GMC residents complete business boot camp in GMC
2026-02-20 - 07:45
A week-long entrepreneurship boot camp for 30 families whose land falls within the Gelephu International Airport site concluded in the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) on 15 February. The boot camp marks the first phase of a comprehensive Training and Skill Development Programme designed specifically for households affected by GMC projects. The programme aims to help affected families transition from traditional subsistence farming to new urban careers, facilitating their integration into the GMC economy. During the training, participants formed seven groups to develop business plans tailored to the growing city. Their ideas included an old age care centre, delivery services, organic honey production, and a business dedicated to managing non-biodegradable waste. To test these concepts, participants conducted post-market surveys within the community to gather real-world feedback. They also received training in financial management, design thinking, and pitching to potential investors. Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City, said that the city’s success depends on its people. “The Gelephu International Airport is the gateway to our future, but the heart of this city is its people,” the Governor said. “We are committed to ensuring that the households whose land fell in the airport construction site and other project areas are not just observers of this growth, but active participants. This programme is designed to transform the challenge of relocation into a sustainable opportunity”. While immediate relief assistance like rent support and school transfers for 72 students are being provided, the long-term goal is to integrate them into the GMC economy. Samten Choden, Programme Officer with the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DOEE), said that there are plans for more specialised training. “Our focus is on practical, job-ready skills,” she said. “Whether it is through starting a business or learning construction, we are creating pathways for project-affected citizens to enter high-demand sectors”. The Governor’s Office aims for at least 70% of these residents to secure steady jobs or launch their own micro-enterprises within a year. Future training modules will include heavy equipment operation, green construction, and wellness services. To support these new entrepreneurs, the programme will provide ongoing mentorship and start-up kits, such as tools and machinery The Training and Skill Development Programme is organised by the Governor’s Office in collaboration with the DOEE, under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, with support from UNDP Bhutan. The Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region is a visionary initiative creating a world-class economic hub in southern Bhutan, centred on mindfulness, sustainability, and innovation. The SAR integrates traditional Bhutanese values with globally recognised legal frameworks, cutting-edge design and technology, while harnessing the Kingdom’s abundant renewable energy resources to serve as a global exemplar of holistic development.