The 6th Edition of The Business Diva competition, organized by the Women’s Wing of GCCI (Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry), recently concluded with a grand celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship among women in Goa. The event, aimed at supporting and spotlighting women entrepreneurs, successfully brought together aspiring and established women business owners from all corners of the state.
The Business Diva competition is more than just an event—it’s a platform created with the vision to celebrate and uplift women entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent, innovation, and leadership. The event was held in collaboration with FiiRE (Forum for Innovation, Incubation, Research, and Entrepreneurship), a renowned organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs, and received invaluable support from Mr. Tushar Sawant, Enterprise Development Manager at FiiRE.
The competition spanned over three months, starting with the announcement and culminating in an intense day-long finale. The entire process was meticulously organized, and the program saw a whopping 100+ nominations from women entrepreneurs across Goa. This overwhelming response showcased the growing entrepreneurial spirit among women in the state and the need for such platforms.
Categories and Rounds: Startup, Scaleup, and Rural Woman Enterprise
The competition was divided into three key categories:
- Startup: For new ventures that have innovative ideas and the potential to scale.
- Scaleup: For businesses that have already started and are looking to expand.
- Rural Woman Enterprise: Specifically for women entrepreneurs in rural areas who are making a significant impact with their businesses.
After a careful review of the nominations, the first round of selection narrowed down the entries to 30 nominations. These candidates were then invited for the second round, a pitching session where they presented their business models, strategies, and visions. Ultimately, 5 finalists in each category were chosen to proceed to the finale.
The Business Diva platform was created by the Women’s Wing of GCCI with the aim of bringing forward the untold stories of innovation and impact by women entrepreneurs. It also serves as a space to create a supportive community of like-minded women, offering them opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. This platform is not just about competition but also about celebrating the achievements and challenges of women in business, promoting an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.
The competition was open to all women entrepreneurs across Goa, both aspiring and established, providing them with an opportunity to pitch their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and receive recognition for their entrepreneurial journey.
The finale of the Business Diva competition took place on 27th May 2025 at the GCCI Hall in Panjim. The event was a celebration of entrepreneurship, with each finalist presenting her business and journey to a panel of esteemed judges. The panel of judges included:
- Dr. R. Nirmala, Professor at Goa Business School, Goa University
- Mr. Yogesh Mittal, CFO at Hughes Precision Ltd, Verna
- Mrs. Ekta Agarwal, CEO of SS Technologies, Margao
The day-long program was packed with insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and a deep dive into the businesses and ideas that the women brought forward. The grand award ceremony took place later in the evening and was graced by several dignitaries, including:
- Padma Shri Smt. Shashi Soni, the Chief Guest
- Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, as the Guest of Honour
- Smt. Pratima Dhond, Vice President of GCCI, also as the Guest of Honour
The winners of the 6th edition of The Business Diva competition were as follows:
- Category: Startup
- Winner: Yasha Jain – Charmify
- Runner Up: Isha Kher – Meraki Enterprises
- Category: Scaleup
- Winner: Shruti Mascarenhas – Ceracotta
- Runner Up: Sunetra Pai Fondekar – Kalanetra
- Category: Rural Woman Enterprise
- Winner: Dr. Chetna Parab – Soulart Gift Store
- Runner Up: Poonam Naik – Super Taste Papad
Each winner and runner-up was awarded a prestigious title that recognized their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. The awards were a testament to their hard work and resilience in the competitive world of business.
The event was efficiently hosted by Rahila Khan and Gauri Borkar, both committee members of the Women’s Wing, whose efforts ensured the smooth execution of the program. The Women’s Wing also expressed their gratitude to FiiRE for offering mentoring, funding, and growth opportunities to all the participants, enabling them to enhance their businesses and take them to the next level.
A heartfelt congratulations was extended to all the winners, finalists, and participants for their courage and determination to come forward and showcase their entrepreneurial journeys. The Women’s Wing is proud to have hosted such an impactful event and is committed to continuing its mission to inspire and support women entrepreneurs across Goa.
With the success of the 6th edition of The Business Diva, the Women’s Wing of GCCI is already looking forward to the next edition of the competition in 2025. The event serves as a stepping stone for more women to venture into the world of entrepreneurship without limitations, and it is hoped that the winners will inspire other women to chase their dreams fearlessly.
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