Across boardrooms, living rooms, and rural fields, Indian women are turning bold ideas into thriving businesses. From beauty and fintech to agriculture and education, women are proving that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose, passion, and resilience.
While the numbers still reflect a gap, the momentum is undeniable. As per the Women in India’s Startup Ecosystem Report (WISER), the share of women-led startups rose from 10% in 2017 to 18% by 2022. The 2024 Economic Survey notes that women own about 22% of India’s MSMEs. It’s not just a trend—it’s a transformation in progress.
From Passion Projects to Powerhouses
Some of the most recognizable Indian brands today are powered by women who started with a personal problem—and turned it into a national solution.
Take Falguni Nayar, who founded Nykaa at 50, after a successful corporate career. Her platform revolutionized how Indians shop for beauty and wellness, and Nykaa’s IPO turned her into one of India’s richest self-made women.
Vineeta Singh launched SUGAR Cosmetics with a mission to build a bold, homegrown makeup brand for Indian skin tones and sensibilities. Today, SUGAR stands toe-to-toe with international beauty giants.
Ghazal Alagh started Mamaearth as a new mom frustrated by unsafe baby products. That concern sparked a clean beauty revolution—today, Mamaearth is a unicorn known for its toxin-free, eco-conscious offerings.
These are more than business stories—they’re stories of courage, clarity, and commitment.
Changing Lives, One Local Business at a Time
Not every entrepreneur has a flashy logo or funding round—but that doesn’t make her impact any smaller.
Chetna Sinha, founder of Mann Deshi Bank, has empowered thousands of rural women in Maharashtra through micro-loans and business skills. Her work is changing lives, one small enterprise at a time.
In towns and villages across India, women are building businesses in handloom, food processing, and organic farming. With the help of platforms like Amazon Saheli and Flipkart Samarth, they’re reaching customers far beyond their local markets.
Social entrepreneurs like Aditi Gupta, co-founder of Menstrupedia, are breaking taboos around menstruation using comics and school education tools. These women aren’t just earning—they’re educating and elevating others.
Why It’s Still Harder for Her
Despite the success stories, women still face more hurdles than their male counterparts:
Funding Gaps: According to WISER, women-led startups receive only 20% of total VC funding.
Societal Expectations: Many women juggle business with caregiving, often without systemic support.
Fewer Mentors and Networks: The entrepreneurial world is still largely male-dominated, making it harder for women to access the right guidance or connections.
Additionally, while women are present in large numbers at the micro-enterprise level, their numbers thin drastically as businesses grow in size and complexity.
Support Is Growing, But We Need More
Government schemes like Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana, and Mahila e-Haat are helping women access credit, training, and digital marketplaces. The Digital India movement has enabled home-based entrepreneurs to go national—and even global.
Private initiatives like SHE Capital, SonderConnect, and WE Hub in Telangana are creating tailored spaces for women to grow and lead.
But the real game-changer? Visibility. The more we highlight women’s success, the more role models we offer to girls and women with dreams of their own.
A Ripple That Becomes a Wave
When a woman starts a business, she does more than earn. She creates jobs, reinvests in her community, educates her children, and inspires others. Studies have shown that women entrepreneurs are more likely to build sustainable, inclusive businesses—with lasting social impact.
They’re not just building companies—they’re building futures.
Conclusion: She Means Business
The rise of women entrepreneurs in India is rewriting what leadership looks like. Whether it's a tech founder in Bengaluru, a weaver in Assam, or a baker in Jaipur—every woman who dares to dream is part of this movement.
With the right mix of policy, mentorship, visibility, and belief, we can ensure that this movement isn’t just a moment—but a milestone in India’s growth story.
While the numbers still reflect a gap, the momentum is undeniable. As per the Women in India’s Startup Ecosystem Report (WISER), the share of women-led startups rose from 10% in 2017 to 18% by 2022. The 2024 Economic Survey notes that women own about 22% of India’s MSMEs. It’s not just a trend—it’s a transformation in progress.
From Passion Projects to Powerhouses
Some of the most recognizable Indian brands today are powered by women who started with a personal problem—and turned it into a national solution.
Take Falguni Nayar, who founded Nykaa at 50, after a successful corporate career. Her platform revolutionized how Indians shop for beauty and wellness, and Nykaa’s IPO turned her into one of India’s richest self-made women.
Vineeta Singh launched SUGAR Cosmetics with a mission to build a bold, homegrown makeup brand for Indian skin tones and sensibilities. Today, SUGAR stands toe-to-toe with international beauty giants.
Ghazal Alagh started Mamaearth as a new mom frustrated by unsafe baby products. That concern sparked a clean beauty revolution—today, Mamaearth is a unicorn known for its toxin-free, eco-conscious offerings.
These are more than business stories—they’re stories of courage, clarity, and commitment.
Changing Lives, One Local Business at a Time
Not every entrepreneur has a flashy logo or funding round—but that doesn’t make her impact any smaller.
Chetna Sinha, founder of Mann Deshi Bank, has empowered thousands of rural women in Maharashtra through micro-loans and business skills. Her work is changing lives, one small enterprise at a time.
In towns and villages across India, women are building businesses in handloom, food processing, and organic farming. With the help of platforms like Amazon Saheli and Flipkart Samarth, they’re reaching customers far beyond their local markets.
Social entrepreneurs like Aditi Gupta, co-founder of Menstrupedia, are breaking taboos around menstruation using comics and school education tools. These women aren’t just earning—they’re educating and elevating others.
Why It’s Still Harder for Her
Despite the success stories, women still face more hurdles than their male counterparts:
Funding Gaps: According to WISER, women-led startups receive only 20% of total VC funding.
Societal Expectations: Many women juggle business with caregiving, often without systemic support.
Fewer Mentors and Networks: The entrepreneurial world is still largely male-dominated, making it harder for women to access the right guidance or connections.
Additionally, while women are present in large numbers at the micro-enterprise level, their numbers thin drastically as businesses grow in size and complexity.
Support Is Growing, But We Need More
Government schemes like Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana, and Mahila e-Haat are helping women access credit, training, and digital marketplaces. The Digital India movement has enabled home-based entrepreneurs to go national—and even global.
Private initiatives like SHE Capital, SonderConnect, and WE Hub in Telangana are creating tailored spaces for women to grow and lead.
But the real game-changer? Visibility. The more we highlight women’s success, the more role models we offer to girls and women with dreams of their own.
A Ripple That Becomes a Wave
When a woman starts a business, she does more than earn. She creates jobs, reinvests in her community, educates her children, and inspires others. Studies have shown that women entrepreneurs are more likely to build sustainable, inclusive businesses—with lasting social impact.
They’re not just building companies—they’re building futures.
Conclusion: She Means Business
The rise of women entrepreneurs in India is rewriting what leadership looks like. Whether it's a tech founder in Bengaluru, a weaver in Assam, or a baker in Jaipur—every woman who dares to dream is part of this movement.
With the right mix of policy, mentorship, visibility, and belief, we can ensure that this movement isn’t just a moment—but a milestone in India’s growth story.