NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) has launched EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan to boost women entrepreneurship in India’s retail sector on January 8 , 2025 . The program, is a collaboration with New Shop, India’s largest 24/7 convenience retail chain, aiming to provide women with the tools, training, and opportunities to succeed in business.
Key Features of EmpowHER Biz:
Comprehensive Training & Mentorship: The initiative will offer aspiring women entrepreneurs training in areas such as retail management, financial literacy, digital tools, and business development. They will also receive mentorship to navigate challenges in the retail industry.
Franchise Ownership Opportunity: 50 women aged 18-35 will be selected for the program, with the top 20 receiving a 100% waiver on New Shop’s franchise fees. This allows them to own and operate their retail business with reduced financial barriers.
Regional Focus: Initially, the program will target women from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Support for Women Entrepreneurs: WEP’s mission is to provide resources across various areas such as finance, market access, legal support, and networking to empower women in business.
New Shop’s Role
New Shop operates over 200 24/7 retail outlets across India and plans to expand further. As part of this partnership, New Shop aims to create a robust ecosystem by offering financial support, training, and the opportunity for women to join its franchising model. Currently operating in 35 cities across 18 states, New Shop plans to expand its network to major transit hubs like airports and railway stations. By 2030, New Shop aims to empower over 10,000 entrepreneurs across India, further solidifying its commitment to nurturing new business owners.
Statements from Key Leaders
- Ms. Anna Roy, Principal Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog: “EmpowHER Biz is our largest collaboration under the Award to Reward (ATR) program. It aims to help women overcome challenges like societal biases, lack of financing, and limited networks, enabling them to build strong foundations for their entrepreneurial journeys.”
- Aastha Almast, Co-founder of New Shop: “We are committed to empowering young entrepreneurs in the retail sector. This collaboration with WEP is designed to democratize retail ownership and provide lasting support for women entrepreneurs.”
Conclusion
EmpowHER Biz represents a major step in breaking down the barriers for women in retail entrepreneurship. With training, mentorship, and access to franchise opportunities, NITI Aayog and New Shop aim to create a more inclusive and sustainable retail ecosystem, fostering gender-equitable economic growth across India.
