Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme

February 8, 2025

The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme was launched in 2025 to promote women entrepreneurship in Northeast India. The initiative was inaugurated in nine colleges and universities, marking step towards nurturing women-led enterprises.

Programme Overview

Swavalambini is designed to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset among young women.
It offers a comprehensive framework that includes awareness, development, mentorship, and funding support.
This initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NITI Aayog
It aims to empower female students in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
The programme provides essential resources, mentorship, and a structured entrepreneurial process to help women succeed in their business ventures.

Training and Development

The programme consists of two main training components:

The Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) introduces 600 female students to entrepreneurship over a two-day session.
The Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) offers an intensive 40-hour training for 300 selected students. This training covers vital business aspects such as finance, market linkages, compliance, and networking opportunities.

Mentorship and Support

Participants will receive six months of mentorship and support to help translate their ideas into sustainable businesses. This hands-on approach ensures that women are guided through the entrepreneurial process, enhancing their chances of success.

Faculty Development

Recognising the role of educators, Swavalambini includes a Faculty Development Programme (FDP). This five-day training equips faculty members with the skills to mentor students in entrepreneurship effectively. Specialised training modules focus on industry insights and business incubation strategies.

Recognition and Awards

The programme features an Award to Rewards Initiative, which celebrates successful women entrepreneurs. This recognition serves as inspiration for future female business leaders, reinforcing the importance of women-led enterprises in India’s economic landscape.

Government Support

The initiative aligns with various government schemes promoting women entrepreneurship, such as Start-Up India and PM Mudra Yojana. The Union Budget 2025 further supports this commitment with increased funding and extended tax exemptions for start-ups.

Impact on Northeast India

Swavalambini aims to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of women in Northeast India. By providing targeted support and resources, the programme seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem for women-led businesses. The goal is to ensure that 10% of EDP trainees launch successful enterprises, thereby contributing to the region’s economic development.

« Previous Post