The Capstone Accelerator program, supported by the US Embassy in Nepal as part of its Entrepreneurship Skill-Building Program, successfully concluded in Kathmandu on Friday.

The initiative brought together 20 top entrepreneurs selected through a competitive process from over 200 participants across regional workshops held in Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Hetauda, Bhairahawa, and Pokhara. The finalists participated in a three-day residential program focused on business expansion, investment readiness, artificial intelligence integration, export potential, and strategic communication.

As part of the program's culmination, the entrepreneurs pitched their business models to a panel of prominent investors, industry leaders, and sector experts during a dedicated investment and global market session. Participants also showcased their products and services at the Capstone Main Street Showcase, drawing inspiration from the American "Main Street" concept to network directly with investors, business executives, and leaders from AmCham Nepal.

Addressing the event, US Embassy Public Affairs Chief Mike Harker noted that the showcase highlights the strong economic partnership between the United States and Nepal, emphasizing a commitment to economic diplomacy and private sector collaboration by investing in a new generation of innovative Nepali entrepreneurs.

The overarching Entrepreneurship Skill-Building Program was implemented by the International Development Institute (IDI) in partnership with Aadyanta Advisory. The selected entrepreneurs represent diverse sectors, including agriculture and food processing, information technology, manufacturing, creative industries, consulting, digital services, natural products, handicrafts, and social enterprises.