Mumbai: Standard Chartered Bank, in collaboration with Dun & Bradstreet, unveiled the latest edition of the Women Entrepreneurship Optimism Index (WEOI) for the April–June 2025 quarter.
The composite score rose to 72.86, up 392 basis points from 68.93 in October–December 2024, reflecting stronger confidence and resilience among women entrepreneurs in India.
The Women Entrepreneurship Optimism Index report was released at an exclusive event for women entrepreneurs, featuring Rhea Kapoor (celebrity entrepreneur), Neha Singh (Co-Founder & MD, Tracxn Technologies), and Pooja Arambhan Tiwari (Chairperson, FICCI FLO Mumbai), along with senior leaders from Standard Chartered and Dun & Bradstreet.
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Held under the theme “From Potential to Power: Building Skill Confidence in Women Entrepreneurs”, the event spotlighted skill development, inclusivity, and leadership.
Launched as part of Standard Chartered’s SC WIN (Women’s International Network) programme, the Women Entrepreneurship Optimism Index surveyed over 200 women entrepreneurs across sectors and cities.
It provides comprehensive insights across five dimensions:
- Business performance
- Access to finance
- Skill development
- Digital adoption
- Policy and network support
Key Findings of the Women Entrepreneurship Optimism Index
- Out of India’s 170,000 startups, 76,000 are women-led, generating 1.7 million jobs.
- Tier 2 women entrepreneurs showed stronger digital adoption optimism than Tier 1 peers, despite lower overall business performance confidence.
- Health Services sector posted the highest optimism score at 77.46, driven by strong business and support channels.
- Consumer Goods and Capital Goods sectors saw declines in digital and financial confidence.
- Optimism around government financial support improved, with 44% expecting better access to loans and subsidies, compared to 35% last quarter.
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Aditya Mandloi, Managing Director & Head, Wealth and Retail Banking, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, stated: “Empowering women entrepreneurs is critical to India’s economic growth. The rise in optimism in this quarter’s Women Entrepreneurship Optimism Index reflects the growing strength of women-led businesses across the country.”
Avinash Gupta, Managing Director & CEO – India, Dun & Bradstreet, added: “The Women Entrepreneurship Optimism Index underscores the increasing confidence of women entrepreneurs, particularly in digital adoption. Their role is central to building a more inclusive and resilient economy.”
