Self-Reliant India: Supporting Women and Young Entrepreneurs

The tale of India’s self-reliant vision today is one of ambition, innovation and strength. The concept of self-reliant India (or Atmanirbhar Bharat) does not merely imply reduction of imports. It is all about building a nation where opportunities begin at home, where young talent can be nurtured and developed. The core of this vision is two powerful groups of people, women and young entrepreneurs. They are increasingly transforming local concepts into national success storeys and demonstrating that self-reliance begins with self-belief.

Women at the forefront

The transformation of the role of women in the Indian economy is impressive. Several years ago, only one in five women participated in the workforce. Now, nearly two out of every five are employed, and female labour force participation increased to 40.3% in 2023-24, up from 22% in 2017-18. What is even more encouraging is that a major part of them are not jobseekers, but job-creators. The proportion of women-owned businesses in India has increased to 26.2% of all new businesses created, compared to 17.4% 10 years ago. Now, every second DPIIT-registered startup has at least one women director. It is a major change, implying that millions of women are operating shops, services, startups and manufacturing plants. Initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and special budgetary allocations have helped to provide a space in which women can venture into the market with less obstacles.

Self-help groups assisted by the National Rural Livelihoods Mission in villages have helped women to share resources and begin businesses, whether tailoring units or food-processing enterprises. Most of these women, now known as ‘Lakhpati Didis’, make more than Rs. 1,00,000 (US$ 1,126) annually. Women-founded startups are also making a mark in areas such as edtech, health tech and startups focused on sustainability in urban and rural areas. It is not just economics, but social change. Women investing in businesses invest in families and communities, enhancing education, health and nutrition. They introduce strength and variety to the market, which make the economy not only larger but stronger.

India’s youth, builders of tomorrow

India has a special demographic advantage. The future of the country literally lies in the hands of the young people, with nearly 65% of the population currently below the age of 35. Young Indians are not sitting back and waiting to be employed today, but they are making their own opportunities. Startup India has played a significant role, providing seed capital, streamlined regulations and mentorship. This has made India the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. Young entrepreneurs are establishing businesses not only in metros but also in small towns. These startups have generated around 17.6 lakh jobs as of August 2025, most of which are occupied by young graduates who find the fast-paced, innovative workplaces more appealing than the traditional offices.

In addition to startups, initiatives such as Skill India have trained more than 1.63 crore youth to date, providing them with skills to join industries or start their own businesses. Leadership skills are also being developed through programmes like ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’, where young people are encouraged to think not only about their careers but also about giving back to the society. The mindset is changing. Whereas in the past, the ambition was to have a safe government or a corporate position, young people now aspire to create apps, start environmentally friendly brands or find solutions to local issues through innovation. Entrepreneurship is no longer a ‘plan-B’, it is a profession.

Government initiatives

The government has opened the doors to the big dreams of ordinary Indians. Consider the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which has provided loans to micro-enterprises to the tune of more than Rs. 33,65,000 crore (US$ 379.33 billion) since 2015. Approximately 40% of this has been allocated to women, with most launching their first businesses. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data shows that female self-employment grew by 30% to 67.4% in 2023-24 from 51.9% in 2017-18, making women truly ‘Atmanirbhar’.

Then there is Startup India, which has to date identified over 1.6 lakh startups across fintech to farming. These startups have generated almost 17.6 lakh jobs. Programmes like the Skill India Mission ensure that new entrepreneurs are trained as well as funded, while schemes like Standup India provide loans to women and underrepresented groups. As per India Skills Report 2025, nearly 55% of Indian graduates are expected to be globally employable in 2025, compared to around 51.25% in 2024. These initiatives create a network of support that assists small ideas to become sustainable businesses. To most people, these plans are not merely financial assistance, but lifelines that provide confidence and validity to first-time entrepreneurs.

Digital India and fintech have also been major contributors in this journey. As of June 30, 2025, total internet users in India reached one billion, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), with the rural subscribers’ share increasing sequentially. Affordable data and smartphones imply that even small-town entrepreneurs can reach customers all over the world. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised the business process. A vegetable vendor in a small village can now receive digital payments as quickly and as safely as a big retail chain. Programmes such as Jan Dhan Yojana and Aadhaar have ensured that nearly all adults have a bank account and an identity, making it easier to access loans and receive subsidies directly. This digital and financial inclusion is groundbreaking to women and youth. Young entrepreneurs sell online through platforms such as Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), competing with established brands. All these developments have dismantled the barriers that previously restricted entrepreneurship to the privileged few.

A thriving startup culture

Perhaps the most visible change in India’s entrepreneurial landscape is cultural. Starting a business is now seen as aspirational. Shows like Shark Tank India have turned business pitches into household conversations. Social media is filled with stories of small entrepreneurs making it big, inspiring millions more to take the plunge.

As many as 1,61,150 entities have been recognised as startups as of January 2025, with India ranking third globally in unicorn count. This growth is not limited to tech. From farmers using drones to women setting up eco-friendly packaging units, the definition of a startup has expanded. Atal Tinkering Labs in schools and incubation centres in universities are giving even teenagers the confidence to think of themselves as future entrepreneurs.

Investors, mentors and government agencies are working together to provide the right guidance, credit and opportunity. Failure, once feared, is now seen as a stepping stone to growth.

Impact and outcomes

The impact of these combined efforts is visible in every sector. Between FY21 and FY23, women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) created 89 lakh additional jobs for women. Programmes like Mudra have allowed millions of families to escape cycles of debt and dependence by starting small businesses. Startups are attracting foreign investment, boosting India’s image as a hub of innovation.

Towards a self-reliant future

India’s march towards self-reliance is not about isolation, it is about empowerment. By nurturing its women and youth, the country is building a foundation that is inclusive, innovative and resilient. These entrepreneurs are more than just business owners, they are agents of change, role models in their communities and contributors to a stronger national economy.

The numbers tell us of growth, but the stories tell us of transformation. From Lakhpati Didis in villages to unicorn founders in cities, women and young entrepreneurs are proving that self-reliance begins with self-confidence. Together, they form the backbone of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, carrying India towards a future where opportunities are created within, and success stories inspire the world.

FAQs

What percentage of Mudra loans go to women?

Approximately 40% of Mudra loans are allocated to women entrepreneurs.

What are the various government schemes which aid women entrepreneurs?

Schemes like Women Entrepreneurship Platform, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Standup India provide loans, mentorship and market access.

Which government schemes help young entrepreneurs to setup businesses?

Schemes such as Startup India, Skill India Mission and Mera Yuva Bharat offer funding, training and guidance to help young entrepreneurs build their businesses.

How is women’s labour force participation changing in India?

Women’s labour force participation rose to 40.3% in 2023-24 from 22% in 2017-18, showing rapid growth in female economic involvement.

How many youths have been trained under Skill India?

More than 1.63 crore young people have been trained to start businesses or join industries.