In an inspiring milestone for women’s entrepreneurship in Gujarat, a select group of talented business owners from Rajkot has been welcomed into the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program — a global initiative dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs through world‑class business education, mentorship, and access to professional networks.
For many participants from Rajkot, this opportunity represents more than professional growth; it marks a transformative chapter in their entrepreneurial journeys — one that promises not only to scale their businesses, but also to contribute meaningfully to their communities and India’s broader economic landscape.
A Global Initiative with Local Impact
Launched by Goldman Sachs in 2008, the 10,000 Women Program is rooted in the belief that women entrepreneurs — when equipped with the right tools and connections — can drive economic growth and societal change. The initiative offers practical business education, mentoring, and access to capital. Over the years, it has supported thousands of women entrepreneurs around the world and created a global network of alumni engaged in innovation and growth.
In India, the program is administered in partnership with leading management institutions, including Indian Institutes of Management in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow. This collaboration brings top‑tier academic expertise to the classroom and ensures that participants receive deeply relevant and strategic business insights.
Rajkot’s Emerging Leaders
The latest cohort from Rajkot includes women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors such as artisanal crafts, organic food processing, sustainable textiles, digital marketing services, wellness and fitness startups, and tech‑enabled educational platforms. For most of these women, running a business has involved overcoming cultural, financial, and operational barriers — and the 10,000 Women Program promises to strengthen their ability to scale sustainably.
One participant, Meera Patel, founder of a sustainable textiles enterprise, shared her excitement ahead of the program kickoff: “For years, we’ve believed in our products, but lacked the business tools and mentorship needed to expand to national and international markets. This program is not just a learning opportunity — it’s a gateway to the future we’ve always envisioned.”
Another entrepreneur, Nidhi Shah, who runs an educational technology startup focused on rural learning, said: “Growing up in a small town, opportunities like this felt out of reach. Today, with the support of the 10,000 Women Program, I feel confident in building partnerships, refining our business model, and attracting investors.”
Education, Mentorship, and Real‑World Skills
At the heart of the 10,000 Women Program is a business and management curriculum designed to help entrepreneurs tackle real challenges — from financial planning and marketing strategy to leadership and negotiation. Courses are delivered by faculty from partnering academic institutions and combine classroom learning with practical, hands‑on exercises.
Participants engage in modules on:
- Strategic business planning
- Financial management
- Operations and supply‑chain optimization
- Market research and customer insights
- Leadership and organizational development
This mix of structured learning and tailored mentorship equips women entrepreneurs from Rajkot with the confidence and skills needed to lead in competitive markets.
Networking and Global Connections
Beyond classroom training, the program opens doors to powerful networks both in India and globally. Graduates join a community of thousands of women entrepreneurs, offering ongoing support, collaboration opportunities, and exposure to new markets. Alumni often exchange insights, co‑create initiatives, and attend exclusive events where they engage with business leaders and potential investors.
For Rajkot participants, this means not just learning from peers in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, or Lucknow, but also connecting with professionals from across India and the world. These networks can be instrumental in securing partnerships, joint ventures, and international expansion opportunities.
Economic Ripple Effects
The broader impact of the 10,000 Women Program in India has been significant. Studies on earlier cohorts show that graduates have quadrupled revenues, doubled workforces, and contributed to thousands of new jobs within a short time of program completion. Collectively, alumni have increased economic output and delivered measurable gains to local and national markets.
These outcomes reflect the transformative power of targeted business education — particularly for women in regions where access to capital, mentorship, and strategic business exposure has traditionally been limited.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
Women entrepreneurs from Rajkot often navigate multiple challenges — from limited access to finance and professional networks, to societal expectations and market entry barriers. The 10,000 Women Program provides a platform to break these barriers, fostering not just business success but also broader social change.
For many participants, the program has ignited a renewed sense of purpose. They speak not only of growing their own ventures but also of mentoring other women in their communities — creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual businesses.
“When I succeed,” said another program participant, Ayesha Khan, “I want it to pave the way for women in smaller towns to see entrepreneurship as a real and achievable path.”
The Road Ahead
As this Rajkot cohort begins their journey with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, the focus is on building scalable and sustainable businesses that contribute to both economic growth and community development. With a robust curriculum, access to mentors, and entry into a global network of entrepreneurs, these women are poised to become leaders in their industries.
Their success will not only reflect their personal drive but also the strength of initiatives that champion women’s participation in the economy — a key pillar in India’s future growth story.
As India marches towards its long‑term goals of inclusive economic development, programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women — and the achievements of entrepreneurs from cities like Rajkot — remind us that when women are empowered, entire communities flourish.
