Government of Mizoram, highlighted the government’s initiatives in fostering women’s entrepreneurship, stressing the importance of financial access, skill development, digital literacy, and mentorship.
Ms. Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor, NITI Aayog, and Mission Director, WEP, stated:
“The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) is a catalyst for change, bringing together government, private sector, and civil society to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem for women. By addressing critical needs such as access to finance, markets, skilling, and mentorship, WEP empowers women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and contribute to economic growth.”
Key Highlights of the Workshop:
- WEP Mizoram State Chapter
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched its Mizoram State Chapter, making it the first in Northeast India. This initiative aims to strengthen regional support for women entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship, and business opportunities.
- New Shop ATR Launch in Northeast
As part of WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) initiative, the New Shop ATR program was launched to support women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. ATR has already impacted 750+ women across nine cohorts, addressing their business needs and rewarding exceptional performances. The New Shop Award to Reward (ATR) program was launched to support women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. Ten selected participants will receive intensive training, mentorship, and financial assistance, with two outstanding performers being rewarded.
- Awards to Women Entrepreneurs – Project Maitri
As part of the Award to Reward initiative, outstanding women homestay entrepreneurs from Northeast India were honored under Project Maitri. The winners include Monika Devi (Eco Heritage Villa), Lopamudra Bharali (Jazzabor with Private Kitchen), and Barsha Sharma (Nolina Boutique Homestay). This program, launched in Arunachal Pradesh, provided intensive training to help women scale their tourism ventures.
- WEP App – Beta Version
The beta version of the WEP App was launched to digitize entrepreneurial support for women. The app will provide easy access to mentorship, funding, resources, and networking opportunities, fostering a stronger ecosystem for women-led businesses.
- Panel Discussions and Workshops – Covering topics such as government policies, financial access, and fostering young women entrepreneurs. The workshop witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 500 participants, including women entrepreneurs, college students, local self-help groups, government officials, industry leaders, incubators, financial institutions, and philanthropic foundations. Engaging sessions provided valuable insights and knowledge to strengthen women entrepreneurs’ journeys, while a tech experience center curated by the SELCO Foundation showcased innovative sustainable technology solutions by women entrepreneurs in the North East along with other exhibitions organised by DONeR, ADP and Government of Mizoram.
The success of the workshop reaffirms WEP’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem for women across India, especially in the North-East.
