Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, is organizing the 'Mega Culmination of 100 Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes (EAPs)' on July 25, 2024 at its campus. This event marks the concluding ceremony of 100 EAPs organised across 35 states and UTs, for potential women entrepreneurs. The project was undertaken with the support and collaboration of the National Commission for Women (NCW). The project was launched on June 2, 2023 in Ujjain.
The Mega Culmination was organised amidst dignitaries including Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Minister of State, Home, Industries, Cultural Activities (State Minister), Sports, Youth Service, (Independent Charge), Govt. of Gujarat as CHIEF GUEST; Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women as GUEST OF HONOUR and Dr. Sunil Shukla, DIRECTOR GENERAL, EDII.
The EAPs oriented participating women to the benefits of adopting entrepreneurship as a career. The primary goal was to develop entrepreneurial skills among women, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to build their own businesses. The potential women entrepreneurs were also facilitated with networking opportunities, through engaging interactions with established entrepreneurs, government officials, bankers, mentors, and innovators. So far, 5796 potential women entrepreneurs have been sensitised through 100 EAPs across 35 states/Union Territories. These programmes have been beneficial in inspiring women towards economic empowerment, thus fostering innovation and self- reliance.
Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State, Home, Industries, Cultural Activities (State Minister), Sports, Youth Service, (Independent Charge), Govt. of Gujarat, in his address emphasised on the significance of women entrepreneurs in society. He said, "A conducive environment for women entrepreneurs is crucial for our country's development. Empowering women not only strengthens the backbone of our society but also ensures balanced growth. The government has been promoting women leadership and empowerment in an effort to bolster India's women-led development agenda. This collaboration between the NCW and EDII has proved to be a significant step towards building the capacity of women entrepreneurs and creating a supportive ecosystem for their success."
Applauding the efforts taken towards empowering women, Smt. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson National Commission for Women, opined, "We have successfully completed 100 EAPs, which has helped 5796 women from across different regions of the country, realise their untapped potential. The response has been encouraging, with women acknowledging their capabilities and showing the confidence to step ahead with their plans to float their enterprises. I am confident that women will emerge, in huge numbers, as successful entrepreneurs and inspire several more to follow suit. The support from EDII has been crucial in this journey."
Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII Ahmedabad, in his address, said, “EDII has been committed to empowering women through well-meaning women entrepreneurship awareness and development programmes. We are glad to have collaborated with NCW to promote potential women entrepreneurs. These programmes have ensured development of skills, competencies and positive mindset among women and will foster financial independence among women. I am proud of the progress we have made with the crucial support of NCW, and look forward to further advancements in women-led entrepreneurship."
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Project Coordinator, Dr. Baishali Mitra.
