NE Vent evolved from the foundations of You Start NE, representing the next phase in Bosco Institute’s entrepreneurship development work through The Hub Jorhat. This program was conceived as the Northeast’s first dedicated incubator for social enterprises, with a particular focus on youth-led ventures.

While social enterprise support programs had emerged across India, many Northeast entrepreneurs – especially those with limited resources or language barriers – were being left behind. NE Vent was specifically designed to address this gap, creating accessible opportunities for local innovation.

Initially structured as an immersion course, NE Vent invited founders, co-founders, and key team members from 10-15 organizations, with 2-3 individuals participating from each venture. The original design featured monthly week-long immersions at Bosco Institute in Jorhat, with curriculum tailored to this intensive format.

When COVID arrived, the program faced significant challenges. Poor internet connectivity throughout the Northeast complicated the transition to virtual learning. Adaptability proved essential, with the second cohort shifting to a hybrid model that balanced online and in-person components.

A profound realization emerged during the third cohort – women entrepreneurs expressed feeling exceptionally safe within the program environment and reported transformative experiences. This insight led to a strategic pivot, with NE Vent evolving into a women-focused entrepreneurship program.

Today, while administratively housed under Bosco Institute, Dhriiti anchors the program’s content and implementation. A distinctive feature is its all-women training team, creating a supportive environment where participants can authentically express themselves.

The program now begins with emotional processing – creating space for women to share their experiences as entrepreneurs in conflict-affected regions like Manipur, often dealing with domestic challenges alongside business pressures. Only after this catharsis does the entrepreneurship curriculum begin, with Dhriiti’s leadership guiding participants through business development concepts.

The holistic approach includes Bosco Institute’s Father Jerry’s sessions on spirituality and entrepreneurship, integrating mental wellness as a core program element. What started as a youth-focused initiative has evolved into a gender-responsive entrepreneurship development program that addresses both business skills and the unique challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Northeast India.