How Nepal practiced entrepreneurship without even knowing it

Long before anyone in Nepal had even heard the word "entrepreneurship", people were already living it skillfully and in their own unique ways. Nepalese communities engaged in entrepreneurial activities have been shaping the nation's economic and cultural landscape for centuries. The ‬term ‬entrepreneurship ‬derives from the French word *entreprendre*, meaning "to undertake" or "to fulfill needs and wants through innovation and business", and the term *entrepreneur* was first used in 1723 by French economist Richard Cantillon. The earliest research about entrepreneurship in Nepal described the Thakalis of Marpha as having a 'culture of entrepreneurship', 'possessing a powerful cultural impetus towards trade, investment, and capital accumulation.'

One of the strongest reflections of early entrepreneurship in Nepal can be seen in the Newar traders of the Kathmandu Valley. Long before formal markets existed, they were setting up trade routes to Lhasa, Tibet, exchanging goods and culture across the mountains. Within the Newar community, different sub-castes traditionally practiced occupations like farming, metalwork, goldsmithing, and oil production, each showing forms of local entrepreneurship rooted in skill and community needs. Over time, with access to education and new opportunities after 1950 and 1990, many Newars started exploring new fields such as teaching, tourism, cooperatives, and even jobs abroad. This transition reflects how traditional entrepreneurship has continued to evolve, adapting to changing times while staying grounded in cultural values. We also had systems like Guthi, where land and resources were used not just for personal gain, but to support festivals, temples, and public events. It was an early form of social enterprise business done for the good of the community.

This connection between tradition and entrepreneurship can also be seen in Khokana, a village known for producing mustard oil, a unique local practice that even led to a UNESCO world heritage nomination in 1996. Historically, Nepal heavily relied on subsistence industries. The emerging trends of promoting and investing in startups will likely help Nepal transition smoothly from traditional to modern economic activities. Entrepreneurship has always been part of how we live, we're just giving it a new name, a new shape, and a louder voice.

In the next blog, we'll explore how entrepreneurship in Nepal has evolved over time from traditional practices to today's modern ventures.