The Northeast region of India is home to over 130 major tribal communities, each with distinct cultural traditions and craft practices. Tripura, the third-smallest state in the country, is home to 19 tribes renowned for their unique textile designs, patterns, and handicrafts. Handloom weaving, a time-honoured skill embedded in the daily lives of these communities, remains both a cultural marker and a vital source of livelihood. As the second-largest employer in India after agriculture, the handloom sector has significant potential for sustainable job creation. This study explores opportunities to generate employment among Tripura’s tribal youth through the revitalisation of traditional handloom and handicraft practices. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, the research analyses successful craft-based enterprises from across India to assess their applicability in Tripura’s cultural and economic context. The findings identify strategic pathways for artisan skill enhancement, market expansion, and product diversification, demonstrating how traditional crafts can foster sustainable livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to inclusive socio-economic development in the state.