Latest news with #PanampillyNagarWelfareAssociation
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Women's Startup Expo brings local talents and flavours to Panampilly Nagar
Kochi: From handwoven fabrics to scented candles and from crispy banana chips to boli, the third edition of Women's Startup Expo is drawing curious crowds to Central Park, Panampilly Nagar. The two-day event which commenced on Friday is organised by Panampilly Nagar Welfare Association. It showcases 28 women-led ventures from across the state, offering them a platform for networking, learning and growth. "We started with just home-based businesses, but now we have women from different districts bringing in everything from artisanal crafts to gourmet foods," said organiser Beena Benjamin. Among the participants is 65-year-old Lovely Vincent, a retired bank employee turned entrepreneur. Selling crunchy Kerala-style banana chips under her brand Tentappee, she said the expo gave her more than just sales. "I was part of the last edition of expo which offered a one-of-a-kind experience," she shared. For Ragitha V M, the expo is about bringing back authentic flavours. Unable to find the original taste of her favourite sweet, boli, she started Swasthia Foods to make Thiruvananthapuram-style boli without adulterants. "At fairs like this, we see the consumers' reactions instantly. That is far more satisfying than selling to shops," she said. The event is also a fundraiser for local community projects, including upkeep of parks and medians. "Corporation does not have adequate funds for renovation work in the area, so the association is stepping in. Proceeds from the expo will go into improving local infrastructure," Benjamin explained. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Women's biz buzz to liven up long weekend in Kochi
The Central Park at Panampilly Nagar will come alive during the long weekend ahead, with rows of vibrant stalls offering everything from baked goodies and clothes to jewellery and electronic bio-bins. Organised by the Panampilly Nagar Welfare Association, the Kochi Women's Startup Expo will be held over Friday and Saturday, between 10am and 9pm. This is the third edition of the expo, which features mostly home-based and micro entrepreneurs. Meena Benjamin, secretary of the association, says the concept was born as she saw many women entrepreneurs struggling to present their products on a larger scale. 'So what we are doing is providing them with a platform to showcase their products. Most of those who have enlisted for the expo are online businesses. They do not want to make a profit only, but wish to present their products physically to people,' she says. The expo will see brands like Hira Creations with their range of handmade jewellery, Vine & Branches, with their heirloom furniture, and GetKitch showcasing their hand-seasoned cast iron cookware. The intention behind the expo goes beyond merely giving entrepreneurs a platform. The aim is to use the proceeds collected to carry out much-needed upkeep in and around Panampilly. 'This Central Park itself needs a lot of attention. However, we are always told the authorities do not have sufficient funds,' says Meena. 'Some parks in the area have become inaccessible to local residents due to a lack of maintenance and have, instead, become preferred spots for antisocial activities. The authorities won't take action themselves. So we try to organise events like this expo to create some sort of income.'
