A brand new collaboration aimed toward strengthening women entrepreneurship in India was formalised on March 17, 2026, because the British Council signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SPARK – The 100K Collective in Recent Delhi. The initiative is backed by Smriti Irani, founding father of the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality, who has been advocating for institutional partnerships to advance women’s economic participation.
Smriti Irani, British Council partner to support 1 lakh women entrepreneurs in India
The programme focuses on supporting nearly one lakh women entrepreneurs across the country, particularly those within the “missing middle” segment. These are individuals who’ve moved beyond small-scale operations but face challenges in scaling their businesses attributable to limited access to skills, networks and resources.
Under the partnership, the British Council will provide training in English, communication and digital skills. The aim is to enable women entrepreneurs to enhance business pitches, expand skilled networks and access larger markets. The collaboration also seeks to construct a broader support ecosystem, covering areas akin to governance, compliance, visibility and leadership development.
Speaking on the event, Smriti Irani highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing gender equity. “The Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality was founded on the assumption that advancing gender equity requires strong collaboration across institutions and sectors. Women entrepreneurs across India are already demonstrating extraordinary leadership and resilience. By strengthening access to skills, resources, and supportive networks, initiatives akin to this may help women scale their ambitions into sustainable enterprises and participate more fully in shaping India’s economic future,” she said.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, underlined the role of skills and education in driving opportunity. “On the British Council, we see education, skills and connections as powerful drivers of opportunity. Supporting women to construct the capabilities they should grow their businesses and participate fully within the economy is a vital a part of that vision. Through this collaboration, we’re pleased to bring our experience in English and skills development to support women entrepreneurs in strengthening their communication, expanding their networks, and growing their enterprises with confidence,” he said.
Lindy Cameron also emphasised the importance of the initiative, noting its potential to assist women entrepreneurs integrate into global supply chains through improved language and communication skills.
Susan Acland-Hood, Everlasting Secretary on the UK’s Department for Education, described the programme as an encouraging example of how access to language and communication can expand opportunities, not only in India but globally.
The agreement was signed on the British Council’s Recent Delhi office within the presence of senior representatives from each side. The partnership signals a continued effort to construct structured, scalable support systems for women-led enterprises, with a concentrate on long-term growth and economic inclusion.
Also Read: Smriti Irani backs preventive healthcare framework for girls at World Economic Forum
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