NSDC, Britannia launch Women Entrepreneurship Program !!!

Delhi:- In a strategic move to boost women entrepreneurs and drive economic growth, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has introduced the Women Entrepreneurship Program. This initiative, launched in collaboration with Britannia Industries Limited, aims to tackle the unique challenges women face in starting and growing businesses. The program will provide financial grants and feature participants’ products and services on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), reflecting a commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial environment.

Key statements

At the program’s launch, Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, expressed gratitude for Britannia’s partnership, emphasizing significant progress in entrepreneurship through various national initiatives. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with other organizations and government departments to provide skill training to women’s self-help groups and help organize them into business entities. Tiwari noted that women constitute 82% of trainees under the Jan Shikshan Sansthan program and 45% in the PMKVY short-term training program.

Program components and goals

The initiative addresses the challenges women face in entrepreneurship by offering essential skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities. It includes complimentary self-learning basic entrepreneurship courses available in multiple languages on SIDH. Participants will receive a co-branded certificate from NSDC, Britannia Industries, and the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) upon course completion. The program aims to empower approximately 2.5 million women across India with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to start and grow successful businesses. A grand finale will feature the top 50 contestants presenting their business ideas to a jury, with Britannia Industries awarding financial grants of 10 lakh rupees each to 10 of the most successful contestants.

Program aligns with PM’s vision

Ved Mani Tiwari, COO and Acting CEO of NSDC, emphasized that the program aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for women’s development and celebrates the progress from initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to Lakhpati Didi. He highlighted the collaboration between private and public sectors in encouraging women’s entrepreneurial ambitions.

Rajneet Singh Kohli, CEO and Executive Director of Britannia Industries, articulated Britannia Marie Gold’s vision to help women entrepreneurs achieve more together. He described the partnership with NSDC as a transformative step for women’s empowerment in India.

Government and organizational support

The Indian government is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs through skills development, access to free self-learning courses, and comprehensive incubation support. The program, implemented in multiple phases, ensures thorough support and maximum impact. The first phase involves offering free online self-learning entrepreneurship courses through SIDH, covering topics such as entrepreneurial skills, enterprise setup, finance basics, digital skills, and market analysis.

Incubation and long-term support

In the second phase, NSDC will provide robust incubation support to 10,000 shortlisted contestants across 100 business models. This support includes business model selection, entrepreneurship development programs, industrial workshops, business registration assistance, project report preparation, and guidance on funding through various government schemes. Participants’ products and services will be showcased on SIDH’s e-commerce platform, UdhyamKart, and Britannia’s digital ecosystem for women entrepreneurship. NSDC will conduct periodic impact assessments to evaluate the success and sustainability of the supported businesses, ensuring the program’s long-term effectiveness.

This initiative represents a significant effort to expand the reach and visibility of women-led enterprises, creating a supportive ecosystem that empowers women entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential. The partnership between NSDC and Britannia underscores a shared commitment to cultivating an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive and significantly contribute to India’s economic growth.