Kotak Mahindra Bank and NSRCEL-IIMB Celebrate Success at the Valedictory Ceremony of the 4th Women Startup Program Cohort

• ByStartupStory     |    February 16, 2024

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) and NSRCEL, the startup hub at IIMB, marked the successful conclusion of the fourth cohort of the Women Startup Program. The valedictory ceremony, attended by distinguished personalities including Prof Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIMB, Shanti Ekambaram, Whole-time Director at Kotak Mahindra Bank, Meenakshi Arora, Senior Counsel at the Supreme Court of India, and Disha Singh, CEO of Zouk, showcased the remarkable achievements of the women entrepreneurs who participated in the program.

Launched under Kotak Mahindra Bank’s CSR commitment towards Education & Livelihood, the Women Startup Program is designed to empower ambitious and innovative women entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary support to transform their ideas into successful business ventures. The program has emerged as a catalyst for over 23,053 women, helping them develop entrepreneurial and managerial skills across diverse sectors such as technology, social impact, agriculture, retail, healthcare, energy, environment, textile, and apparel.

Shanti Ekambaram, Whole-time Director at Kotak Mahindra Bank, expressed her satisfaction with the program, stating, “We are happy to be associated with NSRCEL-IIMB to empower and support entrepreneurship in women. By combining our resources and expertise, we aim to provide aspiring women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”

Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL, highlighted the program’s impact, saying, “The program has not only empowered countless aspiring entrepreneurs but has also catalyzed a powerful spirit of women entrepreneurship across India. The entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are shaping the future of our nation’s economy.”

The valedictory ceremony celebrated the achievements of 15 startups, marking the 3rd phase of grants within the program. Each venture received ₹5 lakh, and an additional ₹5 lakh was granted to six special category founders in recognition of their overall progress. The total funds disbursed by the program amounted to ₹2.75 Crore, showcasing its substantial impact on driving innovation and economic growth. Additionally, the entrepreneurs from the program have successfully secured external funding totaling ₹1.8 crore.

The event featured insightful panel discussions on key topics such as ‘Local to Global: Strategies for Global Expansion of Women-Led Startups,’ ‘Building a Legacy: Women Leading in Business and Beyond,’ and ‘Balancing Act: Navigating Work-Life Integration as a Woman.’ These discussions aimed to further inspire and guide women entrepreneurs in their journey towards success.

The Women Startup Program stands as a testament to the commitment of Kotak Mahindra Bank and NSRCEL-IIMB in fostering an environment where women thrive, innovate, and lead in the world of entrepreneurship.

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