India's entrepreneurial landscape is evolving, with millennial and Gen Z women taking the lead in launching new ventures. According to Mastercard research, 45% of Indian women have considered starting their own business, with younger generations showing the strongest enthusiasm.
Their key motivations include the pursuit of personal dreams (51%), work-life balance (44%), and independence from traditional job structures (40%).
Many women are already exploring entrepreneurship through side hustles, with 46% engaged in secondary income sources. Interestingly, Baby Boomers lead this trend at 61%, primarily driven by financial independence.
Women entrepreneurs are also optimistic, with 89% expecting revenue growth over the next five years—outpacing their male counterparts. The most popular industries for women-led businesses include education (28%), food and beverage (21%), and online retail (16%).
Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs
Despite growing enthusiasm, barriers remain. Around 42% of women believe entrepreneurship is out of reach, a sentiment even stronger among Gen Z (46%). Key challenges include:
- Limited understanding of customer needs (38%)
- Financial constraints (36%)
- Risk of failure (29%)
- Lack of funding opportunities (24%)
Balancing work and personal life also poses difficulties, with 16% of women entrepreneurs struggling with childcare, compared to just 7% of men.
Confidence among women entrepreneurs increases with better technological training (43%), structured business planning support (42%), and greater funding options (41%). Enhancing mentorship programs, financial backing, and skill-building initiatives will be essential to fostering a thriving ecosystem for women-led businesses in India.
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