
WE Hub to handhold women entrepreneurs from smaller towns of Telangana
WE Reach will provide comprehensive, end-to-end support to women at the ideation stage, helping them move towards establishing sustainable businesses, WE Hub said in a release.
Capacity building is at the heart of initiative and it is to be achieved through inculcating business skills, financial and digital literacy awareness creation, mentorship, familiarisation visits to MSME enterprises. Assistance to set up units also figures in the programme to equip participants with requisite tools to start and scale their enterprises.
'Empowering women entrepreneurs at the grassroots is crucial for inclusive development. Programmes like WE Reach not only create economic opportunities for women but also drive long-term social transformation in our communities,' Ms. Chandana said.
WE Reach is a significant step towards inclusive growth and equitable access to entrepreneurial opportunities, WE Hub CEO Sita Pallacholla said, adding that the women entrepreneurs are not only stepping into the world of business but are also on the path to economic empowerment and formalising their business ventures.

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The Hindu
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Hindustan Times
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Beyond the recognition The Tally MSME Honours platform goes beyond just recognition. Winners from each edition are engaged throughout the year across multiple platforms. They are invited to participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, panel discussions, ecosystem events, and networking forums curated by Tally. Many also get the opportunity to represent their regions and sectors on larger platforms, helping amplify their voice and inspire others. 'Our intent is to foster a thriving community of entrepreneurs who can learn from one another, share their expertise, and continue growing together. Our larger goal is to build a connected ecosystem where small businesses don't just get recognised but are empowered to thrive,' Singh concluded.


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a day ago
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