The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has launched Swavalambini – a Women Entrepreneurship Programme in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. The initiative aims to equip female students in select Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with entrepreneurial skills, resources, and mentorship.
For the first time, MSDE, through the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), has introduced a structured process to support aspiring women entrepreneurs—starting from awareness-building to skill development, mentorship, and funding. Women who successfully set up ventures through the program will be recognized and awarded.
The program is being implemented in Gauhati University, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Kiang Nangba Government College, Ri-Bhoi College, Mizoram University, Government Champai College, Lunglei Government College, Handique College, and Dispur College, among others.
Swavalambini includes an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP), which will introduce 600 female students to entrepreneurship through a two-day session covering basic concepts and opportunities. For 300 selected students, an Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) will provide 40 hours of training on finance, market access, legal compliance, and business networking. This will be followed by six months of mentorship to help them build their businesses.
The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes skill-based education and industry collaboration. By providing young women in the Northeast with training and financial support, Swavalambini aims to encourage more women-led businesses.
To strengthen the program, faculty members in HEIs will undergo a five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) to improve their ability to mentor students in entrepreneurship.
A unique aspect of Swavalambini is the Award to Rewards Initiative, which will recognize and celebrate successful women entrepreneurs, encouraging more young women to pursue business ventures. The program will also offer workshops, mentoring, and seed funding to support sustainable women-led enterprises.
Swavalambini hopes to see at least 10% of EDP trainees start their own businesses, contributing to a stronger ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in the Northeast.