A New Start for Women in Retail
EmpowHER Biz: Giving Wings to Women Entrepreneurs in India’s Retail Space: Launched on January 10, 2025, EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan is a joint initiative of NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and New Shop, a 24/7 retail chain. The programme targets women aged 18–35, offering them a zero-franchise-entry opportunity into India’s growing organised retail sector. More than just training, it’s about transforming women into retail business owners, especially in semi-urban and underserved areas.
How the EmpowHER Biz Programme Works
Under EmpowHER Biz, aspiring women entrepreneurs apply online. 50 candidates are shortlisted and given training in retail operations, digital payments, inventory systems, and leadership. The top 20 candidates receive a full franchise fee waiver, removing one of the biggest entry barriers. Imagine a young woman from rural Haryana or MP running her own retail outlet with no upfront business investment — this is the real power of this initiative.
WEP and New Shop: The Forces Behind the Programme
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) was launched in 2018 to support women-led enterprises and transitioned to a Public-Private Partnership in 2022. It provides tools such as financial guidance, mentorship, legal help, and market connections.
New Shop, a fast-growing convenience chain with over 200 outlets across India, brings real-world business exposure. Its goal to empower 10,000 entrepreneurs by 2030 fits perfectly with the programme’s vision.
By combining WEP’s digital mentorship network and New Shop’s practical platforms, EmpowHER Biz promises direct business ownership and scalable entrepreneurship.
Why Programmes Like This Matter
India has over 50 million MSMEs, yet less than 15% are owned by women. The reasons are clear:
- Limited access to capital and franchises
- Low digital literacy
- Lack of mentorship and professional support
- Social barriers and dual workload (domestic + work)
EmpowHER Biz removes the franchise cost, offers structured training, and provides market-ready support, creating a level playing field.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
EmpowHER Biz: Giving Wings to Women Entrepreneurs in India’s Retail Space:
| Topic | Detail |
| Programme Name | EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan |
| Launch Date | January 10, 2025 |
| Launched By | NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) |
| Key Partner | New Shop (24/7 retail chain) |
| Target Group | Women aged 18–35 |
| Top 20 Benefit | 100% Franchise Fee Waiver |
| WEP Established | 2018 |
| WEP PPP Transition | 2022 |
| New Shop Goal | Empower 10,000 entrepreneurs by 2030 |
| WEP Focus Areas | Finance, Training, Mentorship, Legal, Market Link |
