Women-led MSMEs supported for export readiness and market access
NEW DELHI (India CSR): DP World, a global logistics and trade solutions company, and NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform honoured 10 women entrepreneurs under the We Rise programme to strengthen export readiness, market access and business capability among women-led enterprises across India, the company said.
The recognition marked the culmination of We Rise, or Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises. The initiative was launched in October 2025 to support women entrepreneurs with skills, knowledge and networks needed to scale their businesses and access new markets.
The Top 10 entrepreneurs were selected from more than 600 applications received from across India. They represented sectors such as food, handicrafts, textiles, beauty and wellness.
The finalists were recognised for building businesses with innovation and market relevance. The initiative also reflected the increasing participation of women-led enterprises in India’s trade and economic growth.
Through the programme, participants received structured mentorship, expert-led workshops and digital learning modules. The learning areas included branding, packaging, logistics, compliance and positioning for international markets.
The programme is relevant for India’s MSME, CSR, ESG and inclusive trade ecosystem. It focuses on practical business support for women entrepreneurs and aims to improve their ability to participate in domestic and global markets.
Speaking at the event, former India captain Mithali Raj said, “As a cricketer, I know that every milestone is earned through preparation, resilience, and the courage to perform when it matters most. The women entrepreneurs celebrated through DP World’s We Rise program have shown that same spirit stepping up, proving their strength, and building businesses ready for the global arena. Their journey reminds us that when opportunity meets determination, futures are not just imagined, they are achieved.”
Anna Roy, Programme Director, NITI Aayog, and Mission Director, Women Entrepreneurship Platform, said India’s growing role in global supply chains makes women’s participation in entrepreneurship and trade important.
“As India strengthens its position within global supply chains, increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship and trade becomes critical to building a more inclusive and resilient economy. We Rise has been designed as a comprehensive platform that equips women entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence and market orientation needed to scale sustainably and participate meaningfully in global markets,” she said.
Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager Subcontinent, India, DP World, said women entrepreneurs are contributing to innovation, jobs and communities.
“Women entrepreneurs are shaping India’s economic future through innovation, job creation and stronger communities. Through We Rise, in partnership with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform, DP World is helping women entrepreneurs build capabilities, expand networks and access global opportunities. The initiative reflects our commitment to enabling inclusive trade ecosystems and supporting India’s growth through entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said.
A curated panel featuring Mithali Raj, Hemant Kumar Ruia and Anna Roy discussed the role of women-led MSMEs in India’s export ambitions. The discussion highlighted the importance of ecosystem support in helping women entrepreneurs scale globally.
DP World said it will continue to support the finalists through curated learning resources, industry networks and ecosystem opportunities aimed at long-term business growth and global competitiveness.
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