Institutional Support and Women’s Entrepreneurship: A Study of KSWDC’s Udyogini Scheme

Author(s): BC Mylarappa and TR Thriveni

Abstract:

Women’s entrepreneurship plays a significant role in promoting economic empowerment and social development. However, women often face several barriers such as limited access to credit, lack of entrepreneurial training, and insufficient institutional support. The Udyogini Scheme, implemented by the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC), aims to encourage women’s self-employment by providing financial assistance, skill development programs, and institutional guidance. The present study examines the role of institutional support in promoting women’s entrepreneurship under the Udyogini Scheme in Bengaluru Urban District. The research is based on primary data collected from 200 women beneficiaries through structured questionnaires and personal interviews. The study adopts both quantitative and qualitative approaches to analyze the socio-economic impact of the scheme on women entrepreneurs. The findings indicate that the scheme has contributed to improving financial inclusion and enabling women to establish small-scale enterprises such as tailoring units, petty shops, food processing businesses, and beauty parlors. Many beneficiaries reported improvements in income levels, self-confidence, and participation in household decision-making processes. However, the study also identifies certain challenges including limited duration of training programs, weak market linkages, and lack of mentorship support for women entrepreneurs. The study concludes that strengthening institutional coordination, improving entrepreneurial training programs, and enhancing digital and market support mechanisms can significantly improve the sustainability and long-term success of women-led enterprises under the Udyogini Scheme.

keywords:
Women Entrepreneurship, Institutional Support, Udyogini Scheme, KSWDC, Economic Empowerment.

Pages: 74-80     |    16 View     |    2 Download