PRAYAGRAJ, April 13 -- To strengthen its small business ecosystem, Prayagraj is set to host a first-of-its-kind Trade Carnival under the Smart City initiative in its prime commercial hub, Civil Lines. The event is being organised by the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) in partnership with Prayagraj Smart City Ltd, with the aim to empower small entrepreneurs and boost local economic activity, said Deependra Yadav, additional municipal commissioner of PMC. He further added that the carnival will run for 7 to 10 days, depending on public response. It will be executed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a selected event agency responsible for planning, design, financing, marketing, and overall operations. The initiative aims to equip small businesses with access to modern platforms that boost visibility and broaden their market reach. Participating enterprises are expected to gain a distinct digital identity, while the municipal corporation will also receive a share of the revenue generated. Yadav said around 100 stalls are proposed at the carnival, featuring a mix of food, lifestyle, handicrafts and other commercial brands. The entire cost of the event will be borne by the event partner, which will also be responsible for onboarding corporate sponsors, developing branding zones and generating revenue through various advertising channels. To ensure a seamless visitor experience, the organising agency will arrange attractive decor, lighting and other event infrastructure. Meanwhile, the municipal corporation will provide essential civic amenities such as the venue, parking facilities, mobile toilets and sanitation services. Officials believe the carnival will act as a catalyst for integrating traditional businesses with technology-driven systems, boosting trade, tourism and employment opportunities in the city. The initiative is also expected to position Prayagraj as an emerging event destination while creating new avenues for entrepreneurial growth. Local entrepreneurs and self-help groups have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about increased exposure and sales. Experts note that such platforms can bridge gaps between small vendors and modern consumers, fostering innovation and competitiveness. If successful, the model could be replicated in other cities to support grassroots enterprise development, they maintain....