Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme

March 4, 2025

The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme was launched in 2025 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with NITI Aayog. This initiative aims to empower female students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills, resources, and mentorship. The programme is a strategic move towards encouraging women-led development in India.

Programme Objectives

Swavalambini’s primary goal is to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among young women.
The initiative focuses on breaking barriers to women’s participation in business.
It aims to provide necessary training, financial support, and mentorship, thereby unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs.

Structure of the Programme

The programme follows a structured, multi-stage approach. It begins with an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP), which introduces participants to basic entrepreneurial concepts. This is followed by the Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) that provides in-depth training on business development and finance access.

Mentorship and Support

A feature of Swavalambini is the six-month mentorship system. This support helps participants transform their ideas into viable business ventures. The programme also includes a Faculty Development Programme (FDP) to train educators on mentoring aspiring women entrepreneurs.

Expansion and Reach

Initially launched in Eastern India, the programme has expanded to other regions, including Banaras Hindu University and the University of Hyderabad. The initiative aims to reach a broader audience of female students across various HEIs.

Award to Rewards Initiative

To motivate participants, Swavalambini includes an Award to Rewards Initiative. Successful women entrepreneurs emerging from the programme will be recognised and rewarded, inspiring future participants to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Impact and Vision

Swavalambini aspires for at least 10% of EDP-trained participants to establish successful enterprises. This ambition aligns with the larger vision of creating a self-reliant, women-led entrepreneurial landscape in India. The initiative is set to redefine the future of women entrepreneurship through structured training and policy support.

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