AP Fostering Women's Entrepreneurship with Mentorship & Support

By: WE Staff | Friday, 6 October 2023

Andhra Pradesh is fostering an entrepreneurial-friendly ecosystem, especially for women entrepreneurs, by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and crucial financial support. Gudivada Amarnath, the Industries and IT Minister emphasized the state's commitment to nurturing innovative ideas into thriving businesses.

During the inaugural workshop and pitching event for women entrepreneurs in Visakhapatnam, Amarnath highlighted the state's recognition of mentoring and networking as essential components of a successful entrepreneurial journey.

The state government has partnered with financial institutions to ensure accessible and affordable credit options for women entrepreneurs. This financial support is considered pivotal in enabling women to transform their innovative concepts into flourishing businesses, closing the gender financing gap significantly.

Moreover, Andhra Pradesh has initiated mentorship programs and networking events that connect women entrepreneurs with experienced industry professionals and potential investors. These platforms offer valuable guidance and open doors to funding opportunities and partnerships, empowering women entrepreneurs to succeed in their ventures.

To further empower and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among women in Andhra Pradesh, a two-day workshop is being hosted by the Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society in collaboration with Niti Aayog, STPI Visakhapatnam, NASSCOM CoE IoT, and Startup India. The workshop is designed to provide crucial support and empowerment to women aspiring to establish their businesses within the state.

Minister Amarnath also discussed the state's proactive efforts in promoting startups, including the implementation of an IT Policy that outlines measures for startup development, training programs to address knowledge gaps in various business aspects, and access to market reports and surveys.

Additionally, the state is launching the Accelerate Startups in Andhra Pradesh (ASAP) scheme, which offers resources such as office space, access to investors and mentors, and tapping into the state's talent pool.

This comprehensive approach underscores Andhra Pradesh's commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly focusing on the needs and aspirations of women entrepreneurs, as they play an increasingly vital role in the state's economic growth and development.