Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program is inviting applications from eligible women entrepreneurs in India to strengthen their leadership, business management, and entrepreneurial skills. Delivered in partnership with IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Lucknow, the program offers world-class business education, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources that help women-led businesses grow, create jobs, and contribute to economic development.
About the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program is a global initiative that empowers women entrepreneurs by providing high-quality business and management education, expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and improved access to capital.
The program is designed for established women business owners who are looking to expand their enterprises, strengthen leadership capabilities, improve business performance, and build sustainable businesses that generate employment and economic growth.
In India, the program is implemented through partnerships with leading management institutions, ensuring participants receive practical business education from experienced faculty and industry experts.
Program Partners in India
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program is delivered in collaboration with India’s premier management institutes, including:
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow
Participants benefit from expert-led learning, practical business tools, and leadership development tailored to the needs of growing enterprises.
Program Objectives
The program aims to help women entrepreneurs:
- Strengthen business management skills.
- Improve strategic decision-making.
- Develop leadership capabilities.
- Scale existing businesses.
- Increase business profitability.
- Create employment opportunities.
- Improve access to finance.
- Build professional networks.
- Strengthen long-term business sustainability.
- Contribute to inclusive economic growth.
Key Focus Areas
The program focuses on developing practical business skills in areas such as:
- Business management
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership development
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Business growth strategies
- Marketing and sales
- Operations management
- Human resource management
- Business innovation
- Networking
- Mentorship
- Access to capital
- Business sustainability
These focus areas help entrepreneurs build stronger and more competitive businesses.
Program Benefits
Selected participants receive a range of professional development opportunities, including:
- Business and management education
- Learning from experienced IIM faculty
- Expert mentorship
- Leadership development
- Networking with successful entrepreneurs
- Peer learning opportunities
- Access to industry experts
- Business growth strategies
- Guidance on accessing capital
- Practical tools for scaling businesses
- Exposure to best business practices
- Opportunities to expand professional networks
The program equips women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to lead high-growth businesses.
Why This Program Matters
Women-owned businesses play an important role in driving innovation, employment, and economic development.
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program helps:
- Increase women’s participation in entrepreneurship.
- Strengthen women-led enterprises.
- Improve business competitiveness.
- Support job creation.
- Encourage sustainable business growth.
- Enhance financial inclusion.
- Develop future business leaders.
- Build resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems.
By investing in women entrepreneurs, the program contributes to stronger local economies and inclusive development.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is designed for established women entrepreneurs in India.
Applicants must:
- Be a woman entrepreneur.
- Be the owner or co-owner of a business.
- Be the primary decision-maker in the business.
- Have an annual business turnover of more than ₹30 lakhs.
- Operate a business that has been running for at least one year.
- Employ a minimum of three people.
The program is intended for businesses that are already operational and ready for the next stage of growth.
Who Should Apply?
The program is ideal for:
- Women founders
- Women co-founders
- Small business owners
- Medium enterprise owners
- Growth-stage entrepreneurs
- Business leaders seeking expansion
- Women-led startups with established operations
- Entrepreneurs looking to strengthen management skills
How the Program Works
Selected participants receive structured business education and leadership training through partner institutions.
The programme typically includes:
- Business management training.
- Leadership development sessions.
- Strategy and growth planning.
- Mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Networking with fellow entrepreneurs.
- Exposure to industry experts.
- Guidance on business finance and capital access.
- Practical application of business tools to support enterprise growth.
The learning experience combines classroom instruction with practical business insights and peer collaboration.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Confirm that your business meets the turnover, employment, and operational criteria.
- Prepare your business information and supporting documents.
- Complete the official application form.
- Submit the application before the announced deadline.
- Participate in the selection process if shortlisted.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your application:
- Clearly explain your business model.
- Demonstrate consistent business performance.
- Highlight your leadership role.
- Show evidence of business growth.
- Describe your future expansion plans.
- Explain how the program will benefit your business.
- Provide accurate financial information.
- Submit all required supporting documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors when applying:
- Applying without meeting the eligibility requirements.
- Providing incorrect turnover information.
- Submitting incomplete application forms.
- Failing to demonstrate ownership or decision-making authority.
- Omitting required business documents.
- Providing inaccurate employment details.
- Missing the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program?
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program is a global initiative that supports women entrepreneurs through business education, mentorship, networking opportunities, leadership development, and improved access to capital.
Who can apply for the program in India?
Women entrepreneurs who own or co-own a business, serve as the primary decision-maker, have an annual turnover exceeding ₹30 lakhs, have operated the business for at least one year, and employ at least three people are eligible to apply.
Which institutions deliver the program in India?
The program is delivered in partnership with IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Lucknow, providing participants with high-quality management education.
What are the main benefits of participating?
Participants receive business education, leadership training, mentorship, networking opportunities, access to business experts, guidance on accessing capital, and practical strategies for scaling their businesses.
Does the program provide funding?
The program primarily focuses on business education, mentorship, networking, and improving access to capital rather than providing direct grant funding.
Who is the program designed for?
The initiative is intended for established women entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their businesses, strengthen management capabilities, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic development.
Why is the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program important?
The program helps women entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, improve leadership skills, expand professional networks, and contribute to job creation and inclusive economic growth through high-quality entrepreneurial education.
Conclusion
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program India 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for established women entrepreneurs to strengthen their business management capabilities and accelerate business growth. Through partnerships with IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Lucknow, the program provides world-class education, expert mentorship, valuable networking opportunities, and practical business strategies that help women-led enterprises become more competitive, create jobs, and contribute to India’s long-term economic development.
For more information, visit GS.
