Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge announces Rs 10 crore for state's women entrepreneurs

To mark the International Women’s Day, Karnataka's IT Minister, Priyank Kharge, announced a Rs 10 crore fund for women entrepreneurs at the Government of Karnataka's Women's Day celebration in Bengaluru. With idea2POC, the minister committed to fund women-led startups by up to Rs 50 lakh for any idea with a technology intervention. He assured women entrepreneurs of the government's full support, be it with funding, legal, or mentoring-related issues. He said,

We are in the process of getting more women entrepreneurs onboard through a 360-degree ecosystem for business. Not every entrepreneur requires money; even mentorship is provided for various niche segments. The 360-degree approach towards startups encompasses mentorship, legal help, and network help, with definite assistance from the government.

To highlight the powerful message of being bold for change, the Government of Karnataka, in association with COWE (Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs), celebrated International Women’s Day at the Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

Several eminent industrialists, entrepreneurs, and officials from various government departments joined the celebrations in encouragement and support of women in business.

The event was inaugurated by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and presided over by Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister R. V. Deshpande of the Government of Karnataka.

Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, Ratna Prabha lauded the government of Karnataka for being awarded as the most favourable government globally by WEConnect International. WEConnect International helps women-owned businesses succeed in global value chains and network with MNCs.

Speaking on the occasion, R. V. Deshpande said, “The 21st century is the era of women! Women empowerment has been a driving force in the development of any nation, and the government is making sure to encourage and educate the women entrepreneurs regarding their businesses, and provide support to their startups in terms of funding and mentoring for better growth.”