INWEC National Women's Business Mela 2.0
INWEC (Indian Chamber of Commerce National Women Entrepreneurship Council) is a leading group started in 2020. Its goal is to empower women entrepreneurs in Odisha and beyond. INWEC is now set to host the second edition of its main event. Following a successful inaugural Mela in 2022, the INWEC National Women's Business Mela 2.0 promises an expanded platform for showcasing women-led businesses, fostering innovation, and facilitating crucial market connections.
Event Overview
Scheduled to take place from April 30th to May 4th, 2025, at the Unit 3 IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, the Mela aims to be "Bigger, Bolder, and more Impactful" than its predecessor. The five-day event (running 11:00 am to 11:00 pm daily) will bring together over 200 women-led brands, including startups, MSMEs, tribal entrepreneurs, and even young 'Kidpreneurs' from across Odisha.
Organized under the all-women leadership of INWEC Convenor Ms. Preeti Pallavi Patnaik and Co-Convenors Ms. Swati Kejriwal and Ms. Suma Devi Dash, the Mela serves as a cornerstone of INWEC's mission. This mission focuses on fostering inclusive opportunities, enhancing market access, and catalyzing growth for women in business. The event receives strategic backing from MSME departments, government bodies, policymakers, corporations, and national brand partners, creating a supportive ecosystem for participants.
Key Features
The Mela 2.0 is designed as a multi-faceted platform offering significant opportunities for participants and visitors:
- Diverse Showcase: Stalls will represent a wide range of sectors, including fashion, wellness, food (with 35+ dedicated food stalls), agriculture, technology, education, finance, real estate, automobiles, and sustainable innovation.
- Inclusive Participation: A key focus is promoting grassroots entrepreneurship. INWEC is providing fully sponsored stalls to selected startups, tribal entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Kidpreneurs from various districts, ensuring equitable market access and visibility.
- Networking and Growth: The event facilitates crucial connections between emerging entrepreneurs and established businesswomen, investors, industry mentors, and national brands. Dedicated workshops, networking zones, and mentorship opportunities are planned.
- Knowledge Sharing: "Foresight Sessions" featuring thought leaders will delve into innovation, sustainability, and business trends. Inspirational talks, fireside chats, and panel discussions with celebrities, global icons, and leaders from media, politics, and business are also scheduled.
- Policy Engagement: The Mela provides a space for policy dialogues and industry collaborations aimed at shaping inclusive, gender-forward business environments in Odisha.
- Cultural Hub: Beyond business, the event will feature cultural performances and creative installations celebrating Odisha's art and music.
The INWEC National Women's Business Mela 2.0 stands as more than just an exhibition; it represents a significant movement to empower women entrepreneurs across Odisha. By providing a vibrant platform for brand visibility, market linkage, networking, and learning, INWEC aims to accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises, contributing to the vision of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Utkarsh Odisha'. The event highlights the state's efforts to create an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive and lead, further solidifying Odisha's position on the national map for women-led business excellence.
