Women-Led Businesses in Tamil Nadu: Policy, Growth, and Challenges—Insights from IgniteSakthi 2025

At IgniteSakthi 2025, a dynamic panel brought together some of the most influential voices in Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to discuss governance, state policies, and their impact on women-led businesses. Moderated by the insightful and articulate , the discussion delved deep into the realities of both urban and rural business landscapes, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

The panel featured Dr. Uma Maheswari, CEO of TN Rise, Nisha Mukund of Crescent Incubation, and Arasi Arul, founder of TN WOMEN, each of whom contributed their expertise on how policies, ecosystem support, and social dynamics shape the entrepreneurial journey of women in Tamil Nadu.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion:

1️⃣ Governance & State Policies: The conversation shed light on the various government initiatives designed to uplift women-led businesses, while also addressing the gaps that still exist in terms of accessibility and execution.

2️⃣ Urban vs. Rural Business Landscape: The discussion explored how infrastructure, mentorship access, and funding opportunities vary between urban and rural Tamil Nadu. Rural women entrepreneurs face challenges in digital adoption and scaling, whereas urban founders struggle with market competition and investor biases.

3️⃣ Women in STEM Startups: A crucial segment of the discussion revolved around the increasing number of STEM-based startups led by women and the barriers they face, including societal expectations and the gender gap in tech funding.

4️⃣ The Age Factor in Women’s Careers: The panel also tackled an often-overlooked topic—how age plays a role in a woman’s entrepreneurial and professional journey. From early-career struggles to mid-career breaks and the challenges of re-entering the workforce, the discussion provided deep insights into how age-related biases impact women at different stages.

A Moderator Who Brought It All Together

The session was expertly moderated by Sunandha Thamaraiselvan, an accomplished entrepreneur and strategist known for her deep understanding of AI-driven marketing, digital transformation, and business strategy. Her ability to navigate complex policy discussions, extract actionable insights from the panelists, and engage the audience with thought-provoking questions made this panel a standout session at IgniteSakthi 2025.

Beyond her skills as a moderator, Sunandha’s commitment to women’s empowerment was evident throughout the discussion. She believes that true progress for women-led businesses comes from policy-driven support, access to funding, and breaking age-old stereotypes that limit women’s growth. With a keen focus on fostering inclusive ecosystems, she champions the idea that empowering women entrepreneurs isn’t just about opportunities—it’s about reshaping industries for long-term, sustainable impact.

Final Thoughts

The panel at IgniteSakthi 2025 wasn’t just a discussion; it was a call to action for policymakers, incubators, and business leaders to do more in bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship. With leaders like Sunandha Thamaraiselvan facilitating these crucial conversations, Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurial landscape is poised for a more inclusive and equitable future.

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