Development of relevant skill sets is an ideal way to empower the small business groups. As a result of the outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic the small businesses now have a greater and major role to play in revival of the Indian Economy. However it is rightly observed that if the nation wants to see visible growth just identification of the boosters of the economy needs to be accompanied by relevant measures for building their capacities enabling them to deliver. In this context World Trade Center Bhubaneswar has endeavored to start off a Skill Development Series. 

The series aims to not only provide mentorship but also help the small and woman owned business to gain the basic technical knowhow relating to various potential sectors. Thus the first session of the series focusing on Fashion & Textile Technology was organized by the Center in association with National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar, Textile Association of India (Odisha Chapter), Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) Eastern Region and Start-Up Odisha. 

Prof. B.B. Jena, Faculty, NIFT Bhubaneswar, made a detailed presentation providing an overview of the entrepreneurial avenues in Fashion Industry. He further deliberated on the emerging trends & techniques in Fashion Technology. He shared insights on the fundamentals of mass production in textile and explained about the various mechanisms for developing a fashion centric business. He also cited examples of various successful women entrepreneurs in particular who are into the fashion business and have thought out of the box to give fashion new dimensions.

Earlier, Ms. Chaitali Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, Saathi Group and Honorary Convener, WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum in her address spoke about the objective of the session. While speaking about the various challenges being faced by the MSMEs due to COVID 19 she spoke on various revival strategies and how technological knowhow is essentially going to play the major role in the revival process. She also took the opportunity to welcome and introduce Dr. Jena to the attendees. 

The session is scheduled to continue in two more slots to be held subsequently.