Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform of NITI Aayog, has launched the Swavalambini initiative, a Women Entrepreneurship Programme aimed at empowering female students across six states in India. This pilot project, which commenced in February 2025, targets young women in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. The programme is designed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and provide essential resources for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Structured Training for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The Swavalambini project employs a comprehensive, multi-stage training approach to guide young women from the initial stages of idea generation to the establishment of successful enterprises. The initiative aims to instill an entrepreneurial mindset among female students, ensuring they are well-informed about the various support mechanisms, schemes, and resources available to them. The programme targets 1,200 female students from participating HEIs, who will first engage in an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) to build foundational knowledge about entrepreneurship.
From the EAP participants, 600 students will be selected to participate in the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP). This intensive training will cover critical aspects of business, including skill development, access to finance, market linkages, legal compliance, and networking opportunities. Following the EDP, participants will receive 21 weeks of mentorship and support to help them transform their ideas into viable business ventures.
Support and Mentorship from Industry Leaders
The MSDE will oversee the implementation and monitoring of the Swavalambini programme, while NITI Aayog will facilitate workshops, mentoring, and seed funding for participants. A key component of the initiative is the Award to Reward (ATR) initiative, which recognizes successful entrepreneurs. During the mentorship phase, industry leaders and established entrepreneurs will provide guidance and share their experiences, helping participants navigate the challenges of starting and running a business.
This hands-on support aims to empower young women by equipping them with practical knowledge and insights from those who have successfully established their own enterprises. The involvement of experienced mentors is expected to inspire participants and enhance their confidence in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.
Empowering Educators for Long-Term Impact
To ensure the sustainability of the Swavalambini programme, a Faculty Development Programme (FDP) will be implemented. Faculty members from the participating HEIs will undergo a five-day training session designed to equip them with the skills necessary to mentor and support aspiring women entrepreneurs within their institutions. This initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem for female students, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in higher education.
As of July 15, 2025, the programme has already seen significant participation, with 996 students completing the EAP and 139 students progressing to the EDP. The MSDE plans to evaluate the outcomes of this pilot project to determine the feasibility of expanding the Swavalambini initiative to a broader network of HEIs across additional states and union territories.
Future Prospects for Women Entrepreneurs
The Swavalambini programme represents a significant step towards empowering young women in India to become job creators and contribute to the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. By embedding entrepreneurial knowledge in higher education, the initiative aims to inspire a new generation of female entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth and development.
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSDE, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, provided this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among women. The success of the Swavalambini programme could pave the way for more initiatives aimed at supporting women in business across the nation.
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