In a bid to celebrate and showcase Indian women entrepreneurs, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Women’s Entrepreneurship Council (IWEC) is hosting a five-day Women’s Business Mela from May 4-8 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is India’s First-Ever Women’s Business Mela dedicated completely to women entrepreneurs.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the event on Wednesday and applauded the council for achieving the 100+ member milestone set by him by January 2020. Highlighting the contribution of women entrepreneurs of Odisha he hoped to see IWEC grow into a 500+ strong entrepreneurial group.
Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo, Minister of Higher Education, Pradeep Sureka, President of ICC, JB Pany, Chairman of ICC Odisha, M K Gupta, Co-Chairman ICC Odisha, Sukirti Patnaik, Co-Chairperson IWEC National, and Convenor IWEC Odisha & Tanaya Patnaik, Co-Convenor IWEC Odisha as well as Bollywood actress Ms. Lara Dutta were part of the inaugural event.
Bollywood Director Imtiaz Ali and actor Arjun Rampal are also set to grace the event.
Minister Sahoo spoke of the policies of the Government of Odisha to empower women on this occasion. He said that the goal is to create a dynamic state with a highly inclusive environment for the greater participation of women in the economic activity of our state.
Likewise, Sukirti Patnaaik expressed happiness about the launching of the IWEC national chapter based on the Odisha chapter. Tanaya Patnaik, Co-Convenor of IWEC congratulated all the women IWEC members for doing the near-impossible by organizing such a big event. She hoped that in the coming days, Odisha will be an example of women’s entrepreneurship.
Besides this, Chairman ICC Odisha, J B Pany emphasized the pioneering efforts made by ICC Odisha and the leadership shown in fostering entrepreneurship among women. And M K Gupta appreciated IWEC members for their dedication and focus on achieving their goals.
Events & Arrangements Of Women’s Business Mela
Over 150 stalls are set up by women-led businesses in the mela.
A full-fledged food festival is being organized featuring over 34 unique food stalls. Kids’ play area, selfie zones, activity zones, Ollywood night, fashion show, IWEC Awards, and cultural and musical performances are also part of the event.
The event features daily business seminars that are highly informative and educative for women entrepreneurs.
This will all reach a climax with the celebration of Mother’s Day where the event will celebrate all Entrepreneur Moms, Wives, Sisters & Daughters.