FICCI – Ladies Organisation has launched ‘Swayam’, a support cell to encourage and support women entrepreneurs.

Vijaya Bharathi Rangarajan, Chairperson, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation Chennai Chapter (FICCI FLO), said Swayam is a good platform for the budding as well as existing entrepreneurs as it not only mentors them but also gives them an opportunity to take their idea pan India. “We are focussing on first generation entrepreneurs in this chapter,” she added.

With the registration fee of ₹500 and ₹1,500 for students and others respectively, the applicants will go through a screening process to assess the seriousness and viability of their idea. The selected candidates are mentored by a set of panellists, who will assist the women in establishing their businesses, branding and marketing strategies and also connect them with the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in addition to financing. Around 1,500 women would be trained in the beginning with the focus on fashion, interiors, art, jewellery and counselling.

Rangarajan said the project was first launched in New Delhi where women are trained in transport and security sector to be employed as drivers and security personnel in schools. To increase the women participation in schools’ workforce, which consists of 60 per cent men, she said the organisation has tied up with security service organisations like Radian group, and Maruti group for training purposes.

“Another project FICCI FLO is looking at is ways to contribute in the women director space since it is mandatory to have at least one women director on board,” Rangarajan said.

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