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In an effort to give a further boost to partnership, India, and the US signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (<keyword id="19914814" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MoU" source="keywords">MoU</keyword>), which will enable the Micro, Small and medium enterprises (<keyword id="19910977" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="MSMEs" source="keywords">MSMEs</keyword>) of the two countries to participate in <keyword id="19908188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-markets" source="keywords">global markets</keyword> and foster trade. "<keyword id="20233690" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-US" source="keywords">India-US</keyword> joining hands to promote cooperation in MSMEs," the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote on X. "Today, India-US signed a landmark MoU that enables MSMEs of the two countries to participate in global markets, drive innovation, foster trade, and support <keyword id="19930409" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-entrepreneurs" source="keywords">women entrepreneurs</keyword>," he added. S. C. L. Das, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Isabel Casillas Guzman, Administrator, <keyword id="21149255" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="small-business-administration" source="keywords">Small Business Administration</keyword> (SBA), United States of America, signed the MoU here in New Delhi. The MoU provides a framework for both sides to discuss issues concerning micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and explore possibilities for cooperation. It envisages the exchange of expertise between the two sides on issues related to improving MSME participation in the global marketplace through mutual visits as well as webinars and workshops on topics including access to trade and export finance, technology and digital trade; green economy, and trade facilitation. The MoU also provides for the joint conduct of programmes for women entrepreneurs to empower them and facilitate trade partnerships between women-owned small businesses in the two countries. Recognising the crucial role that MSMEs play in advancing <keyword id="20421749" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="inclusive-growth" source="keywords">inclusive growth</keyword>, expanding exports, and boosting employment, the two sides also agreed to explore the development of a "Business Matching Digital Platform" to boost <keyword id="20035864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="business-opportunities" source="keywords">business opportunities</keyword>.

India-US join hands to promote cooperation in MSMEs

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], July 19 (ANI): The <keyword id="6375844" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-micro" source="Orion">Ministry of Micro</keyword>, <keyword id="6375845" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="small-and-medium-enterprises" source="Orion">Small and Medium Enterprises</keyword> launched a new initiative called the 'Yashaswini' initiative under the '<keyword id="22467687" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Empower-Her-Udan" source="Orion">Empower Her Udan</keyword>' campaign on Thursday, July 18, to encourage and support women entrepreneurs across the country. Under this campaign, the first phase is set to start on Friday, July 19, in Jaipur. According to the Director of <keyword id="6358354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MSME" source="Orion">MSME</keyword>, <keyword id="657556" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ankita-Pandey" source="Orion">Ankita Pandey</keyword>, around 600 women entrepreneurs in the state will be participating in the event, which will start at the <keyword id="14599491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajasthan-International-Centre" source="Orion">Rajasthan International Centre</keyword> today. Pandey said that the initiative is being introduced to provide a formal education for women operating commercial enterprises, along with creating awareness among them of all the <keyword id="7776964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MSME-schemes" source="Orion">MSME schemes</keyword> they can utilise. "The initiative is to introduce formal education for the women who operate commercial enterprises, along with creating awareness among them to utilise all the MSME schemes,' she said. Pandey further mentioned that women can register at different stalls at the centre based on the skills they require to develop to run an enterprise, including training, capacity building, how to make full use of their capital, how to get market access, how to develop their product, and also how to do digital marketing. She also mentioned that this will not be a one-day event and that workshops will be organised at local MSMEs for further development. "This is not a one-day event; it will be a continuous process and training workshops will also be organised at local MSME organisations for further development in this matter," she said. <keyword id="22467688" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Minister-for-MSME" source="Orion">Union Minister for MSME</keyword> Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister of State for MSME Sobha Karandlaje, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma and State Cabinet Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore will be participating at the event today.

MSME launches Yashaswini Initiative to support women entrepreneurs; First phase to start on July 19 in Jaipur

