Women Entrepreneurs: Engine of Growth, Employment and Exports

Data from the Ministry of micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India suggests that women-owned enterprises have been growing, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of all own-account enterprises. While 20 per cent is still a small percentage, it could also be construed as the effects of the women-centric policies finally taking off.  There is little doubt that MSMEs are heralded as the backbone of the economy in India, yet, within this engine of growth lies there remains the untapped potential of the woman entrepreneur. 

Despite these green shoots, the path for a woman entrepreneur or employee in the MSME sector is less of a ladder and more of a labyrinth. The challenges are not merely operational but are also, unfortunately, deeply entrenched in the social fabric. One of the most glaring issues remains the lack of asset ownership.

Women entrepreneurs, no matter where they are based continue to shoulder the responsibility of propelling economic growth, employment, and exports.

Personal note from Laurel – Happy 2026!  Make it a standout year for you.  Also, feel free to attend a wegginar I am presenting on 1/7 at 11:00 AM CT on global trade trends.  It's free of charge but you must register to get the sign-in link.  Get a leg up for your business in 2026. 

How Women-led Rural Enterprises Grow in India

To identify mechanisms that would help India-based women-led enterprises grow to their full potential, the World Bank carried out a study in six Indian states. 

The study showed that more than 85 percent of women-owned, rural, non-farm enterprises are concentrated in five sub-sectors: retail trade, manufacturing of apparel, food products, food and beverage services and the handloom sector.

Learn more about targeted policies for broader support to India for promoting rural women’s entrepreneurship.