Headquartered in Mumbai, Switchers is an e-Commerce platform selling a first of its kind modular, mix & match bras that allow the users to mix and match their bra, thus pushing the line from innerwear to fashion wear.

Indian women have been entrepreneurs for generations. The traditional Indian family system where women took care of the home meant enterprising women could not go out and get a job; they were essentially limited to home businesses to generate an income. These women have been true revolutionaries and have paved the path for the multitasking super women of today. Women are now able to handle multi-million dollar corporations that they have themselves created.

Women have used their own strengths of multitasking, collaboration, organization and negotiation to climb both the business and corporate ladders, and have been able to amplify the strengths of these skills,thanks to tools that have come into existence or have become available in the last 10 years. Listed below are a few of these tools which I believe have been game changers for women entrepreneurs in India:

Technology: When we talk of technology, there were two major enablers for business. The first is the penetration of the Internet, and the second is the smart phone.Business is now possible at anytime and any where,as Internet has revolutionized business and lifestyle for everyone, but more so for the female entrepreneur who now finds it easier to balance all aspects of her life without her business suffering the least bit.

Daycares: Those women who do not have the benefit of a joint family where their kids arecared for while they take care of their business are able to avail professional help to take care of their children. This way, they can focus on their business without the stress of what is happening with their children.

There is more awareness among both customers and sellers of products & services that they need, and this opens up the market by creating more opportunities.

An Open Market: With the market opening up, there are hundreds of opportunities, both large and small, where women can use their skills to generate an income. There is more awareness among both customers and sellers of products & services that they need. This opens up the market by creating more opportunities. Women being major decision makers, consumers are also able to recognize these opportunities and make the most of them.

e-Commerce: e-Commerce has changed the way people buy and sell. It has increased a seller’s reach without the need of expensive infrastructure. Women have capitalized on this aspect and have also used technology to set up these platforms and become enablers to other women.

Loans to Business Women: Women are receiving more support from government and cooperative banks with special loan facilities. Not only are women given loans at concessional rates, they are also provided with assistance to set up their businesses.

Policy: The Government of India has set up several schemes to promote female entrepreneurs who are trying to start-up. From SIDBI’s Mahila Vikas Nidhi to Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD), there are various schemes to support women with loans, a part of the project cost, or support in the form of training and knowledge.

The Rise of Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is a great equalizer. Business does not care whether the entrepreneur is male or female; all it wants is sales to fuel its growth. A great idea, hard work and salesmanship are all that one needs to set up a world class venture.