<ul><li><keyword id="74945" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-entrepreneurs" source="Orion">Women entrepreneurs</keyword> are not far behind in founding the most valuable businesses of this millennium. </li><li>Ghazal Alagh of Mamaearth, and Saumya Singh Rathore of Winzo, aged 35, each is the youngest woman in the list. </li><li>Ruchi Deepak, co-founder of Acko, and Amrita Sirohia, co-founder, Amrita Sirohia, co-founder, INDmoney, at 41, are the eldest women in the list </li></ul>When it comes to founding valuable new businesses, women <keyword id="53533" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="entrepreneurs" source="Orion">entrepreneurs</keyword> are giving men a run for their money. We take a look at top ten <keyword id="19669428" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="youngest-women-entrepreneurs" source="Orion">youngest women entrepreneurs</keyword> in India according to the first edition of ‘India's Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2023’ launched by I<a href="https://www.idfcfirstbank.com/personal-banking/wealth/First-Private#home">DFC FIRST Private</a> Banking and <a href="https://hurunindia.com/">Hurun India</a>. Ghazal Alagh, 35, Gurugram Ghazal Alagh is a self-made woman entrepreneur and the co-founder of Mamaearth, one of India's leading brands of natural and toxin-free skincare and baby care products. Alagh's journey started with a personal need – she was struggling to find safe and effective skincare products for her son. This inspired her to create her own brand, Mamaearth, which has since become a household name in India and recently went public. Saumya Singh Rathore, 35, New Delhi Saumya Singh Rathore, co-founder of WinZO, has contributed to building India's leading social gaming platform in local languages, boasting a user base exceeding 100 million. Since its inception in 2018, WinZO has secured funding surpassing $100 million, supported by key investors like Griffin Gaming Partners, Makers Fund, Courtside Ventures, and Steve Pagliuca. Rajoshi Ghosh, 36, Bengaluru Rajoshi Ghosh, a serial entrepreneur, serves as the COO and co-founder of Hasura, a software technology company based in San Francisco. Beyond her role at Hasura, she has initiated five other startups. She holds the title of a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and commenced her professional journey as a published bioinformatics researcher specialising in genomics at the Genome Institute of Singapore. Dr. Garima Sawhney, 37, Gurugram Dr. Garima Sawhney, a co-founder at Pristyn Care, is a leading figure in India's healthcare. Renowned for her expertise in gynaecology, she embarked on her career as a doctor, honing crucial life skills during her tenure at a government hospital. Her leadership, born from compassionate patient care, has steered Pristyn Care to a valuation of $1.4 billion. Kanika Gupta, 39, Gurugram Kanika Gupta Shori holds the position of co-founder and COO at Square Yards, an integrated real estate marketplace. With an educational background from Wharton Business School, she brings more than 11 years of experience in both banking and entrepreneurial pursuits. Beyond her professional roles, Kanika actively contributes to initiatives centred around empowering women and supporting children's welfare. Vineeta Singh, 40, Mumbai Vineeta Singh is an Indian entrepreneur and investor who is the co-founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, a popular Indian beauty brand. Singh is also a judge on the Indian reality television show Shark Tank India. Singh is known for her tough questioning and her willingness to invest in businesses that she believes have the potential to succeed. Ruchi Kalra, 40, Gurumgram Ruchi Kalra, an entrepreneur from Gurgaon, has co-founded two unicorn startups – OfBusiness and Oxyzo with her husband, Ashish Mohapatra. Ruchi's successful business approach centres on extracting profit from each transaction, a strategy that has proven effective. She and her husband are the first couple who has founded two unicorns. Mabel Chako, 40, Bengaluru Mabel Chako, co-founder and chief operating officer at Open, boasts a 13-year entrepreneurial journey in financial technology. Her expertise spans intricate financial landscapes, honed through roles at Citrus Payment Solutions and PayU. Her founding of CashNxt in 2007 and Zwitch in 2013 (later acquired by Citrus Payments) underscores her entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to innovative solutions. Ruchi Deepak, 41, Mumbai Ruchi Deepak, co-founder of Acko, hails from Jamshedpur and pursued her bachelor's degree at Lady Shri Ram College, followed by Law at Delhi University. Ruchi aimed for meaningful innovation in financial services. Witnessing the industry's focus on selling to distributors rather than customers directly, she envisioned a shift. Co-founding Acko with Varun Dua, they leveraged technology to revolutionise insurance experiences. Amrita Sirohia, 41, Gurugram Amrita Sirohia, co-founder of INDmoney, embarked on her journey in the financial sector driven by a passion for technology and finance. Amrita's professional trajectory includes roles at renowned companies like Google and Barclays, which led to her understanding of financial complexities and technological innovation. Co-founding INDmoney, her aim was to democratise wealth management through tech-enabled financial solutions, empowering individuals to navigate and optimise their financial portfolios efficiently.

