EmpowHER Biz – Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

January 10, 2025

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog has recently launched a new initiative called EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan. This programme is in partnership with New Shop, a leading 24/7 convenience retail chain in India. The initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with essential skills and resources to thrive in the organised retail sector.

Objective of EmpowHER Biz

EmpowHER Biz is designed to equip aspiring women entrepreneurs with mentorship and comprehensive training. The programme focuses on key areas such as retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development. It seeks to create a supportive environment for women to succeed in retail.

Selection Process

Fifty participants aged 18 to 35 will be selected through an online application process. Specific criteria will guide the selection to ensure that the most deserving candidates are chosen. The top twenty participants will benefit from a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees, reducing the barriers to entry for these women.

Target Regions

The initiative is aimed at women from various states, including Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. This geographic focus ensures that women from diverse backgrounds can access the programme.

WEP’s Background and Goals

WEP was incubated in NITI Aayog in 2018 and transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022. The platform aims to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing information asymmetry and providing support across several pillars – Access to Finance, Market Linkages, Training and Skilling, Mentoring & Networking, Compliance & Legal Assistance, and Business Development Services.

Collaboration with New Shop

WEP collaborates with over 30 public and private sector partners to develop impactful programmes. The ‘Award to Reward’ initiative, launched in 2023, offers a framework for stakeholders to create programmes that benefit women entrepreneurs. New Shop operates over 200 convenience retail stores and plans to expand its presence to mass transit hubs like airports and railway stations.

Commitment to Empowerment

New Shop’s commitment includes empowering over 10,000 entrepreneurs in India by 2030 through a franchising model. The partnership with WEP aims to democratise retail ownership and provide women with valuable training, mentorship, and financial support.

WEP was founded to tackle information gaps faced by women entrepreneurs.
New Shop plans to expand to airports and railway stations.
EmpowHER Biz focuses on women aged 18-35.
The initiative waives franchise fees for top participants.
WEP has over 30 partners from public and private sectors.

Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs often encounter challenges, including societal biases and limited access to financing. The programme aims to address these obstacles by providing a strong foundation for their entrepreneurial journeys.

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