Our Inspiration

Shri Narendra Modi

Hon'ble Prime Minister of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to women's empowerment and entrepreneurship has been a driving force for our mission.

In his first speech as Prime Minister in May 2014, he emphasized the critical role of women in India's development and underscored the necessity of supporting women entrepreneurs and highlighted the potential of women in business, recognizing their capacity to drive economic growth and innovation. He emphasized that empowering women is not just a matter of social justice but also crucial for economic development. By advocating for the support of women entrepreneurs, he highlighted the importance of leveraging their talents and contributions to the economy. Reflecting his commitment to women's empowerment, the PM outlined plans for policies and initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs. This includes improving access to finance, creating business opportunities, and ensuring equal opportunities for women in the workforce.

His encouragement for women to enter and thrive in the business world resonates deeply with our objectives. In line with this vision, the India SME Forum is dedicated a full fledged division to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women entrepreneurs in India, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

The Women Entrepreneurs Forum was launched by Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, at Indore on 1st June 2014.

Ms. Sumitra Mahajan

Former Speaker - Lok Sabha

"I appreciate and congratulate India SME Forum for constituting an umbrella organization and bringing together WOMEN entrepreneurs from all over India to share their thoughts and ideas on a common national platform.

Your thoughts together will lead to the progress and prosperity of the country.

I urge you all to focus on the motto: "Work for all hands: Quality products for all."

Many congratulations to you once again for your initiative and endeavour!"

Smt. Kavitha Kalvakuntla

Member of Parliament

"It is truly inspiring to witness women driving significant economic growth, offering a hopeful and vibrant vision for India's future. To advance women's entrepreneurship, we must address three critical areas, with a strong emphasis on policy advocacy. Establishing dedicated industrial parks for women is a vital step, providing them with the resources and environment needed to innovate, excel, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. By focusing on these initiatives, we can unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs and foster a dynamic and inclusive economic landscape."

Smt. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi

Member of Lok Sabha

"To unlock our economy's full potential, we must focus on empowering women by providing greater opportunities and addressing the challenges they face. Empowering women isn't just a goal but a necessity for building a trillion-dollar economy. Prioritizing women's health and ensuring their representation in decision-making bodies enables them to shape policies and drive innovation. This fosters a more inclusive, equitable environment and paves the way for a dynamic and prosperous future for all."

Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi

Former, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Cultures

"Let's reignite the spirit of harnessing the incredible potential of women to empower society as a whole. Women are already empowered and their equal participation is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and advancing women's entrepreneurship. By focusing on nurturing women who have yet to realize their full potential, we can unlock their entrepreneurial spirit and pave the way for a brighter future. This future will be driven by their creativity, innovation, and leadership, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive economy."

Smt. Aruna Sharma

Former Secretary- Steel, Government of India

"Empowering women to excel as entrepreneurs and active participants in the workforce requires creating supportive environments across all sectors, from white-collar jobs to self-employment. It's essential to foster such environments to enable women to thrive and contribute fully to the economy. As India embraces digitization and globalization, enhancing women's participation in the workforce becomes critical for driving economic growth and achieving gender equality. By working together to boost these opportunities, we can unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs and build a more inclusive and prosperous economy."