Business Categories
Nov, 01 2011

SAFETY NET FOR WOMENPRENEURS

After inheriting surnames and wealth, they are now stepping out of their home-shell to strike on their own by holding key positions in major companies. Based on a thorough research, we bring the famous five options for women to invest in. Cruise along to

Globalisation and liberalisation have touched upon the lives of many, irrespective of caste, creed and gender. There is no denying that India is shinning with the success tales of women, who are breaking-free from their homes in search of identity. Doing their bit at home and then contributing to the economy, women are now breaking the glass ceiling and storming the male bastion. They are raising their own bar and holding key positions in major companies. Mentioned below are some of the key sectors that are a hit among womenpreneurs:

Food & beverage

The industry is largely fragmented and unorganised with 1.5 million eating outlets in India. The size of the industry is estimated at Rs 43,000 crore of which organised food service enjoys 16-20 per cent. It is further poised to grow four-fold to around Rs 28,000 crore by 2015, which will be 45 per cent of the total pie. Therefore, it's apt for womenpreneurs to invest in food segment to cook fast returns.

Education & training

For women investors, education and training is another lucrative sector. Education sector can be divided into two broad sectors-formal and informal education. Formal education includes K-12 and higher education and informal education includes coaching institutes, pre-schools and vocational education. Pre-schools is one category, which has a lot of potential for women. It is a fast growing business and is estimated to exceed USD one billion by 2012. With the growing middle class, working mothers and an increase in disposable incomes, Indian pre-school market is set to flourish in the years ahead.

Fashion & lifestyle

According to a report by Grail Research, the Indian fashion industry is expected to grow 178 per cent and reach USD 189 million by 2012. Although this sector is at a nascent stage as far as women entrepreneurial involvement is concerned, simply because of high investment. According to the Nielsen Global Luxury Brands Study, India is one of the most brand conscious countries in the world, as 35 per cent respondents buy designer brands.

Beauty & wellness

This is one sector which is very much women-centric. Although investment here is not less, but returns are worth it! Numerous brands such as Shahnaz Husain, Blossom Kochhar, The Four Fountains Spa, Mystic Cures, Naturals etc are eyeing women franchisees and also majority of beauty brands are led by women franchisors.

Home-based

This sector is apt for women because there is time flexibility and work balance, coupled with low-investment. It was quite prominent in the survey that women were asking for a low business investment and were in favour of work-from-home option. Home-based business is flourishing in tier-II and III cities, because of low real estate cost. Therefore, we suggest potential womenpreneurs to invest in these fabulous five franchise sectors.

The verdict

Based on the extensive survey and a comparison between 2011 and 2010, we were able to find-out the best suited franchise categories for women. The recommended top five sectors for women to invest were rated according to the maximum hits by respondents. Food and beverage tops the category with 46.5 per cent, followed by education and training (40 per cent), fashion and lifestyle, home-based business and beauty and wellness.

Franchise India Survey

As per our research, womenpreneurs are looking at a long-term association, indicating that they are leading when it comes to minding their business!

Age profile

Majority of the respondents were between 30 and 40 years, representing a mature investor's profile. The purpose of this survey was to find out some apt sectors where women can invest and get maximum benefits.

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