India’s entrepreneurial landscape is witnessing notable shifts in recent years, prominently marked by the rise of women-led businesses across various industries. A notable 65% of these enterprises are based in rural areas, illustrating the essential role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in granting these businesses access to information, markets, and financial resources.

Recent data underscores the transformative impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on rural entrepreneurship. As of 2023, smartphone penetration in rural India has reached 44%, rising up from 27% in 2019. This growth is driven by the proliferation of affordable smartphones and improvements in internet connectivity. This increased connectivity and accessibility position ICT as a pivotal tool for development in social commerce, e-commerce, and linking enterprises with government schemes and financial institutions.

Despite these advancements, the gender gap in mobile ownership and usage remains a concern, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study conducted by Nasscom Foundation and LEAD at Krea University under its Udyogini initiative, provides a comprehensive overview of women entrepreneurs’ enterprise attributes, financial readiness, digital readiness, and usage of social commerce platforms.