FLO Bangalore inaugurates women-led industrial park in Karnataka

FLO Bangalore, a chapter of FICCI FLO, the women’s wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has inaugurated a first-of-its kind women-led industrial park in Gowribidanur in Chikkaballapur district, 75 km away from Bengaluru city.

Senior leaders from the FLO Bangalore chapter, Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, and Karnataka Udyog Mitra attended the event, underscoring the strong public–private partnership driving the project. 

Envisioned as a 50-acre industrial park exclusively for FLO Bangalore members, the initiative will attract first-generation entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers and been kept out of manufacturing and large-scale enterprises.

According to a press statement, Gowribidanur was selected for its strategic balance of connectivity, available infrastructure, and long-term growth potential, while steering clear of the congestion and limitations of Bengaluru’s saturated industrial zones. 

By anchoring a women-led industrial hub in an emerging region, the initiative intentionally shifts the centre of gravity away from metro cities—generating local jobs, strengthening regional ecosystems, and demonstrating that meaningful industrial development can thrive beyond urban strongholds, the statement said.

The industrial park has been envisioned not simply as a land allotment but as a comprehensive support ecosystem tailored to the realities of women entrepreneurs. 

FLO Bangalore, with the backing of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and Karnataka Udyog Mitra (KUM), has built in enabling mechanisms such as single-window clearances, consultant-led handholding, access to financial institutions, and guidance on business planning, compliance, and project execution. The aim is to demystify and simplify a system that has long felt intimidating—especially for first-generation founders.

Once operational, the park will also introduce shared facilities including skill development and capacity-building centres, crèche services, R&D support, and other common infrastructure. Together, these features acknowledge the lived realities of women balancing enterprise with caregiving responsibilities, creating a space where businesses and their founders can grow sustainably.

Speaking at the inauguration, Revathi Raju, Head, Industrial Park and former chairperson, FLO Bangalore said,

‘’The Industrial Park represents a shift not just in infrastructure but in mindset. For many women owning an industry once felt like an impossible dream. What this park does is change that inner conversation.

"It tells women homemakers, professionals, first-time entrepreneurs that this space is meant for them too. We are already seeing women step forward who would never have imagined themselves here otherwise and that is the most optimistic outcome of this journey."

Soumya Reddy, Former Member, Karnataka Legislative Assembly said, “When we uplift and celebrate women, our entire society soars. Heartfelt congratulations to the FLO Dream Team for building this extraordinary platform.”

Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Industries & Commerce highlighted the broader significance of the project.

“The FLO Bangalore Industrial Park reflects a progressive way of thinking about industrial growth, one that is inclusive, decentralised and future focused. KIADB and KUM have worked closely on this allocation with keeping long-term planning in mind, and it is encouraging to see women being trusted as key drivers of industrial development. This is the kind of model that deserves to be replicated across Karnataka and beyond,” she said.