Digital tools for women entrepreneurs are not just a convenience but a necessity in modern India. As this data shows, women, far from the headlines of the metro cities, are making real progress.
One of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs face today is digital exclusion. Despite progress over the years, access to digital tools, connectivity, and literacy remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, positive statistics are starting to emerge in studies, especially in India, where women-led businesses are increasingly utilising digital platforms to build and grow successful ventures.
282% rise in women entrepreneurs adopting digital business tools
India has seen notable progress in women’s digital participation. Tide, a financial platform designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has reported a 282% rise in women members adopting digital business tools in the past year. The platform now has over 86,226 women members, with 96% of them coming from Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, collectively known as ‘Bharat’. Women now own around 22 million small businesses in India, accounting for nearly 20% of the sector. Data from over 600,000 businesses on Tide’s platform shows how digital tools are helping women entrepreneurs in smaller towns scale up.
The company’s data highlights key regions in India where women entrepreneurs are most active. Uttar Pradesh leads with 16%, followed by Maharashtra (14%), West Bengal (11%), Madhya Pradesh and Bihar (9% each), and Odisha (5%). Many women-run businesses fall into sectors such as general stores, tailoring units, and beauty salons, making up 31% of all digital enterprises on the platform.
Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO of Tide in India, said, “For decades, entrepreneurship in India was synonymous with metro cities and family-run businesses. However, we are now witnessing a paradigm shift, where first-generation women entrepreneurs from smaller towns are defying traditional norms and embracing digital tools to build successful enterprises. These women are not only running businesses but also creating jobs and transforming their communities.“
The digital solopreneurs of Bharat: Gen Z and Millennial women take charge
More women are now choosing to start and run businesses by themselves, without business partners or large teams. These solo ventures, also known as solopreneurship, are growing rapidly, especially in fields like digital marketing, education, agriculture, financial consulting, and local retail. According to Tide’s data, women now lead more than 61% of digital businesses in ten key sectors.
Younger generations mainly drive this rise in women-led solo businesses. Gen Z (ages 19–25) and Millennials (ages 26–40) together make up 78% of Tide’s women’s user base. These generations are comfortable with digital tools and are using them to turn their ideas into businesses. Interestingly, older generations are also entering the digital business space. About 22% of Tide’s women members are from the Gen X and Baby Boomer age groups.
Unlocking a $5 trillion opportunity: Why digital inclusion matters
Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) play a key role in growing their economies and reducing poverty. However, many of them face serious challenges when it comes to going digital. Poor internet access, low digital skills, high data costs, and even online abuse make it harder for them to run and expand their businesses.
A report by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women points out just how big the missed opportunity is. If women had the same chance as men to build and grow businesses, the global economy could increase by up to $5 trillion, roughly the size of Japan’s economy.
The report also found that while 92% of women entrepreneurs in LMICs own a smartphone, almost half don’t have steady internet access. That is primarily because of high data prices and unreliable connections. Without regular access, it is challenging to use tools like social media, e-commerce platforms, mobile payments, or AI services that help businesses grow.
There is also a clear gender gap in mobile internet use. Women in LMICs are 15% less likely than men to use mobile internet. On top of that, 57% of women entrepreneurs say they’ve faced some form of abuse online. Many hold back from using digital platforms out of concern for their safety.
Building digital pathways: Empowering Bharat’s women entrepreneurs
Organisations like Tide can play a key role in helping women entrepreneurs, especially in smaller towns, access digital tools and grow their businesses. By offering easy-to-use financial services and business support, such initiatives can help bridge the digital divide that has long held back women-led enterprises.
Tide has launched a dedicated Women in Business programme, aiming to bring 500,000 women onto the platform by 2027. This goal is part of a broader global commitment to support and empower women entrepreneurs. To make this happen, Tide has teamed up with women-focused incubators like WE Hub (Telangana), NEHHDC (North East), and the Ubuntu Consortium. These partnerships focus on promoting digitisation, improving policy awareness, and encouraging financial inclusion, ensuring that more women-led businesses can grow and succeed.
Reimagining inclusion: The future of digital tools for women entrepreneurs
Digital inclusion will truly unlock the economic potential of women entrepreneurs. That means fixing the basics, such as affordable internet, safer online environments, access to digital tools, and hands-on training that meets women where they are.
The data already shows that when women get proper access to digital tools and the internet, they start successful businesses, create employment for others, and help their communities grow. However, this progress will only continue if there is steady support. That support must come from all directions, with governments making better policies, tech companies offering useful and affordable services, and local groups helping women build digital skills.
At Changeincontent, we believe stories like these must shift from the margins to the mainstream. Bharat’s women are already rewriting India’s economic narrative — the question is, who is listening?
Also Read: The rise of the female workforce in India: A milestone or just a statistical win?
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history, encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and marginalised individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
