Entrepreneurial ambition among Indian women is witnessing a significant rise, with new data showing that 64% of women working in finance and accountancy in India aspire to become entrepreneurs.
According to early insights from a global survey conducted by ACCA, the findings highlight a sharp increase in entrepreneurial ambition, signalling growing confidence among women professionals in building their own businesses.
Released on 6 March 2026, the survey forms part of ACCA’s forthcoming Global Talent Trends 2026 report. The global study surveyed more than 11,000 finance professionals across 175 countries.
In India, the findings reveal that entrepreneurial ambition among women has increased from 56% last year to 64% in the latest survey cycle.
The rise in entrepreneurial ambition indicates a growing willingness among women professionals to leverage their finance and accountancy training as a pathway toward business ownership.
Although men still report higher levels of entrepreneurial ambition overall, the gap between genders is gradually narrowing, reflecting a notable shift in career confidence and long-term aspirations among women.
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The data also shows that entrepreneurial ambition is strongest among younger female professionals, particularly those belonging to Generation Z and Millennials.
Nearly half of the respondents from these younger cohorts said they intend to become entrepreneurs in the future. This generational trend suggests a strong drive toward autonomy, financial independence, and broader societal impact.
The insights were released ahead of International Women’s Day 2026 and align with the global theme set by UN Women: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls.”
The findings further underscore how entrepreneurial ambition among women professionals is becoming a defining feature of career aspirations in the finance sector.
Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, said: “Entrepreneurship represents economic empowerment in action. The number of women aspiring to business ownership is an encouraging signal that finance and accountancy skills are equipping women not only to lead within organisations, but to build enterprises of their own.
Accountancy provides a powerful platform for entrepreneurial success, combining financial expertise, governance, risk management, technology and strategic insight. Supporting women to translate ambition into enterprise is essential not just for equality, but for economic growth.”
Entrepreneurial Ambition Strong in Emerging Markets
According to the Global Talent Trends 2026 data, accountancy continues to serve as a natural training ground for aspiring business owners. More than half of all respondents globally believe their finance background supports entrepreneurial careers.
The report suggests that entrepreneurial ambition is particularly strong in emerging markets, where entrepreneurship is widely viewed as a route to economic mobility and broader social impact.
The research also highlights that entrepreneurial ambition among women is part of a wider transformation in how finance professionals perceive the accountancy profession.
Increasingly, professionals are seeking roles aligned with purpose, social impact, environmental sustainability, and personal autonomy. This shift reinforces the expanding role of accountancy as a gateway to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Md Sajid Khan, Director – ACCA India, said: “The drive towards entrepreneurship in India is especially evident among younger finance professionals. They see accountancy as more than a technical discipline, it is a launchpad for innovation, independence, and impact.
While there remains more progress to be made to achieve parity, the direction of travel is clear. The profession is helping to unlock entrepreneurial potential at scale.”
