Are 70% of Women Entrepreneurs in India Ready to Enhance Their Business Skills?
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Synopsis
A recent report highlights that a significant <b>70%</b> of women entrepreneurs in India are keen to elevate their business skills, particularly in finance, marketing, and digital domains. This ambition is juxtaposed with the challenges they face, including access to credit and business networks.
Key Takeaways
- 70% of women entrepreneurs wish to improve their skills.
- Many operate in sectors like retail and e-commerce.
- Women face barriers in accessing credit and networks.
- Over 90% of businesses are led by younger generations.
- The BWAI 2025 report highlights both aspirations and challenges.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) A striking 70% of female entrepreneurs in India, particularly those from tier II and III cities, aim to enhance their financial, marketing, and digital capabilities to grow their businesses, as revealed in a recent report published on Monday.
The research, which surveyed more than 1,300 women business owners aged 18-55 in non-metro regions, indicated that 52% of these entrepreneurs work in digitally focused industries such as retail, e-commerce, and edtech.
The Bharat Women Aspiration Index (BWAI) 2025, released by the UK-based financial platform Tide, highlights the ambitions and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs from tier II, III, and other smaller towns in India. It also emphasizes the opportunities available to them.
The report showed that only 12% of the respondents consider digital skills a top priority, indicating a gap between industry demands and self-assessment; additionally, 54% believe that financial institutions view them as less creditworthy.
Importantly, 90% of these businesses are led by Gen Z and millennial entrepreneurs, with 83% originating from tier II cities or smaller, illustrating the rise of entrepreneurs from less prominent areas.
Women entrepreneurs in India's tier II, III, and beyond are ambitious, tech-savvy, and eager to expand, yet they face significant barriers in finance, networks, and visibility.
However, 86% of them seldom or never engage in business networks, limiting their access to essential peer support.
Despite running their own enterprises, 52% still rely on male family members to secure credit, highlighting entrenched gatekeeping in the financial sector.
“The BWAI 2025 findings reveal a strong desire among women entrepreneurs in India’s smaller towns, yet substantial challenges persist. It is encouraging that many women feel more empowered in managing finances and marketing their businesses,” stated Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO of Tide India.
“Nonetheless, obstacles such as limited access to formal networks, digital resources, and funding—which often still involves male intermediaries—remain prevalent,” he added.
Point of View
I recognize that the aspirations of women entrepreneurs in India are substantial, yet the systemic barriers they face cannot be overlooked. Our coverage aims to shed light on these issues while celebrating their resilience and potential.
NationPress
23/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of women entrepreneurs in India want to improve their skills?
Approximately 70% of women entrepreneurs in India are eager to enhance their financial, marketing, and digital skills.
What industries do Indian women entrepreneurs primarily operate in?
Many women entrepreneurs in India operate in digitally native sectors, including retail, e-commerce, and edtech, with 52% working in these fields.
What are some challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India?
Challenges include limited access to credit, networks, and visibility, as well as a perception of being less creditworthy by financial institutions.
