Entrepreneurship is often celebrated as a driver of innovation and economic growth, yet the experience of starting a business in Nepal can be marked by regulatory uncertainty, licensing barriers, and limited market access. Across multiple sectors, aspiring entrepreneurs frequently encounter restrictions that protect established players while discouraging new entrants. These constraints not only shape individual business journeys but also influence competition, investment, and the broader dynamism of the economy.
Through his own attempts to establish ventures in regulated industries, Mr. Rupesh Sah reflects on the challenges facing entrepreneurs in Nepal. His experiences underscore how restrictive licensing regimes, bureaucratic hurdles, and barriers to entry can stifle innovation, limit consumer choice, and reduce opportunities for both enterprise development and job creation.
The text is an abridged and translated version of the June 2025 edition of Sambaad @ Samriddhi. Sambaad @ Samriddhi is a monthly discussion on contemporary issues held on the last Friday of each month. In this edition, Rupesh Sah shares his story about starting a microbrewery in Nepal and the numerous issues he faced. The discussion was moderated by Roshan Dhwoj Basnet.
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