On October 1, 2024, NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Telangana government, launched the first state chapter of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in Hyderabad. This initiative aims to enhance the ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Telangana by providing essential resources, tools, and networking opportunities to support their business growth.
Objectives of the WEP Telangana Chapter
The WEP Telangana Chapter, with WE Hub as the nodal organization, focuses on fostering entrepreneurship among women across various sectors. The platform offers tailored support, including:
- Digital Skills Training: Empowering women with essential technological skills.
- Access to Financial Services: Facilitating financial assistance for business ventures.
- Mentorship: Connecting entrepreneurs with experienced professionals.
- Market Connections: Linking women entrepreneurs to potential customers and markets.
Role of WE Hub
WE Hub, India’s first incubation center exclusively for women entrepreneurs, will oversee the implementation and management of this platform. It will leverage its extensive expertise and network to provide comprehensive support for women-led businesses.
Remarks from NITI Aayog Leaders
BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized the importance of women entrepreneurship for India’s economic future. He stated, “The WEP State Chapter in Telangana will significantly enhance opportunities for women by addressing the challenges they face in finance, mentoring, and marketing.”
Dr. Sangeetha Reddy, Co-chair of WEP and Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, highlighted the crucial role of mentoring in business success. She noted that the platform would provide valuable networking opportunities and guidance on funding options, government schemes, and business planning.
Announcement of Key Leadership
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for IT and I&C Departments, announced Sita Pallacholla, CEO of WE Hub, as the Mission Director of the WEP Telangana Chapter. He also introduced ‘WE Bridge,’ a single-window platform for women entrepreneurs across the state. He pointed out that Telangana was chosen for the first state chapter due to its strong support system for entrepreneurship within Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and its established innovation ecosystem in academic institutions.
Conclusion
This launch marks a significant step toward empowering women entrepreneurs in Telangana and promoting economic growth in the region.
