The British Council has signed a partnership agreement with SPARK – The 100K Collective, a programme supported by Smriti Irani, to strengthen skills and growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs across India.
The agreement, signed in New Delhi, marks a step forward for Irani’s Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality, which aims to drive collaboration between institutions to advance women’s economic participation.
The SPARK initiative is designed to support around 100,000 women entrepreneurs who have moved beyond early-stage businesses but face challenges in scaling further. Many lack access to networks, advanced skills, and market linkages needed to expand operations.
Under the partnership, the British Council will provide training in English language, communication and digital capabilities. The aim is to help women entrepreneurs better pitch their ideas, connect with wider markets and build confidence in professional settings.
Irani said the collaboration reflects the need for structured, cross-sector efforts to address gender gaps in entrepreneurship. She noted that women-led businesses in India have demonstrated resilience, but require stronger access to resources and institutional support to grow sustainably.
The programme goes beyond skills training, seeking to build a broader ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. This includes guidance on governance and compliance, as well as opportunities for national and international exposure.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said education and skills play a critical role in expanding economic opportunity. He added that strengthening communication and networks can help women participate more fully in the economy.
UK officials attending the event also highlighted the wider significance of the initiative. British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said the programme could help women integrate into global supply chains, while Susan Acland-Hood from the UK’s Department for Education pointed to the role of language in unlocking access to markets and opportunities.
The partnership reflects a broader push to translate policy commitments on gender equity into tangible outcomes. By combining institutional support, skills development and network-building, the initiative aims to create more sustainable pathways for women-led enterprises.
Observers say such collaborations could play a key role in ensuring that women entrepreneurs gain a stronger foothold in India’s expanding economy, particularly as the country positions itself as a global growth hub.