She power: The top 10 youngest women entrepreneurs in India

Gone are the days when the aspirations of Indian women were confined to the boundaries of their homes. Today, these empowered women are breaking free from societal norms and embracing the world of entrepreneurship with open arms. This journey towards gender parity and economic independence, has been a gradual one but filled with inspiring stories. In the vibrant tapestry of India’s economic growth, women-led businesses have emerged as a dynamic force that is driving progress. Their contribution to the entrepreneurial ecosystem is not just a matter of statistics, but a testament to the resilience and determination of these women. And while it's true that they have been instrumental in building the strength of our economy, one must understand that this road to success has not been without its set of trials. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Women entrepreneurship in India: The evolving landscape" comment="subhead" text="Women entrepreneurship in India: The evolving landscape">Women entrepreneurship in India: The evolving landscape</cmsannotation> Despite the rising interest in entrepreneurship among women, various challenges hinder their entry into this space. Factors such as family restrictions, limited time flexibility, lack of professional connections and inadequate access to reliable advisors ensure that the number of women actively engaged in entrepreneurship is smaller than its potential, leaving resources untapped. Amidst these obstacles that <keyword id="74945" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-entrepreneurs" source="Orion">women entrepreneurs</keyword> face, <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword> has emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation – a homegrown marketplace platform that has revolutionised women entrepreneurship. By defying conventional norms, Flipkart has shattered the myth that women cannot effectively manage both their professional and personal responsibilities. This paradigm shift has not only paved the way for dismantling societal biases but has also provided a powerful platform for women to realise their dreams. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Redefining possibilities: Women entrepreneurs thrive with Flipkart" comment="subhead" text="Redefining possibilities: Women entrepreneurs thrive with Flipkart">Redefining possibilities: Women entrepreneurs thrive with Flipkart</cmsannotation> Flipkart is serving as a catalyst for women in India to challenge traditional societal norms and boost the economy through better labour participation and expansion across sectors. Take for instance <a href="https://stories.flipkart.com/sellfmade-flipkart-seller-momtrepreneur/">Yogita Jain's</a> journey. As a buyer on Flipkart who loved her shopping experience, she was always curious about how the journey as a seller on the platform would be. And she transitioned from being a buyer to becoming a successful seller on the platform with her brand, AADISALES. Born out of curiosity, it now stands testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. In just three months, Yogita transformed into a flourishing ‘mompreneur’, overseeing a team of six skilled professionals who handle essential business functions like accounting, packing, and loading. She says, "The support I received through Flipkart was truly remarkable." Flipkart’s positive impact also extends to promoting sustainability by empowering businesses with a focus on creating a cleaner future. One such business is <a href="https://stories.flipkart.com/stonesoup-flipkart-samarth-partner-sustainability/">Smita Kulkarni’s</a> StoneSoup. After spending ten years in the IT industry, the computer science engineer wanted to tackle the problems of waste segregation and garbage reduction. And she found her calling in promoting sustainability through her venture that offers eco-friendly solutions to millions of customers across India. Leveraging Flipkart’s access to over 450 million customers, her business is able to sell their products, including compost kits, menstrual cups, and cloth sanitary pads, all across the country. Moreover, her commitment to social empowerment led her to employ women from self-help groups and those with disabilities, providing them with means to achieve financial independence. Through Flipkart’s platform, this Bengaluru-based business has helped uplift the lives of over 100 women. Another area where Flipkart has made a significant difference is in addressing financial and marketing related challenges for women entrepreneurs. The platform facilitates easy access to loans — a major obstacle for many women in starting their businesses. For <a href="https://stories.flipkart.com/flipkart-seller-small-business-charu-gupta/">Charu Gupta</a>, this became a life-changing factor. Faced with sudden financial difficulties at home, Charu needed additional income. From kick starting her business, Saikara Collections, with only ₹5,000 to generating a revenue of ₹5 crore through her association with Flipkart, her journey is one of courage and determination. “There were many e-commerce platforms,” Charu recollects, “but Flipkart’s onboarding process was the easiest.” Securing term loans through the support of Flipkart’s Account Managers during the pandemic, she kept her business afloat. Overcoming financial hurdles and building her business through challenges with a team that comprises 50% women staff, Charu’s story epitomises the spirit of a modern Indian woman – resilient, determined and unyielding. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Driving positive change" comment="subhead" text="Driving positive change">Driving positive change</cmsannotation> The ripple effect of Flipkart’s initiatives extend beyond individual success stories. By empowering women entrepreneurs, Flipkart is playing a pivotal role in fostering financial independence, diminishing gender barriers and boosting labour force participation. This wave of change, facilitated by such e-commerce platforms is a growing example of the potential of women entrepreneurship and the impact it can have on the society and our economy by extension. As women continue to challenge traditional norms and embrace entrepreneurship, they are propelling the nation towards progress, equity and inclusivity. These stories of change are not just about breaking the glass ceiling but leaving behind a trail of inspiration for the next generation. Flipkart’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs has not just transformed individual lives but is reshaping the society, one story at a time. Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on <a href="mailto:insiderstudios@businessinsider.in">insiderstudios@businessinsider.in</a>

Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs on Flipkart's Platform

In her <keyword id="19906106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Interim-Budget" source="keywords">Interim Budget</keyword> speech in February 2024, <keyword id="20385790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Union Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> celebrated what she termed as the Modi government's landmark achievement: unleashing 'nari shakti' or women's power through various initiatives since 2014. Among these, the creation of one crore 'Lakhpati Didis' — women whose annual household income exceeds one lakh rupees — under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has garnered significant attention. <h2>The hype around it </h2>Imagine being a <keyword id="20416259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakhpati-Didi" source="keywords">Lakhpati Didi</keyword> — a rural woman whose annual household income exceeds Rs. 1 lakh. These women are not just financial achievers; they are community leaders who inspire others through their entrepreneurial journeys. Their success stories highlight the transformative impact of self-help groups (SHGs) and collective action in rural India. Launched amid much fanfare on August 15, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme aims to empower women through diverse skill development programs, from producing LED bulbs to operating agricultural drones. Partnering with entities like Patanjali, Flipkart, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative also focuses on branding and marketing these products, ostensibly connecting women with credit lines and MUDRA loans for financial support. Almost an year on, the scheme is all set to get some well-deserved boost in the Budget 2024 to be presented on July 23. However, the time also apt to examine if it has actually contributed to <keyword id="20009191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-empowerment" source="keywords">women empowerment</keyword> in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111915324" title="Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table Economic Survey in Parliament today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>The reality check </h2>Critics argue that such schemes may inadvertently tether women's SHGs to corporate networks, potentially benefiting transnational agribusiness giants aligned with the government. Programs like 'Namo Drone Didi', allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Interim Budget, exemplify this trend by integrating women into digital agriculture, albeit under the influence of corporate agendas. Further, while the Interim Budget championed the narrative of women's economic prosperity, it failed to adequately address their basic needs. Despite claims of empowerment, essential schemes such as PM Awas Yojana (Rural) and Har Ghar Jal have seen significant budgetary underspending, raising concerns about the government's commitment to women's welfare beyond mere rhetoric. For instance, the underutilisation of funds in Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and the shrinking allocations for crucial subsidies like nutrition and education further highlight the disconnect between budgetary outlays and on-ground impact. This trend suggests a shift in responsibility towards state governments without commensurate support from the Union government, leaving vulnerable populations like widows and rural women at risk. Overall, the well-intentioned narrative around the scheme needs better translation and execution on ground to achieve desired outcomes. <h2>Looking ahead </h2>Until now, the budgetary allocation for women-centric programs have remained disproportionately low, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development having been allocated Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 2.52% compared to the previous budget. This paltry investment underscores a broader pattern of neglecting systemic issues such as gender-based violence, social discrimination and pro-corporate stance. As Budget 2024 approaches, stakeholders eagerly anticipate policies that not only boost economic growth but also empower rural women as entrepreneurs and leaders. While Lakhpati Didi stands poised to empower rural women with opportunities and support, more steps are needed to make it more sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111689743" title="Union Budget 2024: A handy FAQ guide to decode the upcoming budget" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

