WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS INDIA
ET AI Awards 2027 are here: Discover if your AI innovation is ready for the spotlight of a national stage!
Celebrating the future of technology, the ET AI Awards 2027 acknowledges key innovations and leadership in AI from various industries in India. With an impressive array of over 40 categories, these awards emphasize the importance of AI developments by startups, SMEs, and large enterprises, offering a valuable stage for recognizing their contributions to the AI ecosystem.
Credit guarantee fund for small units extended by five years
The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year extension for the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units and the Stand-Up India scheme. An allocation of ₹5,000 crore will support micro units, while ₹4,111 crore funds will assist Stand-Up India initiatives. The Cabinet also approved an 8.5 km extension of the Noida-Greater Noida Metro corridor to improve connectivity. Eligible borrowers can access loans for new enterprises to promote economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Cabinet approves extending credit guarantee fund for micro units, and Stand up India scheme; Aqua Line metro rail corridors extension gets nod
The Union Cabinet has extended the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units and Stand-Up India schemes by five years until 2031, approving a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore and Rs 4,111 crore, respectively. The extensions are expected to facilitate Rs 12.6 lakh crore in Mudra loans and support at least 2.5 lakh additional women, SC and ST entrepreneurs.
Cabinet extends Stand-Up India Scheme till 2031, approves Rs 4,111 crore corpus to support 2.5 lakh more entrepreneurs
The Union Cabinet has extended the Stand-Up India Scheme to support women and marginalized entrepreneurs. This extension will last for five years, ultimately reaching till March 31, 2031. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to an additional 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs during this period. Eligible entrepreneurs can avail loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore with significant loan coverage.
The much awaited Noida-Greater Noida West metro link, a mega museum and more: Inside the Cabinet's Rs 77,101 crore package
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved significant proposals for infrastructure and business support across India. The government will allocate ₹3,230 crores for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum in New Delhi. A metro rail project linking Noida and Greater Noida will receive ₹2,390 crores for development. Additionally, ₹62,370 crores will be set aside for NBS rates on fertilizers for the Rabi 2026-27 season.
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MSME Ministry reviews CPSE procurement from SC/ST enterprises to meet mandated target
A total of 30 public sector undertakings, including Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, NTPC, Airports Authority of India, BEML, and Coal India Limited, attended the consultations.
ET F&B Conclave North India 2026: Celebrating the leaders, innovators and iconic brands shaping India's hospitality industry
ET Food and Beverage Conclave North India 2026 was recently held in New Delhi to honor industry achievers. Prominent restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, and entrepreneurs attended to discuss evolving trends in the F&B sector. Various panel discussions focused on dining preferences and the global potential of Indian restaurant brands. Awards were presented to women leaders, F&B business leaders, and notable restaurant brands.
Poverty low, expectations high: India’s next challenge is creating jobs and driving reforms
Poverty rates in India have decreased remarkably, with expectations rising for future economic prosperity and growth. Initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer and Swachh Bharat Mission have significantly improved living conditions. However, while the government has driven welfare improvements, job creation remains the role of entrepreneurs.
Lighting lives beyond Diwali: How everyday Indians are making a difference through giving
An RBI officer, a Bengaluru retailer, a safari lodge owner and a 24-year-old money coach tell us how giving a little, steadily, lights someone else’s life, long after Diwali.
Uttar Pradesh to launch state Quantum Mission, steps up push for AI and robotics
The state of Uttar Pradesh is gearing up to launch a transformative Quantum Mission, poised to bolster its technology framework. By focusing on quantum technology within a broader digital transformation agenda, the initiative aims to ignite innovation. At the ETGovernment AI Vision Conclave, leading industry figures explored the adoption of AI, investment avenues, and workforce readiness.
Rs 10,000 investment created a Rs 600 crore per yer business: How Bengaluru man created flourishing IT empire that survived three recessions
Bengaluru entrepreneur RS Shanbhag had just Rs 10,000 in is pocket but a vision and a relentless can-do attitude. The firm he established in 1991, went on to generate a revenue between Rs 500- Rs 1000 crore annually by 2025. He focused on IT services and rural employment, which helped him survive three recessions.
UP looks beyond Lucknow to boost startups, MSMEs as Aavishkaar, Intellecap partner with Invest UP
With more than 11.5 million MSMEs across the state, Uttar Pradesh is looking beyond its established startup centres to build a wider enterprise ecosystem. A new Invest UP partnership with Aavishkaar Foundation and Intellecap aims to take capital, advisory support and market connections closer to entrepreneurs across its districts.
Government working to utilise procurement process for promoting startups: DPIIT Secretary
The Indian government aims to use procurement processes to promote startups within the nation effectively. Over 2.5 lakh startups exist in the country, with many in smaller towns. National Startup Awards 6.0 will award winning startups a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh across various categories. The initiative seeks to enhance support through mentorship, investor connections, and market access.
Govt proposes questions on women entrepreneurs, electricity use in ASUSE 2027-28 as survey moves to financial year
The government is proposing new questions for the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises beginning in 2027. These questions will focus on women entrepreneurs, electricity sources, and fixed-asset investments. The survey will shift to a financial year format to align with other surveys. Gender-specific constraints faced by female entrepreneurs will also be captured for the first time. This initiative aims to improve data on India's unincorporated economy for policy discussions.
