Empowering Meghalaya's Women Entrepreneurs: Swavalambini Initiative Launched

Guwahati, Feb 8: In a landmark move aimed at fostering women-led enterprises, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has launched Swavalambini — a Women Entrepreneurship Programme in Meghalaya, Assam, and Mizoram. The initiative seeks to inspire entrepreneurial aspirations among female students, providing them with structured training, mentorship, and financial assistance to cultivate the next generation of business leaders in Meghalaya and beyond.

For the first time, MSDE and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) have introduced a comprehensive framework guiding participants from entrepreneurial awareness to venture development, mentorship, and funding. Successful women entrepreneurs will be recognized and celebrated to inspire others to follow their path.

North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Kiang Nangbah Government College, and Ri-Bhoi College are among the key educational institutions in Meghalaya participating in the programme. Faculty members from these colleges will receive specialized training to mentor budding entrepreneurs, ensuring long-term guidance and support.

Highlighting the initiative’s importance, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for MSDE, emphasized its potential to reshape the entrepreneurial landscape in Meghalaya:
“Swavalambini is a testament to our mission to empower young women as job creators and leaders of tomorrow. By unlocking their potential and supporting scalable ideas, we hope to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region.”

The program features a two-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) for 600 students, followed by an intensive 40-hour Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) for 300 selected participants. The EDP covers essential business skills, market strategies, financial planning, and legal compliance. Participants also benefit from six months of dedicated mentorship to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures.

A defining aspect of Swavalambini is its Award to Rewards Initiative, celebrating and showcasing successful women entrepreneurs emerging from the programme. This initiative aligns with India’s broader mission for women-led entrepreneurship under Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, and PM Mudra Yojana.

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