<ul><li>73% of skilled aspirers and 59% of home-based <keyword id="53533" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="entrepreneurs" source="Orion">entrepreneurs</keyword> express a strong readiness to pay for <keyword id="6418027" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skill-development" source="Orion">skill development</keyword>. </li><li>The gap between skill demand and the willingness to invest in acquiring those skills presents a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop solutions </li><li>Governments and <keyword id="8182685" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nonprofit-organisations" source="Orion">nonprofit organisations</keyword> hold the potential to address the employability-skilling gap for around 130 million individuals through <keyword id="871433" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skill-enhancement" source="Orion">skill enhancement</keyword> endeavours. </li></ul>Almost 50% of young workers in India show a strong willingness to learn new skills for improved job opportunities. This enthusiasm is observed within distinct segments, including moderately high-skilled blue/grey-collar workers under 30 (skilled aspirers), those engaged in low to semi-skilled jobs (tenacious strivers), and females under 30 pursuing or desiring to initiate home-based businesses (home-based entrepreneurs), reveal the findings of report titled ‘The Next Frontiers: Skilling and Employability Solutions for the Next Half Billion', by Omidyar Network India (ONI), an impact-focused investment firm. The report delves into the prospect within the Indian market to provide skill development and employment opportunities for a substantial segment of unskilled, <keyword id="18583019" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="low-skilled" source="Orion">low-skilled</keyword>, and moderately-skilled workers. The research partnership for this project was with Redseer. The launch event occurred on Tuesday and was graced by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary at the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, along with Ved Mani Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Adding 100 million workers to the workforce can boost GDP by 20%" comment="subhead" text="Adding 100 million workers to the workforce can boost GDP by 20%">Adding 100 million workers to the workforce can boost GDP by 20%</cmsannotation> The report highlights prospects for entrepreneurs, government bodies, and nonprofit organisations to create solutions or encourage technology-driven skill development and job opportunities. It studies 580 million Indian workers needing skill enhancement and employment aid and pinpoints specific groups with a strong desire to upskill and invest in those abilities, potentially positively impacting 230 million individuals. The findings reveal that adding 100 million workers to the workforce can boost GDP by 20%, steering India's economy towards a $4 trillion mark. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Huge prospects for entrepreneurs in skill development" comment="subhead" text="Huge prospects for entrepreneurs in skill development">Huge prospects for entrepreneurs in skill development</cmsannotation> The report emphasises a substantial opportunity for entrepreneurs in the form of a market consisting of 100 million young workers seeking skilling solutions. Among these segments displaying eagerness to acquire new skills, a significant portion also exhibit a high willingness to invest financially. Specifically, 73% of skilled aspirers and 59% of home-based entrepreneurs express a strong readiness to pay for skill development that promises better employment prospects, stability, and growth opportunities. Among the skilled aspirers, 45% of men show keen interest in entrepreneurship, while 33% of women are more inclined towards advancing in their current roles. These segments represent untapped potential that could significantly enhance employability and positively impact a substantial part of India's workforce. The gap between skill demand and the willingness to invest in acquiring those skills presents an estimated opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop solutions valued at approximately $1.5 billion to $2billion (₹12,570 crore to ₹16,760 crore). Notably, the key areas for skill development where entrepreneurs can contribute include fundamental business management skills, digital marketing, communication, and advanced vocational skills. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Government and nonprofit entities can help bridge the skills gap" comment="subhead" text="Government and nonprofit entities can help bridge the skills gap">Government and nonprofit entities can help bridge the skills gap</cmsannotation> Governments and nonprofit organisations hold the potential to address the employability-skilling gap for around 130 million individuals through skill enhancement endeavours. The report highlights that although certain segments exhibit a strong willingness to acquire new skills, their readiness to invest financially in learning opportunities remains relatively low. As a result, these segments are excluded from the pool targeted by entrepreneurs and profit-driven initiatives. To cater to such populations, the government and nonprofit entities can bridge the disparity between the desire to acquire skills and the readiness to invest. This can be achieved through initiatives like subsidised skill development programs, bolstering apprenticeship initiatives, and providing capital support programs. Moreover, policy reforms in areas such as paid childcare and parental leave can significantly contribute to the inclusion and retention of workers within the employability spectrum, particularly among women seeking to enter or continue in the workforce.

India shows eagerness to upskill as it aims at a $4 trillion economy

<keyword id="6355629" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="google" source="Orion">Google</keyword> on Tuesday announced its <keyword id="14193636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Startups-accelerator-programme" source="Orion">startups accelerator programme</keyword> that will nurture about 20 startups led by women founders in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>. The programme is aimed to help women founders address challenges that are unique to their experience, including fundraising, hiring and many others. The inaugural batch of Google for <keyword id="8826137" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Startups-Accelerator" source="Orion">Startups Accelerator</keyword> - India Women Founders programme will accept up to 20 women-founded/ co-founded startups in India, including startups at the minimum viable product stage, and support them through a three-month programme. The programme will place special focus on areas like access to networks, access to capital, hiring challenges, mentorship and many others which, for a variety of social reasons and low representation, prove challenging for female founders. In addition to these, the curriculum will include workshops and support around AI/ML, Cloud, UX, android, web, product strategy and growth, as well as provide access to a global community of women founders. India is the world's third largest startup capital, trailing only the US and China. It boasts over a 100 unicorns with 22 getting added to the list just in 2022, spanning verticals such as e-commerce, healthtech, fintech and many others. However, only 15 per cent of these <keyword id="3357129" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-unicorns" source="Orion">Indian unicorns</keyword> have one or more women founders. "The new programme is part of a larger effort by Google towards improving the representation of women across different sections of India's digitally-trained workforce, be it entrepreneurship, professionals looking to upskill or young graduates seeking a head start on their career, with the ultimate objective of making technology universally relevant and helpful," the tech giant wrote in a blogpost. The applications for the programme are open till July 10, it added. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/mukesh-ambani-and-disney-to-get-into-an-intense-bidding-war-for-another-ipl-package-heres-why-it-matters/articleshow/92203554.cms">Mukesh Ambani and Disney to get into an intense bidding war for another IPL package – here’s why it matters</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/elon-musk-lost-as-much-as-mukesh-ambanis-total-wealth-in-2022/articleshow/92203221.cms">Elon Musk lost as much as Mukesh Ambani's total wealth in 2022</a>

