Women Entrepreneurs

Why women entrepreneurs in India struggle to access complex business loans

More women entrepreneurs are getting loans, but limited access to larger business credit is restricting their growth, exposing deep structural gaps in India's MSME lending system

Women entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh clock ₹4,755 cr govt biz via GeM

UP's GeM purchases from women entrepreneurs jump 44 per cent in FY26, as the state leads India in transparent public procurement and boosts startups and MSMEs

Women-led startups saw 9% funding drop in 2025, says Tracxn report

Deal activity also fell significantly, with the number of funding rounds dropping 29 per cent from 2024

Women remain under-represented at India Inc: Prime Database study

Women form 23% of employees in listed firms but only 5% of CEOs or MDs, highlighting a steep drop in representation as one moves up the corporate hierarchy

Datanomics: Women's participation rate in India's workforce remains low

India's female labour force participation rate stood at 32 per cent in 2024, significantly lower than several peer economies

Elusive inclusivity: Why gender diversity on boards needs a fillip

Many organisations suffer a "missing middle" in terms of gender diversity, with women dropping out at demanding mid-management levels because of non-conducive social ecosystems

Uttar Pradesh govt launches new scheme to empower rural women entreprenuers

Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, the SHE Mart initiative aims to empower rural women by establishing community-owned retail outlets managed by women SHGs

Bihar CM transfers ₹10k each to 2.5 mn women under Mahila Rojgar Yojana

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday transferred Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 25 lakh women under the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana', which aims to promote women's empowerment through self-employment and livelihood opportunities. Kumar disbursed a total amount of Rs 2,500 crore through direct benefit transfer (DBT) at a function held here at his official residence, 1 Anne Marg, officials in the CMO said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched Bihar's 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana' in September, 2025. Around 1.81 crore women have so far received Rs 10,000 each, and those who have utilised the sum for setting up a business will soon get another Rs 2 lakh, the officials said. The chief minister had recently announced that the Bihar government initiated the process of providing additional financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to select beneficiaries under the scheme.

Women-led startups see 30% jump to over 9,600 in Uttar Pradesh

At present, there are over 19,000 startups recognised by the Central Government's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in the state, according to a senior official

Uttar Pradesh govt plans to groom over 500K women micro entrepreneurs

The enterprises will take shape in the hinterland with the Yogi Adityanath government offering training, credit and marketing support across 75 districts

How HR can Shape the Future of Business

HR is now a strategic voice shaping people, culture, and business. In this episode, Urvi Aradhya, CHRO at K Raheja Corp, shares insights on comebacks, leadership, diversity, and the future of HR.

India's 'broken rung': What's holding women back on the corporate ladder?

Gender gaps persist in India, Nigeria, Kenya as women face barriers from entry-level to leadership, with sharp drop-offs in managerial roles, shows McKinsey report

Progcap offers collateral-free loans of Rs 10 lakh to women-led MSMEs

MSME-focused fintech Progcap on Tuesday said it has launched a programme to offer collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to women-led small and medium enterprises in the next three years. The fintech, which is backed by Peak XV (previously Sequoia Capital India), Google and Tiger Capital, among others, seeks to empower 10,000 women-led MSMEs in semi-urban and rural India by FY27, Progcap said in a statement. "Progcap has introduced ProgShakti Development Program, wherein women entrepreneurs can access loans of up to Rs 10 lakh and get certified through capacity-building knowledge sessions helping them grow their businesses," it said. Aligned with the government's 'Viksit Bharat' vision for 2047 and the goal of increasing women's workforce participation to 70 per cent, Progcap's initiative offers customised credit to women-led enterprises and eliminates the need for a male co-applicant while assessing the creditworthiness, Progcap said. Founded by Pallavi Shrivastava and Himanshu

CAIT, ADSEI come together to empower 500,000 women entrepreneurs in 1 year

The joint initiative by CAIT and ADSEI will integrate with key government schemes such as 'Lakhpati Didi' and other flagship programmes

Women's Day 2025: Meet the 6 achievers who took over PM Modi's social media

International Women's Day: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended these trailblazing women for their remarkable contributions to society and their role in shaping a developed India

Women-led tech startups' funding drops 25% in 2024, says Tracxn report

India ranks third globally after US and UK in funding raised by women-led tech startups

Women excel in diverse fields, more efforts needed for equality: Prez Murmu

Women are the foundation of the family, society and the nation and many of them have successfully carved out their identities in diverse fields but a lot needs to be done to improve their socio-economic conditions, President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday. In a message on the eve of International Women's Day, the president extended her greetings to "all sisters and daughters" and called the day an occasion to honour the achievements of women power and their unique contribution to the country and society. Women are the foundation of the family, society and the nation and many women have successfully carved out their identities in diverse fields despite facing adversities and challenges, Murmu said. "However, a lot needs to be done to improve the socio-economic conditions of women. Let us all pledge to create a society where every woman feels safe and gets equal opportunities to move ahead," she said. The president also congratulated all women achievers and wished them a bright future

Nearly 80% of women-led businesses face global payment challenges: Report

Around 80 per cent of women-led businesses encounter difficulties with international payments, while 60 per cent struggle with complex regulatory compliances, according to a report. Despite their increasing role in the economy, women-led enterprises constitute just 15.4 per cent of India's 58.5 million businesses, the report on growing ambitions of women entrepreneurs in cross-border trade stated. The report stated that a poll of more than 300 women entrepreneurs highlighted four major challenges, including international payments and compliances, that women face while expanding their businesses globally. Around 60 per cent of women entrepreneurs struggle with export laws, trade regulations, and complex compliance requirements, the report prepared by Aspire For Her and payment solutions provider Payoneer said. Limited access to financial resources and supply chain & logistics issues are the other major challenges, it added. "Many women entrepreneurs face funding shortages and ...

Women hosts make up 30% of Airbnb India, earned Rs 260 crore in 2024

Indian women hosts, almost 30 per cent of Airbnb hosts in the country, have earned Rs 260 crore in 2024, shaping the future of hospitality with inclusivity and economic opportunities. Women in India cumulatively earned approximately Rs 260 crore through hosting, with over 56 per cent receiving 5-star reviews from guests, Airbnb said in a statement. Almost 35 per cent of guest's favourite listings in India are hosted by women, showcasing their excellence in hospitality, it added. "Our data shows that women hosts are delivering exceptional hospitality while achieving financial independence, and women travellers are increasingly exploring the world with confidence. This International Women's Day, we recognise that we must collectively accelerate our efforts. "By empowering women hosts and travellers, we're committed to creating a more equitable future for the generations to come," Airbnb's Country Head for India and Southeast Asia Amanpreet Singh Bajaj said in a statement. Not just .

70% of women entrepreneurs start businesses from self-motivation: Study

98% have positively impacted families, personal lives and the larger ecosystem by virtue of their businesses