Swavalambini Initiative for Women Entrepreneurs

Context

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has placed before Parliament details regarding the pilot execution, funding pattern, and training outcomes of the Swavalambini initiative focused on promoting women-led entrepreneurship.

Programme Overview:
Swavalambini is a women-centric entrepreneurship capacity-building initiative that seeks to nurture business aptitude and facilitate enterprise creation among female students enrolled in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Year of Introduction:
2025

Institutional Framework

– Lead Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
– Strategic Partner: NITI Aayog

Executing Institutions

– National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
– Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship

Geographical Focus

In its pilot phase, the programme aims to support the creation of more than 30 women-owned enterprises, with focused outreach across Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.

Target Beneficiaries

Female students from selected HEIs, especially those pursuing final-year undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Intended Outcomes

– Position entrepreneurship as a viable and aspirational career pathway for women
– Ensure at least 10% conversion of trained participants into active entrepreneurs

Programme Architecture

– Entrepreneurship Sensitisation Module: Builds foundational understanding of entrepreneurship
– Business Acceleration Training: Advanced entrepreneurial training covering key business competencies
– Academic Capacity Building: Specialised training for faculty members of participating institutions
– Handholding & Mentoring: Around six months of blended mentoring by industry leaders and entrepreneurs
– Incentives & Acknowledgement: Workshops, seed funding facilitation, and the Award to Reward (ATR) mechanism

Broader Relevance

– Gender Equity: Addresses structural barriers faced by women in entrepreneurship
– Employment Generation: Encourages job creation through women-led ventures
– Campus Innovation: Strengthens entrepreneurship ecosystems within HEIs
– Institutional Visibility: Enhances recognition of women entrepreneurs through formal support
– Inclusive Growth: Promotes women’s economic self-reliance and inclusive development

Source : PIB