93% of Women Entrepreneurs Exhibit Strong Financial Discipline; 81% Run Businesses Independently: Study

• 70% of women business owners start their ventures driven by self-motivation and aspirations.
• 90% experience increased societal respect and acceptance due to their business endeavors.
• 98% positively impact their families, personal lives, and communities through their businesses.
• 81% manage their businesses independently, while others receive support from family and spouses.
• 64% prioritize hiring female employees, fostering inclusivity in the workplace.

Bengaluru: Women entrepreneurs in India are not only driving business success but also fostering financial stability, personal empowerment, and social transformation, according to the latest NeoInsights study by NeoGrowth.

Surveying over 3,000 women business owners—the largest study of its kind—the 8th edition of NeoInsights, titled The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Women Business Owners in India, offers in-depth insights into their motivations, challenges, and aspirations while highlighting the broad impact they create.

Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth and Social Change

An overwhelming 98% of women entrepreneurs reported that their businesses contribute to economic growth for themselves and their families. Additionally, 61% said their family’s standard of living had improved, and 54% reported increased confidence and financial self-reliance due to their entrepreneurial journeys.

Beyond their personal and financial growth, these women also inspire change in their communities:

• 67% empower other women toward financial independence.
• 50% encourage employees to start their own businesses.
• 47% serve as role models, inspiring young girls to pursue education.

Women-Led Businesses Redefining Leadership

NeoGrowth’s Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Arun Nayyar, remarked, “It is inspiring to see how women entrepreneurs in India are redefining leadership and driving inclusive growth. Their meticulous business approach, focus on workplace empathy, and ability to foster a positive work culture are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape.”

Self-Motivation Fuels Women’s Entrepreneurial Journeys

A significant 70% of women entrepreneurs started their businesses out of self-motivation and ambition, rather than external pressure. 66% launched their ventures based on career experience and financial independence goals, while only 22% started out of financial necessity.

Women Entrepreneurs Gaining Respect and Acceptance

Women-led businesses are increasingly gaining social recognition. Around 90% of women entrepreneurs noted a positive shift in how they are respected and accepted in society. Cities like Kolkata (96%), Hyderabad (94%), and Ahmedabad (90%) emerged as leaders in fostering an encouraging environment for women entrepreneurs.

Independent Decision-Makers and Financially Disciplined Leaders

• 81% of women business owners manage their businesses independently, while the rest receive support from family and spouses.
• 72% make key business decisions on their own, while others prefer collaborative decision-making.
• 93% demonstrate strong financial discipline, ensuring timely EMI payments, maintaining a single-loan policy, keeping meticulous records, and monitoring their credit scores regularly.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience and Technology

Women entrepreneurs face various challenges, including gender biases (27%), market fluctuations (34%), and resource limitations (32%). However, they continue to push boundaries, innovate, and thrive despite these hurdles.

A crucial enabler of their success is technology adoption, with 90% of women business owners leveraging digital tools for visibility, customer engagement, order management, productivity, cost optimization, and seamless payments.

NeoGrowth’s Commitment to Women Entrepreneurs

NeoGrowth, a leading lender focused on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), remains committed to empowering women entrepreneurs. By facilitating business loans tailored to their needs, NeoGrowth helps unlock a multiplier effect—fueling not just individual business success but also driving economic progress within communities.