FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) organized ‘The SHERISES Start-up Conclave’ at PSG College of Arts & Science (PSG CAS), Coimbatore, a national initiative sparking enthusiasm across 16 chapters. The event held on 12th December, 2023 was led by FICCI FLO & STEP and commenced with a motivational analogy – entrepreneurship akin to waves meeting rocks, requiring seizing opportunities amidst challenges.
Event Moderator Sowmya Keshava, Founder & CEO- Nilah Advisors, set the tone in the event. Rama Rajasekaran, Chairperson-FLO Coimbatore, in his welcome address, emphasized the panel’s prowess. Poonam Bafna shed light on the transformative SHERISES Program, a series of empowering boot camps that identified 25 promising talents from Coimbatore.
Rama Rajasekaran’s address underscored the conclave’s significance, quoting Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh and expressing FLO’s commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Poonam Bafna detailed the impactful SHERISES Program, fostering a community of over 100 individuals.
In her speech, Sowmya celebrated the shift from job seekers to providers in the last decade, acknowledging the conclave’s potential to drive attendees toward entrepreneurship. Brindha, PSG CAS Principal, delivered a presidential address, measuring societal progress through women’s achievements and highlighting the rise of women-owned businesses. She also added, “With 15 million women-owned businesses in the country employing 22-27 million people, there is a steady rise in women entrepreneurship that gives us confidence India will become a hub of women entrepreneurs within the next five years.”
Swathy Rohit, Co-Founder & CEO, of Health Basix, shared her pandemic-driven journey, emphasizing purpose over profit. Ravi Kallayil, Co-Founder & CEO, of Plaeto Footwear, recounted his Footwear venture, born from a desire for affordable quality shoes. Yamuna Sastry, Co-Founder, of Cabdost & CIO – FLIP, a first-generation entrepreneur, emphasized the power of students’ willingness to learn.
Other panelists including Aarti Gupta, CEO- DBR Ventures, brought diverse perspectives to the session. The session was a platform for knowledge-sharing, fostering the growth of women entrepreneurs in India.