K'taka would soon take top slot for women entrepreneurship: CM

Rolling out red carpet to women entrepreneurs, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today expressed confidence that with several initiatives taken, the state would soon occupy the top slot for women entrepreneurship. He urged women entrepreneurs to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in Karnataka and make the state their base. "I am happy to note that Karnataka's diversity ratio in employment and entrepreneurship is amongst the best in India. Our eco-system is regarded as the benchmark for women to live and work and I am happy that we are in the right direction," Siddaramaiah said at the event "ThinkBig 2016". He said that according to the fourth Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME) census, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have 51.9 per cent of the country's women-owned business indicating the potential that exists in our State and country. "I am sure with the initiatives taken up, Karnataka would soon be in the top slot...," he said. "ThinkBig 2016", which is projected to be Asia's largest women entrepreneurship and economic empowerment summit, is being organised by Karnataka government, together with WEConnect International in India and Thinkthrough Consulting (TTC). According to the organisers, the event is aimed at bringing together more than 2,000 women entrepreneurs, 300 Industry leaders and 400 businesses and 35 top banks to connect women entrepreneurs across the globe with the "thriving" business ecosystem in Karnataka. Speaking on special attention being given to women entrepreneurs to encourage enterprise creation and industrial capacity building, he said, there has been unprecedented response from them. "Initially we thought of developing one Women's Park at Harohally near Bangalore. But, surprisingly there was a great response from all over the State to set up parks for women. Going by the enthusiasm generated amongst women entrepreneurs, I am sure we would have Women's Park all over the State soon," he added.