Swavalambini: Pioneering Women Entrepreneurship in Northeast India

For the first time, MSDE, through the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) and in coordination with NITI Aayog, has introduced a structured, stage-wise entrepreneurial process.

In a groundbreaking effort to foster women entrepreneurship in Northeast India, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has launched the Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme. Targeting female students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, this initiative aims to equip aspiring women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and mentorship necessary to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

For the first time, MSDE, through the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) and in coordination with NITI Aayog, has introduced a structured, stage-wise entrepreneurial process. This comprehensive approach encompasses awareness, development, mentorship, and funding support, ensuring that participants receive end-to-end guidance in building their ventures. Successful entrepreneurs will be recognized and awarded, turning their stories into sources of inspiration for others and setting a blueprint for nurturing and scaling women-led enterprises in India.

Launch and Implementation

The virtual inauguration of Swavalambini took place in nine prominent colleges and universities, with Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), MSDE, and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Government of India, officiating the event. Also present were Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, and other senior ministry officials.

The program is being rolled out in several HEIs, including:

• Gauhati University
• North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU)
• Kiang Nangba Government College
• RiBhoi College
• Mizoram University
• Government Champai College
• Lunglei Government College
• Handique College
• Dispur College

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: A Multi-Stage Approach

Speaking on the transformative potential of Swavalambini, Shri Jayant Chaudhary remarked, "The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme is a commitment to empower, enable, and elevate young women as job creators and leaders of tomorrow. This program aims to nurture talent in a region brimming with potential and provides the support necessary to scale their ideas into sustainable businesses."

Highlighting the government's dedication to fostering women-led entrepreneurship, he cited key programs like Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, PM Mudra Yojana, and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform. The Union Budget 2025 further underlines this commitment with a ₹10,000 crore fund and an extension of the 100% tax exemption on start-up profits for another five years. Swavalambini complements these initiatives by providing targeted support, mentorship, and funding, marking a pivotal step in advancing women-led entrepreneurship, which is crucial for India's transformation.

Program Structure and Goals

Swavalambini is designed with a clear, structured training and support system:

1. Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP):

   • Introduces 600 female students to entrepreneurship as a viable career option.
   • Conducted through 2-day sessions covering basic entrepreneurial concepts and opportunities.

2. Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP):

   • Intensive 40-hour training for 300 selected students.
   • Covers essential business aspects such as training and skilling, access to finance, market linkages, compliance and legal support, business services, and networking opportunities.

3. Mentorship and Handholding Support:

   • Six months of mentorship to help participants translate their ideas into sustainable ventures.

Building on NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has laid a strong foundation for integrating entrepreneurship into the curriculum, emphasizing skill development, industry collaboration, and hands-on experience. Swavalambini builds on this framework, ensuring that young women, particularly in Northeast India, receive the guidance and financial backing needed to turn their ideas into scalable businesses, unlocking the region's immense entrepreneurial potential.

Faculty Development and Capacity Building

Recognizing the pivotal role of educators, the program includes a 5-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) to upskill faculty members in HEIs. The FDP equips educators with:

• The latest industry insights
• Business incubation strategies
• Hands-on coaching techniques

This ensures that faculty can effectively mentor and support aspiring women entrepreneurs.

Award to Rewards Initiative

A standout feature of Swavalambini is the Award to Rewards Initiative, which celebrates and recognizes successful women entrepreneurs emerging from the program. By showcasing these success stories, Swavalambini aims to inspire the next generation of female business leaders and emphasize the critical role of women-led enterprises in shaping India’s economic future.

Impact and Vision

Swavalambini aspires to see at least 10% of EDP trainees launch successful enterprises. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within HEIs, the initiative is poised to:

• Create sustainable women-led businesses
• Provide seed funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities
• Establish Northeast India as a hub for women entrepreneurs

In conclusion, the Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards inclusive economic development. By empowering women to become job creators and business leaders, this initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in India, particularly in the vibrant and diverse Northeast region.