On March 17, 2026, the British Council and SPARK – The 100K Collective joined forces in New Delhi to boost women entrepreneurship across India. This collaboration is supported by Smriti Irani, who is passionate about promoting women’s economic empowerment through stronger institutional partnerships.
The initiative aims to assist nearly 100,000 women entrepreneurs, particularly those in the “missing middle” category. These women have progressed beyond small businesses but encounter hurdles in expanding due to a lack of access to skills, networks, and resources.
Through this partnership, the British Council will offer training in essential areas like English, communication, and digital skills. The goal is to empower women to enhance their business proposals, broaden their professional networks, and reach larger markets. Additionally, the program will help build a supportive ecosystem focusing on governance, compliance, visibility, and leadership development.
During the signing event, Irani emphasized the significance of collaboration in promoting gender equity. She noted, “The Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality was created with the belief that achieving gender equity requires teamwork across different sectors. Women entrepreneurs in India already show remarkable leadership and resilience. Programs like this can provide them with the skills and support needed to turn their ambitions into successful businesses, contributing to India’s economic growth.”
Scott McDonald, the Chief Executive of the British Council, pointed out that education and skills are vital for creating opportunities. He stated, “At the British Council, we believe that education and connections are powerful tools for growth. Helping women enhance their skills will enable them to thrive in the economy. We are excited to bring our expertise in English and skills development to support their journeys.”
Lindy Cameron highlighted how the initiative could help women entrepreneurs connect with global supply chains by improving their language and communication skills. Susan Acland-Hood from the UK’s Department for Education also praised the program, seeing it as a valuable example of how language access can create opportunities not just in India but worldwide.
The memorandum was signed at the British Council’s office in New Delhi, with senior representatives from both organizations present. This partnership marks a significant step toward establishing sustainable support systems for women-led businesses, emphasizing long-term growth and economic inclusion.
