Chandigarh: The Women Entrepreneurs Conclave 2026, organised by the Punjab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), was successfully held at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) in Chandigarh, bringing together aspiring and established women entrepreneurs from across sectors.
The event commenced with the arrival and registration of delegates in the afternoon, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp—symbolising knowledge, empowerment, and new beginnings. The conclave set the stage for meaningful dialogue on strengthening women-led enterprises and fostering inclusive growth.
Welcome Address and Vision for the Conclave
Dr. Niraj Bala delivered the welcome address, extending a warm greeting to all dignitaries and participants. She highlighted the growing importance of women-led initiatives in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and underscored the need for platforms that amplify their voices.
Providing an overview of the event, Dr. Harsh Vardhan Samalia outlined the core objective of the conclave—to create a national-level platform that encourages collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among women entrepreneurs.
Showcasing Entrepreneurial Journeys
A special interactive session titled “Know Her, Know Her Work” allowed participants to introduce themselves and share their entrepreneurial journeys. The session fostered a sense of community and inspired attendees through real-life stories of perseverance, innovation, and success.
Industry Perspectives and Institutional Support
Addressing the gathering, Dalip Sharma, Secretary General of PCCI, emphasised the growing contribution of women entrepreneurs to economic development. He stressed the importance of institutional support, structured platforms, and the proactive role of industry bodies in nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
Dr. B. R. Gurjar highlighted the significance of innovation-driven entrepreneurship and the crucial role academic institutions play in building strong entrepreneurial ecosystems. He also underscored the importance of skill development and training in enabling sustainable business growth.
Keynote Highlights Collaboration and Sustainability
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Gurpreet Kaur, Director, Women Entrepreneurs Development at PCCI. She focused on the themes of empowerment, collaboration, and sustainability, urging women entrepreneurs to build ventures that are not only profitable but also socially impactful and future-ready.
Key Announcements and Strategic Proposals
A major highlight of the conclave was the announcement that PCCI will launch an exclusive Women Entrepreneurs Magazine. Each participant will be featured with a dedicated full-page profile, showcasing her journey, business concept, and achievements. The publication is expected to gain wide circulation across industry platforms, offering visibility and recognition.
The conclave also proposed the formation of sector-specific groups across domains such as education, healthcare, creative industries, and information technology. Participants were encouraged to take leadership roles within these groups to drive focused collaboration and sectoral growth.
In another significant proposal, plans were unveiled to organise a large-scale exhibition in Mohali, where women entrepreneurs will be able to showcase their products and ventures. The exhibition aims to provide market exposure, networking opportunities, and avenues for business expansion.
Recognition of Excellence
The event also featured a felicitation ceremony to honour distinguished women entrepreneurs and leaders who have made notable contributions to innovation and social impact. The recognition highlighted the diverse achievements of women across sectors.
Key Outcomes and Way Forward
The conclave concluded with a strong commitment to building a sustained network for women entrepreneurs. Key outcomes included the establishment of a collaborative platform, enhanced networking opportunities, and a roadmap for continued engagement among participants.
With its focus on inclusivity, innovation, and leadership, the Women Entrepreneurs Conclave 2026 has reinforced the growing momentum of women-led enterprises in India, setting the stage for a more connected and empowered entrepreneurial ecosystem.
