Woman entrepreneurs encouraged to adopt technology to grow

The former Chief Secretary Ratnaprabha has said that while women in rural areas benefit from schemes and self-help groups, women in tier II cities often lack the exposure and are forced to navigate business processes on their own.

She was speaking at the inauguration of a training programme titled “Business Beyond Boundaries Through Digital Transformation” organised by the MSMEs Development and Facilitation Office in collaboration with Ubuntu Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs Association in Hubballi recently.

Ms. Ratnaprabha, who is also the president of Ubuntu Consortium, said that it has been formed to guide and mentor women in smaller towns and cities in establishing and expanding enterprises.

Citing an example, she said that a woman entrepreneur from Hubballi engaged in condiments business was taken to Malaysia through the association which helped her secure significant orders and expand her business.

Ms. Ratnaprabha encouraged women to adopt new technologies to grow and diversify their businesses.

Recalling her days as Chief Secretary, Ms. Ratnaprabha said that it is a demanding phase as the existing industrial policy is nearing expiry and a new policy is to be introduced.

“On reviewing the policy, a chapter for women was incorporated, along with provisions for industrial parks, incentives, exhibitions and international certifications,” she said.

Briefing about the consortium, she said that what began with eight associations has now grown to 65 associations, representing nearly 30,000 women entrepreneurs.

“It is a small and silent revolution,” she said and added that that successive Chief Ministers have extended support to such initiatives that have contributed to Karnataka’s progress in the industrial sector.

Inaugurating a seminary, Joint Director of MSMEs Development and Facilitation Office, Hubballi, Shashi Kumar M. emphasised the need to digitalise, standardise, globalise, because growth lies beyond boundaries.

Digital transformation is no longer optional for MSMEs but a bridge between local capability and global opportunity. “Digital tools reduce costs, expand reach and enhance competitiveness. Knowledge without implementation does not create impact. I urge all participants to actively engage, ask questions and make the most of this opportunity,” he said.

He added that the MSMEs Development and Facilitation Office in Hubballi is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs in formalisation, scaling up operations and facilitating access to government schemes.

He encouraged entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional markets, stating that a small unit in Hubballi can cater to customers in Bengaluru, Dubai or even Europe if digitally enabled. “Geography is no longer a limitation,” he said.

President of North Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (NKSSIA) Ramesh Patil said that focus on quality of products and services will help them sustain in the business and called upon them to make use of digital tools to market their products.

Consortium secretary Jyoti Balakrishna, woman entrepreneurs Devaki Yoganand and Deepali Gotadki were present. A good number of woman entrepreneurs participated in the training programme.