by Associations promoting women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering support, guidance, and opportunities specifically tailored for women. These associations aim to remove the social, economic, and structural barriers that women often face while starting or managing a business. They provide essential resources such as training, mentorship, credit assistance, marketing support, and networking platforms that help women gain confidence and develop the skills needed for entrepreneurship. By connecting women with experts, institutions, and markets, these associations create an enabling environment that encourages more women to venture into business activities and sustain long-term growth.
In India, organizations like FIWE, SEWA, ALEAP, CWEI, and others actively contribute to women’s economic empowerment by advocating for policy reforms, organizing workshops, facilitating trade fairs, and improving access to finance. These associations work at grassroots, regional, and national levels to uplift women from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. They help women transform their ideas into viable enterprises by offering technical training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship development programs. Through collaborative networks and community initiatives, these organizations enhance women’s participation in economic activities and contribute to overall national development by promoting inclusiveness, innovation, and self-reliance.
Associations Promoting Women Entrepreneurs
- Federation of Indian Women Entrepreneurs (FIWE)
The Federation of Indian Women Entrepreneurs (FIWE) is one of the most prominent organizations in India that supports women-led businesses across sectors. It provides mentorship, training, business guidance, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs nationwide. FIWE organizes national and international trade fairs to help members showcase their products globally and access new markets. The association works closely with policymakers to address challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and advocates for supportive reforms. By encouraging innovation, leadership, and financial literacy, FIWE empowers women to establish sustainable enterprises and contribute significantly to economic growth and social development in India.
- Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
SEWA is a trade union and cooperative movement focusing on women in the informal sector. It empowers self-employed women by providing access to microfinance, training, social security, and collective bargaining. SEWA supports women in handicrafts, agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and service sectors. Its programs aim to improve working conditions, enhance income, and provide legal awareness. By promoting cooperative models and community-based enterprises, SEWA helps women become financially independent and socially empowered. It bridges gaps in skill development and resource availability, enabling women from marginalized backgrounds to start and sustain businesses while contributing to local and national economic development.
- National Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE)
The National Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE) promotes women entrepreneurship through leadership development, business networking, and workshops. It aims to inspire women to take up business activities by offering guidance on planning, marketing, and finance. NAWE organizes seminars, mentorship programs, and networking events that enable members to exchange ideas, learn best practices, and collaborate. The association also supports access to funding sources and government schemes. By building confidence, skill sets, and business acumen, NAWE plays a vital role in enabling women to overcome barriers, scale up their ventures, and make meaningful contributions to economic growth and innovation.
- Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India (ALEAP)
ALEAP encourages women-led businesses by providing training, consultancy, and financial assistance. It facilitates the establishment of small and medium enterprises, especially in manufacturing, retail, and services. ALEAP promotes industrial estates exclusively for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to set up production units and gain market access. The association conducts entrepreneurship development programs, trade fairs, and workshops to improve technical knowledge and business management skills. By bridging gaps in resources, marketing, and technology, ALEAP empowers women to grow their enterprises, generate employment, and contribute to regional and national economic development, creating a positive social impact.
- Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs of India (CWEI)
CWEI focuses on strengthening women entrepreneurship by providing access to markets, funding, and digital platforms. It helps women promote their products through e-commerce initiatives and national/international exhibitions. CWEI offers training in digital marketing, business management, and financial literacy. By partnering with government agencies and private institutions, CWEI creates opportunities for women to scale their enterprises. The association also supports mentorship programs and networking platforms, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability in women-led businesses. CWEI contributes to economic development by increasing women’s participation in commerce, enhancing productivity, and promoting inclusive growth.
- Women’s India Trust (WIT)
WIT supports women entrepreneurs, especially from marginalized and rural communities, by providing vocational training and skill development. It helps women start small-scale businesses such as handicrafts, tailoring, food processing, and home-based enterprises. WIT assists in marketing products through exhibitions, retail outlets, and online platforms. Its programs focus on income generation, financial inclusion, and social empowerment. By fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship, WIT enhances women’s economic participation and contributes to local and national development. The association also emphasizes community development and capacity building, ensuring sustainable growth for women-led enterprises and improving overall quality of life.
- Bharatiya Stree Shakti (BSS)
Bharatiya Stree Shakti (BSS) aims to develop leadership among women and promote their active participation in economic activities. The association provides entrepreneurship training, mentoring, and awareness programs to address gender disparities. BSS encourages women to start and manage their enterprises, supporting skill development, innovation, and financial management. It advocates for policy reforms and works with government agencies to facilitate access to credit and resources. By empowering women socially and economically, BSS contributes to inclusive growth and helps integrate women more effectively into the formal business sector, fostering national economic development.
- Women Entrepreneurs India (WEI)
WEI is a growing platform that provides mentorship, consultancy, and capacity-building workshops to women entrepreneurs. It guides women through business registration, branding, marketing, and funding opportunities. WEI organizes webinars, networking events, and trade exhibitions to improve access to professional networks. Its online presence provides resources, success stories, and training modules, making entrepreneurship accessible nationwide. By supporting women at various stages of business development, WEI promotes innovation, scalability, and sustainability in women-led enterprises. The association contributes to economic growth by increasing women’s participation and fostering inclusive entrepreneurship.
- International Alliance of Women (IAW) – India Chapter
The IAW India Chapter works globally to support women entrepreneurs by advocating for equal opportunities, leadership development, and business networking. It provides platforms for women to exchange knowledge, access mentorship, and explore international markets. Through conferences, workshops, and awareness programs, IAW encourages women to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and influence economic and social policies. Its initiatives help women overcome barriers in finance, technology, and skill development. By linking women entrepreneurs internationally, IAW strengthens competitiveness, innovation, and global business presence, contributing to both national and international economic growth.
- All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) – Entrepreneurship Wing
The AIWC promotes entrepreneurship as part of its broader mission to empower women socially and economically. Its entrepreneurship wing organizes training programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns for skill development and business management. AIWC helps women access government schemes, credit facilities, and market opportunities. It encourages women to establish micro, small, and medium enterprises, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. By facilitating education, skill-building, and business support, AIWC empowers women to achieve financial independence, create employment, and contribute significantly to national development and economic progress.