MoSPI to start annual unincorporated sector enterprises survey from April 2027
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will conduct the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises from April 2027. New questions will address gender-specific constraints faced by female entrepreneurs for the first time. Additionally, the survey will capture the investment in fixed assets over an extended period. The survey period has shifted to align with the financial year for better data utility.
From field to market: The farmer without a title
UN has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, shining a light on the importance of recognising female farmers. In India, women make up over 45% of the agricultural labour force, yet they encounter hurdles relating to land rights and income disparities. Maharashtra's recent laws aim to empower women in agriculture, but a nationwide application is critical.
‘Wars now target economies’: PM Modi warns of ‘cyber terrorists’, calls for stronger banking security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India's new data centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar. He emphasized the importance of protecting India's banking system from potential cyber threats. Modi noted that India's banking sector has become more efficient and accessible to the masses since 2014. He underscored the government's efforts to provide formal banking services to previously disadvantaged groups.
It's time Delhi set the pace in scaling up businesses
India is working towards improving the ease of scaling businesses to boost economic growth and employment. The role of Delhi is critical in fostering a supportive business environment that enhances investment. Effective infrastructure, skilled labor, and access to finance are essential for businesses to grow confidently. Collaboration between education and industry will also expand opportunities and inclusivity in the workforce.
Women entrepreneurs can power Asia’s digital trade boom
Women entrepreneurs across Asia are increasingly turning to digital trade, enabling them to reach markets far beyond their local confines. This transition allows them to bypass traditional mobility challenges and limited funding opportunities. A variety of initiatives are in place to bolster women-led enterprises through training and improved financial access.
India-New Zealand FTA comes into effect today
The FTA will provide Indian exporters with 100% duty-free access to the New Zealand market, opening opportunities for MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, farmers and artisans. This is expected to facilitate $20 billion in investments into India in 15 years that would create opportunities across manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, and innovation.
SARAS Mela moves beyond Delhi-NCR, brings 1,500 rural women entrepreneurs to Vijayawada
The National SARAS Mela in Vijayawada showcases around 1,500 women entrepreneurs from various states and union territories. Organized under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission, the event focuses on market access. Workshops on branding, packaging, and digital marketing enhance business skills for participants. The government aims to help women achieve sustainable incomes of at least Rs 1 lakh annually.
Who is Samyak Chakrabarty? Meet the co-founder of Navya Nanda's Nimaya Foundation
Samyak Chakrabarty, who co-founded the Nimaya Foundation with Navya Naveli Nanda, blends AI, entrepreneurship, and social good. He went to Jai Hind College, was a Senior Fellow at Ashoka University, and started Workverse and The Smart Fellowship. He recently met Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with Nanda to discuss growing the GenAI Ready Naari program for young women.
Commerce Ministry organizes “Leveraging FTAs” outreach program in Jaipur to boost exports
The Commerce Ministry organized an outreach event in Jaipur, targeting exporters to clarify the use of benefits provided by India's free trade agreements. This initiative aims to translate preferential market access into tangible export opportunities for Indian enterprises, emphasizing Rajasthan's strengths in textiles, handicrafts, and gems. Plans for coordination among stakeholders are outlined to optimize support for exporters moving forward.
Even established businesses can find new opportunities in AI, says Sunil Mittal
Bharti Enterprises, founder and chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said identifying opportunities at the right time had played a central role in Bharti’s growth, even when the company lacked the financial strength of bigger competitors.
AI tools like ChatGPT opening new opportunities for businesses: Sunil Bharti Mittal
Sunil Bharti Mittal articulated the critical importance for businesses to adapt to rapid technological changes to maintain a competitive edge in today's market. He noted that AI innovations, such as ChatGPT, unlock new avenues for commercial growth across sectors. Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, he stressed the necessity of swiftly recognizing and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, and underscored the vital role of securing funding to invest in modern technologies.
Valuation of businesses run by under-35s rises 23% to Rs 48 lakh crore: Hurun report
The total valuation of businesses run by individuals under 35 in India rose significantly this year. The number of young business leaders increased from 155 to 180, showing notable growth. A total of 37 companies on the list are valued at over $1 billion, employing more than 5.88 lakh people. Meanwhile, the emergence of founders in the artificial intelligence sector has quadrupled.
HLL Lifecare launches eStore to expand direct-to-consumer reach
State-owned company HLL Lifecare launched HLL eStore, a digital platform aimed to expand access to its healthcare and wellness products across the country. The platform would be part of its broader digital transformation strategy, enabling customers, business partners and healthcare institutions to engage with the company through an integrated online marketplace. The eStore also offers medical products and supplies.
AI Young Leader of the Year: Recognising the next generation of AI leadership
AI is opening new routes into entrepreneurship, product development and technical leadership for younger professionals. The AI Young Leader of the Year category at the ET AI Awards 2027 recognises individuals under 30 whose work demonstrates innovation, sound execution and measurable impact across AI research, products and business applications.
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