Google to launch accelerator programme for women entrepreneurs in India

Half of India’s women entrepreneurs believe that having a male co-founder makes it easier for running business

Meet Divya Gokulnath, Ruchi Kalra and Neha Bansal — the richest women startup entrepreneurs in India

<ul><li>Captain Indraani Singh from Haryana: Breaking barriers in aviation and <keyword id="65467" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="empowering" source="Orion">empowering</keyword> communities through Indha Crafts. </li><li>Nishat Begum, an inspiring entrepreneur from Madhya Pradesh: Leading the charge in preserving traditional handicrafts</li><li>Komal Prasad Paul, a resilient entrepreneur from West Bengal who turned a personal tragedy into triumph </li><li>Chitrangan Pal from Odisha, the heartland of Sambalpuri sarees and how he revolutionized the traditional handloom business bringing ancient craftsmanship into mainstream fashion.</li></ul> In the realm of business, where the focus typically revolves around financial gains and market dynamics, there is a distinctive group of individuals who have harnessed the transformative potential of entrepreneurship rooted in <keyword id="6355103" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social" source="Orion">social</keyword> responsibility. They are the ‘<keyword id="484405" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Social-entrepreneurs" source="Orion">Social Entrepreneurs</keyword>’, who have not only achieved excellence in their entrepreneurial pursuits but have also dedicated themselves to uplifting and supporting the communities they hail from. Their inspiring journey reflects a deep alignment with the values upheld by <keyword id="6354742" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flipkart" source="Orion">Flipkart</keyword> – leveraging the power of e-commerce to bring about positive change, skillfully combining financial success with a positive societal influence. As we delve into the motivating journeys of these ‘social entrepreneurs’, we uncover stories of sellers who have excelled in business while leaving a significant mark on their communities. These stories represent not just financial success but a legacy of transformation. Empowering Artisans, Uplifting Communities Name: Nishat Begum NGO: Anuna Location: Madhya Pradesh India has a rich history in traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and handmade products. Over the decades, generations of artisans have passed down and honed their skills in specialized crafts of their choice. There are lakhs of such artisan clusters across India. Many of these artisans are marginalized women and men, and are often the sole bread earners for their families. Due to limited familiarity with modern digital market dynamics, these artisans often find themselves vulnerable to intermediaries, which, in turn, poses challenges to their livelihood. Consequently, this trend contributes to a waning interest in traditional crafts and a significant loss of income for the artisans involved. The problem can be addressed with professional training and handholding in digital entrepreneurship, and the medium of e-commerce, something that the Samarth program by Flipkart and its NGO partners are working towards. Flipkart Samarth is a program dedicated to helping underprivileged sections of society and supporting organizations that are committed to societal good. The program has been creating meaningful opportunities that empower millions of artisans, weavers, and micro-entrepreneurs to help them achieve financial independence. Since its launch in 2019, Flipkart Samarth has enabled pan-India market access for lakhs of ambitious entrepreneurs. Today, the program supports and benefits over 1.5 million livelihoods nationwide. Nishat Begum, who heads an organization of artisans in Bhopal, is among those who has experienced the benefits of going online and knows that it can make a world of difference to the lives of artisans, especially women. Nishat's organization has been working since 1990 to skill and support women in areas affected by the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984. As the driving force behind Anuna, an NGO associated with Flipkart Samarth, she empowers marginalized women through online entrepreneurship. Anuna is a social impact driven business that is open to all independent sellers with unique handmade or natural products. A part of the proceeds from Anuna's sales supports the training of artisans from economically backward classes. Under the Flipkart Samarth-Anuna partnership, about 120 women in Nishat's organization, skilled in crafts such as zari, zardozi, and macramé, have undergone training in the fundamentals of running an e-commerce business. Nishat appreciates the multifold benefits of the Flipkart e-commerce platform for her community of artisans - most importantly, the continued preservation of their art, and the access to a pan-India market. "It will boost sales and improve the standard of life for women and their families," she says. "With the steady income they can now earn, many women, like me, will become financially independent and fulfill their dreams." Nishat appreciates the multifold benefits of the Flipkart platform for her community of artisans - most importantly, the continued preservation of their art, and the access to a pan-India market. Empowering Women, one flight at a time Name: Capt. Indraani Singh Business: Indha Crafts Location: Haryana A renowned name in aviation, Capt. Indraani Singh is the first woman in Asia to fly the Airbus 320 and the world’s first woman commander on the wide-bodied Airbus 300. When she is not piloting flights, Capt. Indraani Singh is educating and empowering women and children in India’s underserved communities. Capt. Indraani Singh founded Indha Crafts, a social enterprise that imparts vocational training in crafts for underserved women and markets the products they create. She is also the founder of Literacy India, which educates underprivileged children, youth and women, empowering