The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, in collaboration with New Shop, India’s largest 24/7 convenience retail chain, has launched the EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan initiative. This program, part of the Award to Reward (ATR) framework, aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools, mentorship, and resources to thrive in the organized retail sector.
Key Features of EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan
EmpowHER Biz offers a comprehensive training and mentorship program for aspiring women entrepreneurs. The initiative focuses on the following key areas:
- Retail Management
- Digital Tools
- Financial Literacy
- Business Development
Through this initiative, WEP seeks to create a robust retail ecosystem that fosters the growth of women entrepreneurs and drives sustainable growth in the sector.
Program Details and Selection Process
Fifty participants, aged 18–35, will be selected through an online application process. The selection will be based on specific criteria, ensuring the program targets women with the potential to succeed in retail entrepreneurship. The top twenty selected participants will receive a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees, significantly reducing the barriers to entry for aspiring business owners.
This program is being launched in the following regions:
- Delhi NCR
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Haryana
- Madhya Pradesh
- Gujarat
WEP’s Mission and Goals
WEP, incubated in NITI Aayog in 2018 and transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022, aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing continuous support across various pillars, including:
- Access to Finance
- Market Linkages
- Training and Skilling
- Mentoring & Networking
- Compliance & Legal Assistance
- Business Development Services
WEP collaborates with over 30 public and private sector partners to develop scalable and impactful programs that benefit women entrepreneurs. The Award to Reward initiative, launched in 2023, offers a plug-and-play framework for stakeholders to develop impactful programs.
New Shop’s Role in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
New Shop operates a network of over 200 round-the-clock convenience retail stores located in high-density neighborhoods, highways, and gas stations. The company plans to expand its presence to mass transit hubs such as airports and railway stations. With a goal to empower over 10,000 entrepreneurs in India by 2030, New Shop is committed to expanding its footprint nationwide through a franchising model.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
- Ms. Anna Roy, Principal Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog and Mission Director, WEP, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
“EmpowHER Biz is our largest Award to Reward (ATR) collaboration to date. Aspiring women entrepreneurs often face multiple challenges, including societal biases, limited access to financing, credible networks, and mentorship, all of which hinder their potential in business. Through this partnership with New Shop, we aim to help women overcome these obstacles and build a strong foundation for their entrepreneurial journey.” - Aastha Almast, Co-founder of New Shop, shared her perspective:
“New Shop is committed to empowering young and first-time entrepreneurs in the retail sector. Through this collaboration with WEP, we aim to democratize retail ownership and create a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial journeys of these women—whether by providing valuable training and mentorship, financial support, or the opportunity to join the New Shop franchising ecosystem.”
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the main goal of the EmpowHER Biz initiative?
A) To provide retail products to women entrepreneurs
B) To empower women entrepreneurs in the retail sector
C) To create new retail stores for women
D) To offer loans to women entrepreneurs
Answer: B) To empower women entrepreneurs in the retail sector
2. How many participants will be selected for the EmpowHER Biz program?
A) 20 participants
B) 50 participants
C) 100 participants
D) 200 participants
Answer: B) 50 participants
3. Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the EmpowHER Biz program?
A) Retail management
B) Digital tools
C) Legal compliance
D) Financial literacy
Answer: C) Legal compliance
4. Which regions are covered by the EmpowHER Biz program?
A) Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
B) Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
C) Delhi NCR, Goa, Assam, West Bengal
D) Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha
Answer: A) Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
5. What benefit do the top 20 participants of the EmpowHER Biz program receive?
A) A cash prize
B) A 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees
C) A loan for business expansion
D) A scholarship for higher education
Answer: B) A 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees