Business Centre Corporation (BCC) is currently accepting applications from women entrepreneurs who wish to participate in the ‘Hiyala Expo 2023.’ This event is exclusively dedicated to showcasing the products of these talented women entrepreneurs.
The expo holds special significance as it aims to commemorate International Domestic Workers’ Day and World Women Entrepreneurs’ Day. The organisation of this year’s expo is a collaborative effort involving The Kulhudhuffushi City Branch of the BCC, the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and the H.D. Atoll Council, working together to make it a meaningful celebration.
The ‘Hiyala’ expo, organised by the BCC, has been an annual event in Kulhudhuffushi since 2021. In its inaugural year, 2021, the expo was exclusively for the residents of Kulhudhuffushi. However, in 2022, its scope expanded to include participants from all Kulhudhuffushi islands and even Haa Atoll.
Building on the experience of the last two years, this year, BCC has opened the opportunity for participants from HDh. Atoll and every island in Sh. Atoll. The upcoming expo is scheduled in Kulhudhuffushi City on December 2.
The BCC announced that this year’s expo will include private products available for sale, and there will be commercial judging in five specific categories identified by the BCC for individual products:
- Cake/pastry
- Long-kept/closed ready-to-eat food
- Items made of clothing/cloth
- Home decor items
- Other forms of handmade goods
Multiple fields within the judging categories can participate in the expo. Within each category, first, second, and third-place winners will be selected and will receive prizes, as announced by the BCC. Furthermore, every participant in the expo will receive a certificate of participation.
The opportunity to join The ‘Hiyala Expo 2023’ is available until this month’s end, as BCC announced. Participation is open to individuals within four age groups: 16 to 25 years old, 26 to 35 years old, 36 to 50 years old, and 51 years and above.
To participate in the expo, interested individuals can follow one of two methods:
- By SMS: After entering their full name, ID card number, atoll, island, and mobile number, they can send a text message to 7917089.
- Online Registration: Alternatively, candidates can register online by clicking on the link designated for expo registration provided by the BCC.
Stalls will be allocated at the Women’s Development Committees expo in HD Atoll and Sh. Atoll, allowing people from both locations to conveniently view the products of all the participating participants in one place. “These stalls are completely free of cost,” BCC said.
The primary goal of hosting this expo is to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with the market they need to expand their businesses, as stated by the BCC. The corporation also highlighted that both of the previous Hiyala exhibitions were well-received.
