Gaurav Bhagat: Entrepreneurship has long been considered a powerful driver of innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. Yet, in 2025, women remain significantly underrepresented in this space, especially in leadership roles. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2024–25 report, women account for just 28% of entrepreneurs globally, with the percentage in India hovering around 20%. Despite these statistics, women entrepreneurs are rewriting the narrative and demonstrating the immense potential of gender-inclusive ecosystems.
As a business consultant and skill trainer, I’ve had the privilege of working with several remarkable women entrepreneurs who have defied the odds, not just building successful businesses but also inspiring others to follow suit. Their journeys underscore the urgent need for more inclusive, supportive environments that empower women to thrive in entrepreneurship.
Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Face
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. These include:
Limited Access to Capital: Studies show that less than 3% of global venture capital funding in 2024 went to women-led businesses.
1. Societal Expectations: Balancing familial responsibilities with business aspirations often creates barriers for women.
2. Lack of Networks and Mentorship: Women frequently miss out on critical networks and mentorship opportunities, essential for scaling their businesses.
Creating Inclusive Ecosystems for Growth
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Here’s how we can empower women entrepreneurs and foster inclusivity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem:
1. Skill Development and Education
Skill-building programs are transformative tools for women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate challenges. Initiatives like digital literacy workshops, financial management training, and sales bootcamps enable women to enhance their business acumen.
We’ve seen firsthand how structured programs focusing on core entrepreneurial skills, like negotiation and strategic planning, empower women to take charge of their businesses. For instance, Payal Agarwal, CEO of Chaiom, credits such mentorship for scaling her tea brand into a thriving enterprise across India.
2. Building Strong Mentorship Networks
Mentorship is a game-changer for women entrepreneurs. According to a 2024 survey by LinkedIn, 67% of women entrepreneurs who had access to a mentor reported increased confidence in their decision-making abilities.
Success stories like Prerana Saxena, Founder of Theme Weavers International, highlight the importance of mentorship. Under guidance from seasoned leaders, she transformed her event management company into a global brand that delivers culturally rich and sustainable events. Creating mentorship programs that connect aspiring women entrepreneurs with industry veterans is crucial for driving similar success stories.
3. Financial Inclusion and Accessibility
Improving access to capital for women entrepreneurs is non-negotiable. Financial institutions must design women-centric loan products and funding opportunities, offering lower interest rates or flexible repayment options. Furthermore, venture capitalists and angel investors should allocate specific funds for women-led startups to level the playing field.
Platforms like WE Hub in India have pioneered such efforts, offering financial support and tailored incubation services to women entrepreneurs. These initiatives need to be amplified and replicated nationwide.
4. Promoting Gender-Neutral Workspaces
Inclusivity begins at the workplace. Organizations must cultivate a culture that encourages equal participation and leadership roles for women. Offering policies like flexible work hours, paid parental leave, and childcare support helps women manage both their personal and professional responsibilities effectively.
Inclusive workspaces also benefit from diverse perspectives, which are known to drive innovation. A McKinsey study from 2024 revealed that gender-diverse businesses are 25% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts.
5. Highlighting Role Models and Success Stories
Representation matters. Featuring success stories of women entrepreneurs inspires others to pursue their dreams. Stories like those of Sheetal Bhargava, Director of Amrapali Steels, and Ekta Sharma, Managing Director of Khyaath Design Holidays, exemplify resilience, creativity, and leadership.
By celebrating these stories through media, industry events, and educational platforms, we can create a ripple effect, encouraging more women to enter the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Role of Society and Leaders
Leaders across sectors—corporate, government, and education—have a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity. Here’s how:
- Corporate Sector: Invest in supplier diversity programs, partnering with women-led businesses for goods and services.
- Government: Launch schemes that provide grants and incentives for women entrepreneurs in emerging industries like technology, renewable energy, and healthcare.
- Education Institutions: Include entrepreneurship modules tailored for young women, encouraging them to think innovatively from an early age.
Together, we can create a future where women entrepreneurs not only contribute to economic growth but also redefine leadership and innovation globally. It’s time to turn intentions into action and build a world where every woman has the tools, support, and opportunities to succeed.
