Twenty founders from across Nepal to showcase ventures at US Embassy Capstone Accelerator finale in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Twenty selected entrepreneurs from across seven cities in Nepal will showcase their businesses on Friday at the Best Western Plus in Kathmandu for the finale of the US Embassy Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme – Capstone Accelerator.

The participants, chosen following a competitive national selection process involving more than 200 entrepreneurs, will take part in the event following a three-day residential accelerator in Kathmandu. The nationwide initiative has equipped founders with practical business skills, including marketing, storytelling, communication, artificial intelligence readiness, export-orientation, and investment preparation.

The finale will begin with an Investment- and Global Market-Focused Pitching Session. Rather than operating as a competition, the session will allow founders to deliver business pitches to an expert panel to receive constructive feedback regarding market potential, scalability, export readiness, and innovation.

Following the pitch session, the programme will feature the Capstone 'Main Street' Showcase, an interactive marketplace modelled on traditional American Main Streets. Finalists will display their products and services through live demonstrations, enabling direct interaction with guests to gather feedback, establish professional networks, and explore business partnerships. The event will conclude with a reflection session and a networking lunch.

Throughout the programme, participants received masterclasses, mentoring, and coaching supported by AmCham Nepal and other American companies. The 20 finalists represent diverse sectors, including agriculture, food and beverage, technology, manufacturing, creative industries, consulting, digital services, natural products, handicrafts, cooperatives, and social enterprise.

"Strong economic partnerships are built by investing in people. By equipping emerging Nepali entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and global perspectives they need to grow, this initiative reinforces the longstanding partnership between the United States and Nepal while creating new opportunities for trade, investment, innovation, and private-sector collaboration," said Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief at the US Embassy in Nepal.

Earlier this year, the initiative reached over 200 entrepreneurs through regional workshops in Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Hetauda, Bhairahawa, and Pokhara, followed by virtual sessions covering legal compliance, export readiness, AI-enabled growth, and digital marketing. Supported by the US Embassy in Nepal, the Capstone Accelerator is implemented by the International Development Institute in partnership with Aadyanta Advisory.