Women Entrepreneurship Program Launched

In a pivotal move towards empowering women entrepreneurs and spurring economic growth, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) unveiled the Women Entrepreneurship Program. This program is designed to address the distinct challenges that women face when starting and growing businesses.

Partnership with Britannia Industries Limited

In partnership with Britannia Industries Limited, the initiative will also offer financial grants and feature their products and services on the Skill India Digital Hub, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for women entrepreneurs. At the launch of this program, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said that it is our privilege that Britannia has partnered with us, focusing on women entrepreneurship.

Significant progress in entrepreneurship through NIESBUD

He asserted that we have achieved significant progress in entrepreneurship through National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and special programs with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development and other ministries.

Importance of collaborating

He further mentioned about the importance of collaborating closely with other organisations and government departments, to provide skill training to women’s self-help groups, whether individually or collectively, and to help organize them into various business entities. He emphasised that in the skilling segment, under Jan Shikshan Sansthan, 82% of our trainees are women. In the PMKVY short-term training program, close to 45% of the participants are women, he added.

Aims of this initiative

• This initiative aims to empower approximately 25 lakh women across India, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to start and grow successful businesses.
• This initiative, aims to tackle the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship by offering crucial skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities.

The program has been launched with the introduction of complimentary self-learning basic entrepreneurship courses available in multiple languages on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

Encourage innovation and excellence

The initiative will culminate in a grand finale where the top 50 contestants will present their business ideas to a distinguished jury. To further encourage innovation and excellence, Britannia Industries will award financial grants of 10 lakh rupees each to 10 of the most successful contestants.

Women-led entrepreneurship

Echoing this sentiment, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (Officiating CEO), NSDC & MD, NSDC International stated that this program is about women-led entrepreneurship and aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for women development. He further said that one of the most important component of this is that private and public sector organisation are going together telling women to have entrepreneurial ambitions. From Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to Lakhpati Didi, India has travelled a lot of distance when it comes to women development, he said.

Attendees in the occasion

Ms Trishaljit Sethi, DG, Directorate General of Training, Ms. Sonal Mishra and Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretaries in Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship along with other senior officials were present on the occasion.

Britannia Marie Gold’s vision

Speaking about Britannia’s motivation to join forces with NSDC, Shri Rajneet Singh Kohli, CEO and Executive Director, Britannia Industries, said that Britannia Marie Gold’s vision is to help women entrepreneurs to soar together to do more. He said that the MoU with the National Skill Development Corporation is a game-changer for women’s empowerment in India.

Program’s long-term effectiveness

NSDC will conduct periodic impact assessments to evaluate the success and sustainability of the supported businesses, ensuring the program’s long-term effectiveness. This initiative marks a significant effort to broaden the reach and visibility of women-led enterprises, creating a supportive ecosystem that empowers women entrepreneurs to realize their full potential.