West Bengal has long been a hub of commerce and culture, with a rich history of entrepreneurship deeply embedded in its social fabric. In recent years, women entrepreneurs in the state have broken traditional barriers and carved their own paths in diverse industries. From small-scale ventures to large enterprises, women are redefining business leadership with innovation and resilience. West Bengal tops the list for the highest percentage of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) owned by women. The report for 2023-24 shows that 23.4% of MSMEs in the state are owned by women, making Bengal a leader in empowering women through entrepreneurship. This impressive figure highlights not only the economic contribution but also the state’s commitment to fostering women-led businesses. These women entrepreneurs are transforming industries, blending traditional values with modern business strategies, and reshaping the business landscape of Bengal.
Women Entrepreneurs in Bengal: A Historical Perspective
Bengal has a long and rich history of women entrepreneurs who have significantly contributed to the state’s economic development. From early pioneers like Rani Rashmoni to the women who shaped Bengal’s entrepreneurial landscape during and after India’s independence, their stories of resilience and vision continue to inspire generations.
Rani Rashmoni, a renowned businesswoman of the 19th century, broke barriers and excelled in trade, land management, and social welfare. She transformed Bengal’s business culture, demonstrating how women could lead in a male-dominated society. Rani Rashmoni led ventures like controlling river transportation and establishing the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple, combining entrepreneurship with social responsibility.
During India’s push for independence, several women entrepreneurs emerged in Bengal, defying societal norms and contributing to the country’s growth. Nandini Satpathy, for example, worked in agriculture and rural development. She uplifted women in rural and unified Bengal by establishing numerous self-help groups and increasing women’s participation in business.
Post-independence, Bengal saw many women continue to excel in various industries. Begum Akhtar became one of the first female entrepreneurs in the cultural sector, focusing on music, theater, and performance arts, which thrived in Kolkata. Indira Gandhi, while known for her political career, supported women entrepreneurs by creating a climate that fostered women’s economic independence.
After independence, women-led businesses grew in textiles, handicrafts, and small-scale manufacturing. Anandabazar Patrika, one of Bengal’s most prominent newspapers, promoted the success stories of women entrepreneurs in the region. Women advanced in various sectors, from textiles to education, technology, and agriculture, continuing Rani Rashmoni’s legacy of innovation.
Meet the Visionaries: Bengal’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs
01. Gargi Banerjee Koul: Founder and CEO, Élanstreet.com
Gargi Banerjee Koul is a strong-willed and visionary entrepreneur who has seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in banking to become the driving force behind Élanstreet.com, a pioneering personal styling platform. With 12 years of corporate experience, Gargi previously worked in a senior management role in the treasury vertical at HDFC Bank, where she gained extensive expertise in strategic decision-making and leadership.
Her platform works to empower individuals by offering personalized styling solutions while collaborating with various partners, including fashion brands and professional stylists. Gargi’s mission is to revolutionize the way people experience fashion, making it more inclusive and tailored to individual needs.
A career banker turned fashion-tech entrepreneur, Gargi Banerjee Koul is an inspiring figure in Bengal’s entrepreneurial landscape. Her ability to innovate, collaborate, and challenge the status quo in both the corporate and fashion worlds is a testament to her resilience and determination. Gargi’s journey continues to inspire others to follow their passions and embrace their unique potential.
02. Sujata Chatterjee: Founder and MD, Twirl Store
Sujata Chatterjee, the Founder and Managing Director of Twirl.store, is a social entrepreneur with a strong commitment to women’s empowerment. She holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering and further degrees in Management. Additionally, she has certifications in Marketing from Cambridge University and Innovation Readiness from the University of Austin. Her professional career began at Hewlett-Packard (HP), where she gained valuable experience before stepping into entrepreneurship.
In her entrepreneurial journey, Sujata launched Twirl.store, aiming to solve significant social and environmental challenges. The platform encourages women’s empowerment by providing clothing to those in need while reducing clothing waste. It also contributes to conserving natural resources like water. The concept behind Twirl is to tackle both the overconsumption of fashion and the struggle to find basic clothing for those who need it most.
o3. Swaralipi Chatterjee: Founder, Abar Baithak
When discussing the vibrant eat n’ chill hotspots of Kolkata, one cannot overlook the contribution of actress-turned-businesswoman Swaralipi Chatterjee. She has successfully blended her love for the city’s culture with her entrepreneurial spirit. Her venture, Abar Baithak, beautifully preserves Kolkata’s iconic adda culture. The cozy ambiance, coupled with lip-smacking food, creates the perfect setting for casual conversations and relaxation. What truly sets Abar Baithak apart is its unique Feluda theme, making it an absolute must-visit for fans of Satyajit Ray’s beloved detective, Feluda. Swaralipi’s creativity and vision have turned this eatery into a special destination for both food lovers and movie buffs alike.
04. Brinda Roy: Founder, PetMama
Brinda Roy, the founder of PetMama, is a communications and PR professional who decided to take a bold leap into entrepreneurship. After building an impressive career in PR and corporate communications, Brinda chose to follow her passion for pets and make pet parenting easier for others. Along with her fellow pet parent, she founded PetMama in 2021 to address the challenges they both faced as pet parents.
Despite her successful corporate career, the entrepreneurial path had always been on her mind. The idea for PetMama had been brewing since her college days. PetMama is now a platform dedicated to simplifying pet care, providing innovative solutions and services to help pet parents manage their responsibilities with ease.
