HYDERABAD: In an initiative to further strengthen the ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Telangana, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, on Tuesday launched the first state chapter of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), with WE Hub serving as the nodal organization. This platform aims to promote and support women entrepreneurs across various sectors, providing them with resources, tools, and a robust network to enhance their business growth, an official release said.The WEP Telangana chapter is designed to foster entrepreneurship among women by offering customized support such as digital skilling, access to financial services, mentorship, and market linkages. WE Hub, the first-of-its-kind incubation center in India exclusively for women entrepreneurs, will act as the central body responsible for the implementation and management of this platform, leveraging its expertise and extensive network in empowering women entrepreneurs.
Chief guest for the event BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, shared his enthusiasm: “Women entrepreneurship is key to India’s economic future, and the WEP state chapter in Telangana, with WE Hub as the nodal agency, will significantly enhance opportunities for women. Women entrepreneurs face challenges in receiving support in terms of finances, mentoring, marketing. The base that WEP and the State Chapters provide will help elevate SHG women businesses and build high quality brands through the platform.”
Co-chair of WEP and Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group Dr Sangeetha Reddy stressed on the importance of mentoring. “Mentoring is crucial for the success of any business. Networking opportunities, facilitating connections with industry leaders, potential partners and other entrepreneurs along with access to resources offering guidance on funding options, government schemes, business planning mentoring.
Anna Roy, IES, Principal Economic Advisor, NITI Aayog & Mission Director, WEP, in her opening remarks said: “Iccha Shakti (the power of motivation), Gyaan Shakti (the power of knowledge), and Karma Shakti ( the power of action) are the pillars of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) to empower women entrepreneurs. By harnessing these strengths, WEP aims to transform aspirations into achievements and action into impact. As WEP continues evolving, we are expanding into tier 2 and tier 3 cities through the WEP in states initiative, partnering with states to build an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. This hub-and-spoke model will create a thriving support system for women entrepreneurs, driving the shift from ‘aspiration to inspiration.’”
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for IT, I&C Departments, Government of Telangana, announced Sita Pallacholla, CEO of WE Hub as the Mission Director, WEP Telangana chapter. Further he presented, ‘WE Bridge’, a single window platform for women entrepreneurs across the state. He said, “Due to Telangana’s great track record of support system for entrepreneurship in SHGs, the state innovation ecosystem and incubators at institutions, WEP chose Telangana as the first state chapter.”
Sita Pallacholla, CEO of WE Hub, who was announced as the Mission Director, WEP Telangana chapter, added: “At WE Hub, our goal has always been to ensure that women-led enterprises flourish, especially in underserved areas. The partnership with NITI Aayog through the WEP Telangana Chapter will enable us to bring more opportunities for women, helping them access funding, technology, and networks to grow their businesses.”
Key Objectives and Benefits of the WEP Telangana Chapter
Digital and Financial Inclusion: Empowering women entrepreneurs with critical skills in digital technology, financial literacy, and access to funding through collaborations with financial institutions and fintech partners.
Tailored Mentorship Programs: Connecting women entrepreneurs with industry leaders and experts to guide them through their entrepreneurial journey, offering mentorship in business development, marketing, and scaling.
Access to Markets and Resources: Facilitating market access by linking women entrepreneurs with potential investors, industry partners, and new business opportunities through WE Hub’s network.
The launch event was attended by prominent government officials, women entrepreneurs, academic leaders, and representatives from the private sector.
