NITI Aayog Launches Women Entrepreneurship Platform in Telangana to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

On October 1, 2024, NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Telangana government, launched the first state chapter of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in Hyderabad. This initiative aims to enhance the ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Telangana by providing essential resources, tools, and networking opportunities to support their business growth.

Objectives of the WEP Telangana Chapter

The WEP Telangana Chapter, with WE Hub as the nodal organization, focuses on fostering entrepreneurship among women across various sectors. It offers tailored support including:

• Digital Skills Training: Equipping women with essential digital skills for business.
• Access to Financial Services: Facilitating financial support for women entrepreneurs.
• Mentorship: Providing guidance from experienced professionals.
• Market Connections: Helping women entrepreneurs connect with potential customers and partners.

Role of WE Hub

WE Hub, India’s first incubation center exclusively for women entrepreneurs, will oversee the implementation and management of this platform. The organization will leverage its extensive expertise and network to empower women entrepreneurs effectively.

Key Statements

BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized the importance of women entrepreneurship for India’s economic future. He stated, “The WEP State Chapter in Telangana will significantly enhance opportunities for women by addressing the challenges they face in finance, mentoring, and marketing.”

Dr. Sangeetha Reddy, Co-chair of WEP and Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, highlighted the crucial role of mentoring in business success. She noted that the platform will provide valuable networking opportunities and guidance on funding options, government schemes, and business planning.

Leadership and Initiatives

Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for IT and I&C Departments, announced Sita Pallacholla, CEO of WE Hub, as the Mission Director of the WEP Telangana Chapter. He also introduced ‘WE Bridge,’ a single-window platform for women entrepreneurs across the state. Ranjan pointed out that Telangana was chosen for the first state chapter due to its strong support system for entrepreneurship within Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and its established innovation ecosystem in academic institutions.

Conclusion

This launch marks a significant step toward empowering women entrepreneurs in Telangana and promoting economic growth in the region. The WEP Telangana Chapter aims to create a supportive environment that fosters innovation and success for women-led businesses.