to global markets.

• -- Linked policy frameworks, international diplomacy, and grassroots entrepreneurship, ensuring sustainable business growth

Looking Ahead: The Asian Confluence Entrepreneurship Development Initiative 

Building on years of experience, we are now formalizing a platform to connect, mentor, and accelerate entrepreneurs across the region. The Asian Confluence Entrepreneurship Initiative  has been designed to provide a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to learn, collaborate, and thrive. With a vision to nurture the next generation of change-makers the initiative  will combine mentorship, exposure, ecosystem linkages, and networking opportunities to build a vibrant entrepreneurial community connected to the world. It aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds by giving them access to knowledge, resources, and networks that can transform their ideas into impactful ventures.From nurturing individual enterprises to building a connected, empowered, and global entrepreneurial community, this initiative aims to accelerate growth, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

What the the Entrepreneurship Development Initiative Aims to Do

Mentorship & Learning: Expert-led sessions, workshops, and guidance from successful entrepreneurs and investors.

Peer-to-Peer Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships, co-creation of ventures, and knowledge exchange.

Global Exposure: Opportunities to participate in cross-border programs, trade fairs, and international study visits.

Inclusive Participation: Women, youth, and marginalized groups from rural and urban areas will have access to resources, training, and market opportunities.

Flagship Events & Competitions: Annual global conference to showcase ventures, pitch to investors, and celebrate innovation.

Digital Platform & Community: Personalized profiles, networking tools, and ongoing communication channels to sustain engagement and collaborations.

Time Line 

2020-22: Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE):  in partnership with US Consulate, Kolkata. 150 early-stage women entrepreneurs across 5 northeastern states were mentored under this program. 

2021-AIDPP Online Capacity Building: A capacity building workshop to formulate modules on trade, connectivity and sectoral opportunities 

2022- Brahmaputra meets Chao Praya - 1st Edition : the initiative saw a delegation of six Northeast entrepreneurs visiting Bangkok, Thailand, to study and explore new technology and business possibilities in the agro sector. 

2022- Thai Ambassador Pattarat Hongtong and business delegation visited the Asian Confluence center at Shillong and engaged with local entrepreneurs. 

2022- Manipur Conclave:The conclave focussed on connectivity, human capital, and regional cooperation  creating an  enabling environment  for entrepreneurs.

2023- Brahmaputra meets Chao Praya - 2st Edition:The initiative continued in 2023 with a focus on tourism management. A delegation of 12 tourism professionals from North East India participated in a program aimed at delving into the intricacies of Thailand's tourism industry.

2024- KIZUNA-4th India-Japan Conclave in Shillong:Business sessions linking Indian and Japanese entrepreneurs in technology, creative industries, and cultural entrepreneurship promoted people-to-people connections as the foundation of sustainable partnerships.

2024-Brahmaputra meets Chao Praya - 3st Edition::The initiative continued in 2024 with a focus on food processing. The entrepreneurs were given an opportunity to participate in the THAIFEX.

2024-Visit by Thailand MFA Director General Sasirit Tangulrat to Asian Confluence Center Shillong: A group of emerging and young entrepreneurs from Northeast India, spanning sectors such as tourism, food processing, and MSMEs participated in this one to one interaction 

2024- EU Investment Roundtable: A roundtable that initiated financing and market access conversations for NE enterprises 

2025-KIZUNA-5th India-Japan Conclave : The 5th edition of Kizuna had a specific business session and industry presentations