them to become self-reliant. Recently Indha Crafts joined hands with Flipkart Samarth to help women artisans sell their products online and expand their customer base to over 200 million. The partnership has positively impacted lives in these communities, says Capt. Indraani. Her drive has led to men also understanding the economic benefits of women channeling their talents. Capt. Indraani understood the need for a platform to monetize this talent and create sustainable incomes. “With Flipkart, we feel cared for. Other than helping us sell, they help us with promotions. They tell us how to list trending products and introduce variety in our listings. This helps us in marketing and in turn, helps the artisans. Flipkart also has been instrumental in our B2B sales. Many sellers have contacted us to grow their business,” says Capt. Indraani. Ever since Indha Crafts partnered with Flipkart Samarth, the organization has seen tremendous increase in sales. Moreover, the brand has witnessed a positive impact on the lives that they are trying to uplift. Capt. Indraani Singh with Indha Crafts and Literacy India is changing the narrative for the women she’s working with. When she began journey, she faced questions about the efficacy of the initiative: How would artisans earn money with these skills? How would it be beneficial? How is this additional income going to change their lives? Today, these women have written a new chapter in their lives, from contributing to their household income to helping their community’s healthcare, education, and independence. They are flying in more ways than one. Defying odds, embracing entrepreneurship Name: Komal Prasad Paul Business: Ultimate Hygiene Location: West Bengal In December 2017, 33-year-old medical representative Komal Prasad Paul was grievously injured after a collision with a truck in Barasat, a suburb of Kolkata. He was rushed to the ICU only after several hours but by then the damage was done: his right arm had to be amputated. This deep personal tragedy came as a turning point in Komal Prasad’s life: How would he provide for his family given his physical impairment? While painting and sketching uplifted his mind after a phase of depression during his month-long hospitalization, the burden of earning for his family weighed heavily on him. So, undeterred by his handicap, Komal Prasad went back to work upon discharge. But the feisty microbiology graduate who had been great at his job realised he could not keep up with the demands of the job. He thus started exploring ways to earn for his parents and his sister, who were extremely disheartened at the unfortunate turn of events. Komal turned to entrepreneurship. He tapped into his contacts and started selling products for new mothers and babies, such as nebulizers and breast pumps. Business started slow but an undeterred Komal had his mind set on success. After reference and research, Komal registered on the Flipkart Seller Hub in May 2019 and within a few days, a member from Flipkart’s team on-boarded him and took care of all his documentation. Thus began his new life. Komal sells personal care products on Flipkart under the Flipkart Samarth program which offers e-commerce opportunities to underserved entrepreneurs and artisans in India. On his debut as a seller on Flipkart, he made a single sale on his first day. Today, he sells over 50 products a day. His enduring effort and never-give-up attitude have helped Komal register over 100% growth in sales, which has allowed him to hire one employee to help him with packaging. The source of Komal’s motivation lies with his parents and God. And, he is certain that with Flipkart, he is on the right path, one that will lead to success. Weaving stories, creating opportunities Name: Chitrangan Pal Business: Odisha Handloom Location: Odisha There are sarees and there are sarees that tell stories transcending form and fashion. One such saree is Odisha’s Sambalpuri, which bears the imprints of the state’s famous tie-and-dye technique, wherein each saree goes through a journey of threads dyed, fabric woven, and made intricate with traditional motifs. Look closely, and a Sambalpuri saree is a handmade harmony of geometric patterns and landscapes from Odisha’s religious architecture, which could take as many as three months to create. Like a precious heirloom, local weaver families cherish the painstaking technique that goes into making a Sambalpuri saree. “We are the only ones here in India making Ikat (a fabric dyeing technique). This has been our work and tradition for over 100 years,” says Chitrangan Pal. 22-year-old Chitrangan is the founder of Odisha Handloom, a company representing over a thousand families, whose members draw livelihood from the warp and weft. But selling the Sambalpuri sarees, along with dress materials, stoles, dupattas, tables, and kitchen linen, was stuck in the old ways. In 2019, Chitrangan became a Flipkart seller. “Flipkart helped us in listing over 200 of our sarees and helped us with visibility for our products nationwide.” It also opened up his perspective on selling, adding specialties like market trends and location-based selling. Soon, he tapped the strong vein of demand in India’s southern cities. Going online allowed Sambalpuri sarees to grow out of the shadow of heritage and local demand, and into fashion that was more mainstream. “Before joining Flipkart, we were selling our products in our village or state, but now our products are available to customers across the country,” says Chitrangan. Working with Flipkart has also grown the weavers’ creativity. “Before Flipkart, we were traditional saree sellers for about 40 years. We worked with the same designs. Our profit margin was not great, and the designs remained old-fashioned,” he remembers. As Chitrangan says, “Orders are rising, and our community is very happy with their work. Selling on Flipkart means more work and more opportunities for my people to earn their living with dignity.” Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on insiderstudios@businessinsider.in

