“Empowering Indian Women through Entrepreneurship: A Study on Kolkata”

Abstract: This study examines the influence of women's entrepreneurship on their empowerment in Kolkata, India. Women entrepreneurs in Kolkata, particularly those aged 36–45, are making notable strides in establishing and managing their own enterprises. Most of these entrepreneurs are married and possess technical education, which is essential for their entrepreneurial activities. The study utilized both primary and secondary data sources, with primary data collected through a structured questionnaire and personal interviews with 208 women entrepreneurs using convenience sampling. The findings indicate that factors such as marital status, educational attainment, and training from organizations such as MSME significantly affect entrepreneurs' perceptions of business growth and success potential. Married women entrepreneurs encounter unique challenges in balancing family responsibilities with business demands. The study also underscores the substantial potential of women-led businesses in job creation, with 53.4% of survey participants employing between 5 and 10 individuals. These results highlight the need for targeted initiatives and programs to promote women's entrepreneurship and foster business growth in Kolkata. Policymakers, entrepreneurs, and support organizations can leverage these insights to enhance the overall economic environment of the region through sustained job creation and business development. Recommendations for women entrepreneurs include developing strong time-management skills, understanding lending options and financial incentives, and accessing technology and training programs.