We have been working towards strengthening women’s leadership and participation in the economy through entrepreneurship across East and North East India, with a focus on underserved geographical locations.

In 2023, we began working with women-led nano enterprises from Mizoram and Tripura. In 2024, we expanded our efforts to include groups of women from indigenous communities in Jharkhand and Nagaland. These initiatives are part of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, supported by the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata. The program has been implemented across various countries and is actively supporting early-stage or aspiring women entrepreneurs by disseminating knowledge in business development, networking, and skill enhancement. The program is dedicated to strengthening women’s economic empowerment worldwide, helping them grow, excel, and connect through a global network of women-led businesses.

AWE 4.0: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Tripura and Mizoram

In September 2023, we launched the AWE program in Tripura and Mizoram, engaging 35 women entrepreneurs from each state. Over the course of one year, more entrepreneurs joined the program and gained insights into business development, networked with business mentors and domain experts, and were connected to the market. Initially, most of these entrepreneurs were identified as nano-entrepreneurs with limited access to finance, mentorship, and markets. However, through this year-long program, their capacities were built in areas such as communication, business development, and overcoming sector-specific challenges, transforming them into growing entrepreneurs. Rigorous training, need analysis, and workshops helped enhance their skills, expanding their media presence, market reach, and knowledge. They were also connected to prominent women entrepreneurs’ forums and networks such as HEN India, Women Wielding the Workplace, and Aspire for Her.

On November 13th–14th, 2024, After a year-long program, 31 women entrepreneurs were selected for the final bootcamp to present their business pitches and participate in sessions on business development, statutory compliance, access to finance, government schemes, digital financial inclusion, and tools like Merabills.net and ONDC. The event also featured a buyer-seller networking meet to foster connections and opportunities. Day one focused on business development, while day two saw the entrepreneurs presenting their pitches. The top six enterprises were recognized for their impact and awarded cash prizes by Elizabeth Lee, Director of the American Center.

Top Awards:

• 1st Prize: Ms. Lalruatfeli, Founder of Zabaz Beverages (Mizoram)
• 2nd Prize: Ms. Siampuii Fanai, Founder of RF Sunhlu (Mizoram)
• 3rd Prize: Ms. Snigdha Roy, Founder of Shoi (Tripura)

Special Awards:

• Most Promising Entrepreneur: Susamari Chakma
• Rock-Star Entrepreneur: Archita Roy
• Best Social Impact Award: Alinery Lianhlawng

AWE 5.0: Empowering Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs and Artisans in Jharkhand and Nagaland

In September 2024, the program expanded to Jharkhand and Nagaland, focusing on women-led nano enterprises and aspiring women entrepreneurs from indigenous communities. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 5.0 (AWE-5) aims to empower women from these communities by augmenting income opportunities through the development of nano-entrepreneurship. The program is designed to transform the lives of indigenous women by building their leadership, business skills, market visibility, and access to resources and networks to overcome barriers created by historical, racial, and ethnic stereotypes.

With the help of local stakeholders, a baseline study is being conducted on around 70-80 women from Nagaland and Jharkhand to understand their demographic profile, socio-economic status, and needs in terms of economic empowerment. Based on the findings from the baseline study and consultations with local bodies, 60 women will be selected from both states. These women, based on their skills and business potential, will receive a series of capacity-building training sessions in business ideation & prototype development, business development, product innovation, digital inclusion, and business communication. Market linkage and networking will also be established to ensure income-generation possibilities.

To know more about AWE 5.0 vistit here.