Promoting women entrepreneurship has been prioritised by the government, says the Ministry of Commerce. Out of approximately 58,000 start-ups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), 46 per cent have at least one female director. In fact, under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), around 55 women-led start-ups have been awarded financial assistance.
30 start-ups have been sanctioned funds of ₹1.948 crores, and 10 per cent of the fund (₹1,000 crores) operated by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has been allotted to women-led start-ups.
Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, hopes that this will help women lead start-up culture in Maharashtra. In fact, more than 50,000 start-ups have already been recognised in India, placing us as the third-largest ecosystem in the world.
“Women-owned business enterprises are playing a prominent role in the society inspiring others and generating more employment opportunities in the country,” the Ministry told Lok Sabha.
Goyal also recalled the effort and contribution of social reformer and educationist Savitribal Phule, pointing out that it was Savitribai who had started the first girls’ school in Pune. Keeping that in mind, he said it is only apt that women entrepreneurs exhibit their work in this Science Technology Park in Pune.
Minister Goyal also made a comparison between incubators and parents, emphasising that they are like guides and supporters that start-ups need.