India’s digital push for inclusive entrepreneurship continues to gain momentum as the Udyam Sakhi Portal, launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), surpasses 4,500 registered women entrepreneurs. Designed as a one-stop resource for aspiring and existing women-led businesses, the portal is helping bridge the gap between ambition and access, offering tools, schemes, and mentorship to foster self-reliance and sustainable growth.
Launched on International Women’s Day in 2018, the portal has evolved into a dynamic platform supporting women across sectors, geographies, and experience levels. With 4,535 registrations as of August 2025, it reflects a steady rise in women opting for government-backed entrepreneurship pathways.
Core Services And Functional Scope
- The portal provides access to financial schemes such as the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency (MUDRA), and Trade Receivables e-Discounting System (TReDS)
- It offers guidance on business plan preparation, helping women secure funding and structure their ventures professionally
- Users receive updates on policies and programmes from MSME and other central ministries, ensuring they remain informed about evolving opportunities
- The portal connects entrepreneurs to nodal offices and support organisations across states, facilitating localised assistance
- Information on exhibitions, trade fairs, and international events is regularly shared to help women-led enterprises access wider markets
Building Self-Reliance And Market Linkages
- The portal’s design encourages first-generation entrepreneurs to overcome entry barriers by simplifying access to resources and reducing intimidation
- Registered users are supported through training modules, mentorship networks, and investor connections, enabling them to scale operations
- Participation in trade fairs and global exhibitions has helped women entrepreneurs gain visibility and forge buyer-seller relationships beyond domestic boundaries
Complementary Schemes And Institutional Support
- The Ministry of MSME runs several schemes that complement the portal’s offerings, including:
- Mahila Coir Yojana: Financial aid for women in the coir industry with subsidies up to 7,500 rupees
- MSE-CDP: Cluster development for small enterprises
- SFURTI: Revitalisation of traditional industries
- Tool Rooms and Technology Centres: Skill training and technical support
- Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme: Expansion of buyer networks
- ESDP: Entrepreneurship and skill development programmes
- CLCS-TUS: Technology upgradation subsidies
Digital Infrastructure And Development Cost
- The portal was developed by the Institute for Design of Electrical Measuring Instruments (IDEMI), an organisation under the MSME Ministry
- An expenditure of 43.52 lakh rupees was incurred for its development, reflecting the government’s commitment to digital inclusion for women entrepreneurs
- The platform is hosted at www.udyamsakhi.com and continues to be updated with new features and content based on user feedback
Policy Vision And National Impact
- Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje stated that the portal is central to the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, where women-led development is key to achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047
- The initiative aligns with broader national goals of financial inclusion, gender equity, and grassroots economic empowerment
- By nurturing social entrepreneurship and low-cost innovation, the portal contributes to resolving systemic inequities and promoting inclusive growth
Conclusion
The Udyam Sakhi Portal stands as a testament to India’s evolving approach to women’s entrepreneurship—one that blends digital access, institutional support, and policy alignment. With over 4,500 women already onboard, the platform is not just a repository of schemes but a catalyst for transformation. As more women take charge of their economic futures, Udyam Sakhi continues to light the path toward self-reliance, resilience, and recognition in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Sources: DD India, Press Information Bureau, Organiser.org, Ministry of MSME.
