THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today launched the Kerala edition of WING-Women Rise Together, a unique initiative by Startup India, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for capacity development of women entrepreneurs in the country.
The WING programme will identify and support both aspiring and established women entrepreneurs in their startup journeys through workshops and access to incubation, investors and various business support services.
Though India has achieved great heights in fostering entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem, women constitute only 13.76% of the total entrepreneurs in India. With the objective of promoting gender inclusivity in innovation and entrepreneurship, Startup India has rolled out this program and aims to support at least 7500 women entrepreneurs in the country over the next one year. Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) along with LetsVenture has been awarded the responsibility by Invest India for running this programme in all the southern states- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala.
The programme was launched by Chief Minister at ‘Huddle Kerala 2019’, a startup conclave organised by Kerala Startup Mission and IAMAI (Internet And Mobile Association of India). The first leg of the programme will happen in Kerala and will then spread to the rest of the country. Five agencies have been selected by Invest India to run the programme across India.
While the consortium of KSUM and Let’s Venture will lead the programme in the south, KIIT-TBI, Startup Oasis, FITT – IIT Delhi, and Singex will implement the programme in East, West, North, and North-East.
“We understand the potential of mobilising the women entrepreneurs in the country. Through this Capacity Development programme we want to bring women to the forefront of innovation and support them with various benefits like incubation, mentorship, investments etc. to help them grow.” said Anil Agrawal, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, during the launch event.
Kerala Government has already taken great strides in supporting women entrepreneurs by announcing free pre-incubation programme, 100% financing for international business visits, and other schemes for early stage funding and technology commercialisation.
“Women today have overcome every possible negative notion about them, proving themselves beyond doubt in every sphere of life, including the intricate world of entrepreneurship. Mobilising the untapped aptitude of women entrepreneurs in the country will fuel the next wave of economic development. Through this initiative, we will run focused programmes to identify, support and celebrate women entrepreneurs and give them a platform to give wings to their dreams.” said Dr Saji Gopinath, CEO, KSUM.
The first four workshops are planned in Thrissur, Kochi, Trivandrum and Calicut between October 18 to November 9. Interested women entrepreneurs can find more details and sign up for the workshops at http://bit.ly/WINGKerala.