Empowering communities: The impact of Flipkart Samarth's social entrepreneurs

<ul><li>Over 77% of the women intend to start a small business to support their families financially.</li><li>But most of them are stalled by childcare and and domestic responsibilities, as per <keyword id="14270607" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IWWAGE-report" source="Orion">IWWAGE report</keyword>.</li><li>According to the report, the women have lack of clarity or information on what kind of business they can start; and don’t have the access to seed capital.</li></ul>Two-thirds of women who hail from underprivileged backgrounds have a burning need to support their families – and intend to start a small-scale business. As per a survey conducted amongst Anganwadi hubs in Delhi by an NGO Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE), 84% of the families are supportive, while 72% said they would be permitted to travel outside their homes to avail of training programmes. However, over two-thirds of women who are keen to start their business, are stalled by childcare and domestic responsibilities. “This study highlights that women are eager to take up business endeavours, given some space, understanding and encouragement in the form of skill training, economic management along with others,” said <keyword id="14268720" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="neelanjana-gupta" source="Orion">Neelanjana Gupta</keyword>, project manager at IWWAGE. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Lack of financial support and skills" comment="subhead" text="Lack of financial support and skills">Lack of financial support and skills</cmsannotation> According to the report, the women have lack of clarity or information on what kind of business they can start; and don’t have the access to seed capital. They are well-versed digitally, as 7 out 10 know how to use mobile phones and have effective communication skills. As many as 76% of them have smartphones, and 78% have access to an internet connection. Also, 73% of the women have their own bank accounts, while 42% of them use them to avail government schemes and benefits. However, they lack knowledge about bank loans, interest rates or how to deposit or withdraw money from their accounts — which become hurdles for future entreprenuers. “Poor support networks, absence of mentors, and lack of access to information and communication technology are critical challenges faced by <keyword id="74945" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-entrepreneurs" source="Orion">women entrepreneurs</keyword>,” says the report. Most of them also do not possess the know-how to start a business. Yet, a lot of them are keen to acquire skills to engage in activities that will help improve their economic status. “It reflects that despite the lack of support from family and other gendered boundations, women in India are looking for ways to support themselves and their family along with seeking social independence,” said Gupta. Half the respondents of the survey expressed an interest in taking up stitching and sewing to earn an income, followed by pickle/papad making; and embroidery. “These preferences were similar across the board for entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs surveyed with 81% respondents also expressing a keen interest in learning skills that were not heard or known of,” the report said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/half-of-the-earnings-of-indian-companies-ceos-at-risk/articleshow/92403167.cms">CEOs are paid more now but half of the earnings are 'at risk'</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tata-consumer-sees-growth-on-the-back-of-starbucks-tea-and-salt/articleshow/92410036.cms">Tata Consumer sees growth on the back of Starbucks, tea and salt</a>

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