Entrepreneurship Development
End-to-end training programs for aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs — from idea validation to business launch and growth.
Est. 2013 · Chennai, India
Empowering
Women
Entrepreneurs.
SIAWED connects women-led enterprises, rural artisans, SHGs and social enterprises with corporates, institutions and consumers — creating lasting economic freedom.
14+Years Active
100+Volunteers
1,000+Beneficiaries
400+Entrepreneurs
100+ Women ArtisansEmpanelled on WENBA
400+Women Entrepreneurs
150+Vendor Partners
50+Training Programs
1,000+Beneficiaries
100+Active Volunteers
14Years of Impact
About SIAWED
Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship
Southern Industrial Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Development (SIAWED) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women through entrepreneurship, skill development, leadership and economic opportunities across India.
Enterprise Support
Training, mentorship & market access
Corporate Connect
Linking women-owned businesses to buyers
Community Growth
SHG support & artisan uplift
Advocacy & Policy
Human rights & women's dignity
What We Do
A Complete Ecosystem to Start, Grow & Scale
Capacity Building & Training
Industry-relevant skill programs to enhance professional and entrepreneurial competencies, including digital and leadership skills.
Market Access & WENBA
Showcase products through exhibitions, events and the WENBA marketplace — reaching corporate buyers and consumers nationwide.
Corporate Linkages
Connecting women-owned businesses with corporate procurement teams, investors and strategic partners for sustainable growth.
Community Outreach
Health, wellness, human rights advocacy and environmental awareness programs that uplift entire communities and families.
SHG & Artisan Support
Dedicated pathways for self-help groups and native artisans to formalise, brand and scale their craft-based enterprises.
Empowering women to lead, build, and scale their dreams — one enterprise at a time.
— Ms T Vanadhi Devi, Founder & President, SIAWED
Founder Spotlight
14 Years Creating Opportunity, Dignity & Freedom
Led by a first-generation entrepreneur with over 25 years of business leadership experience, SIAWED's founder has dedicated her life to creating economic freedom for women across India — shaping SIAWED into a thriving ecosystem of thousands of entrepreneurs.
- Founded SIAWED in 2013Started with a mission to empower women through entrepreneurship in Chennai
- Launched WENBA MarketplaceCreated India's dedicated platform for women-owned native businesses
- 1,000+ Beneficiaries TodayNetwork spanning Chennai and beyond, connecting women to corporate buyers
Powered by SIAWEDWomen Entrepreneurs
Native Business Association
Native Business Association
Discover WENBA
The Native Business Marketplace
WENBA is SIAWED's dedicated platform connecting women entrepreneurs, rural artisans, and SHGs directly with consumers and corporate buyers across India.
1,000+Products Listed
500+Women Artisans
50+Categories
Authentic Handicrafts
Women Entrepreneurs
Community Impact
Membership Plans
Find the Right Plan for Your Journey
From students to established businesses — every woman entrepreneur has a place in the SIAWED ecosystem.
Early Explorer
“From Student to Future Entrepreneur”
₹1,000
per year
- Entrepreneurship exposure
- Skill development workshops
- Internship opportunities
- Startup challenges & competitions
- Mentor network access
Homepreneur
“Turn Your Small Business into a Brand”
₹3,000
per year
- Marketing & social media training
- Sell through WENBA marketplace
- Branding & packaging guidance
- Exhibitions & sales events
- Govt scheme advisory
Growth Leader
“Scale with the Right Network”
₹5,000
per year
- Advanced business strategy
- Brand visibility at SIAWED events
- New markets via WENBA
- Partner collaboration opportunities
- Authority & mentoring track
Impact Maker
“Lead, Influence & Create Impact”
₹10,000
per year
- Featured on SIAWED platforms
- Exclusive networking circles
- Speaking & panel opportunities
- Annual awards recognition
- Mentor aspiring entrepreneurs
Corporate Partner
“Drive Vendor Diversity at Scale”
₹25,000
per year
- Women-owned supplier database
- Buyer-seller meets access
- CSR partnership opportunities
- Vendor diversity sourcing support
- Women Empowerment Partner badge
Testimonials
Voices of Real Impact
Hear from women entrepreneurs, educators, and partners whose lives have been shaped by the SIAWED ecosystem.
The guidance from Ms Vanadhi Devi and recognition through the Budding Entrepreneur Award motivated me greatly. SIAWED helped me gain referrals, visibility, and valuable business support.
Ms KalyaniSIAWED Member & Awardee
SIAWED is an amazing association for aspiring women entrepreneurs. The opportunities to connect, network, and grow together have been truly priceless.
Mrs ManjuFounder, Arigni Herbal Products
Creating safe workplaces, educating women, and training on job skills are key. SIAWED contributes significantly towards women's economic empowerment.
Dr K Deepa MalaFounder, Research & Action Centre
Through SIAWED, I received speaking opportunities, business leads, and recognition as Budding Entrepreneur of the Year 2017. Truly grateful for all the support.
Ms Deepika VDigital Marketer, Rajapalayam
SIAWED is a great platform for college students and aspiring women entrepreneurs to connect with industry professionals. I look forward to extending continued support.
Prof Dr Rama VaidyanathanDirector R&D, APJ Abdul Kalam Centre
This programme has been crafted with so much care. It is a great step towards entrepreneurship. I wish SIAWED scales greater heights — my college will stand with you every step.
Prof Dr Malathy SelvakkumarPrincipal, S.A. College of Arts & Science
Ready to Empower
or Be Empowered?
Whether you're a woman entrepreneur ready to grow, or a corporate seeking diverse vendors — there's a place for you in the SIAWED ecosystem.