Bengaluru: Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development R V Deshpande on Friday announced the two-day ThinkBig 2016 Summit to connect women entrepreneurs across the globe with business ecosystem.
Addressing media persons, Minister Deshpande said around 4,000 delegates from not only other states but also from Asia, Europe, the USA, the UK would attend the summit to be held at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on November 14 and 15. “We expect delegates to attend from 45 countries. More than 400 companies will also take part to provide an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to have tie-ups with those companies,’’ Minister Deshpande said.
Stating that Karnataka is synonymous with entrepreneurship and progress, the minister said the state government would extend financial aid for women entrepreneurs who are deserved to avail this facility. “There are six women entrepreneurs’ associations in the state. We will extend financial assistance to the women entrepreneurs after discussing with women entrepreneurs’ associations,’’ the minister said.
The minister also launched a website and publicity material of ThinkBig 2016.
K Ratna Prabha, Additional Chief Secretary, said a number of government orders supporting women economic empowerment such as reimbursement of the WEConnect certification fee and establishment of an Exclusive Women Entrepreneurs Park have been issued. “I think closing the year with ThinkBig 2016 will be a great platform to showcase the state government’s proactive approach and help pave the way for investment opportunities in the state,’’ she said.
The two-day summit would be organised by WEConnect International in association with the state government. “The growth in the supply chain diversity budgets of WEConnect’s corporate members has increased their ability to procure more from women-owned business (WOB), enhancing the global market value. To strengthen this movement, WEConnect is organising ThinkBig 2016, Asia’s largest women entrepreneur summit, during November in Bangalore, bringing relevant players together to support and promote WOBs,’’ said Parul Soni, Executive Director, WEConnect International in India.
