NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Indian School of Business (ISB) Executive Education, in collaboration with Samhita-CGF, proudly announced the successful completion of its pilot Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme for 2023-2024. This transformative initiative, aimed at equipping rural women with entrepreneurial skills, has already trained 500 women entrepreneurs across five states: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Building on this success, the program has now expanded to a new cohort of 550 women in seven blocks of Uttarakhand, underscoring the long-term vision to uplift millions of women entrepreneurs across the nation.
Holistic Skill Development for Rural Entrepreneurs
Let’s dive in to understand what makes this initiative stand out. The bespoke programme is designed as a joint effort, combining online learning modules by ISB Executive Education with mentorship from Samhita-CGF, delivered in a hybrid format. This approach ensures flexibility, enabling women to balance household duties with entrepreneurial pursuits.
Key Features of the Program:
- Business Development Training: Comprehensive lessons on managing and scaling small enterprises.
- Financial Literacy Workshops: Teaching participants to manage budgets, access loans, and track business expenses.
- Marketing and Digital Skills: Equipping women with tools to market their products effectively and build a digital presence.
- Mentorship and Networking: Providing opportunities to connect with successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Positive Impact on Participants
The program’s impact has been transformative. Many participants from the first cohort have launched small businesses or secured additional livelihood opportunities.
Sujatha Kumaraswamy, Executive Director of Executive Education and Digital Learning at ISB, emphasized the importance of education in fostering long-term success:
“This partnership with Samhita-CGF marks a significant step in empowering women entrepreneurs in rural areas. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and resources they need to build and sustain successful businesses.”
A National Priority for Economic Growth
Priya Naik, CEO and Founder of Samhita Social Ventures Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of women’s entrepreneurship:
“Increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship is a national priority. When more women succeed as entrepreneurs, the GDP sees a tangible uplift. We aim to double the incomes of 2 million women entrepreneurs over the next five years.”
Certification and Community Role Models
Participants who complete the program receive joint certification from ISB Executive Education and Samhita-CGF, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. Additionally, standout participants, referred to as ‘Champions,’ are selected to serve as community role models and mentors for future cohorts.
Table: Key Highlights of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme
| Program Element | Details |
|---|---|
| States Covered | Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra |
| Current Expansion | 550 women across seven blocks in Uttarakhand |
| Key Training Areas | Business management, financial literacy, digital marketing |
| Target Impact | Double incomes of 2 million women in 5 years |
| Certification | Joint certification from ISB and Samhita-CGF |
Building a Stronger Future
The collaboration between ISB Executive Education and Samhita-CGF represents more than just a training program—it’s a movement for economic resilience and gender equality. By fostering entrepreneurship, this initiative helps women build independent futures and become agents of change within their communities.
You might be wondering, “How can this initiative inspire more organizations to get involved?” The answer lies in showcasing real stories of empowerment and success.
