EDII’s WeAct Programme and Accenture Partner with Govt. of Gujarat to Empower Artisans

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, through its flagship WeAct programme, supported by Accenture, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commissionerate of Cottage and Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat. The aim of this collaboration is to promote inclusive growth, socio-economic development, and sustainable practices in Gujarat’s cottage industry while empowering local artisans.

The MoU, signed in the presence of Shri Pravin Solanki, IAS, Secretary and Commissioner of Cottage & Rural Industries, Govt. of Gujarat; Shri Hetal Patel, Additional Director of the Cottage & Rural Industries, Govt. of Gujarat; Mr. Daniel Thomas, CSR Manager, Accenture; and Dr. Raman Gujral, Director, Dept. of Projects-Corporate, EDII, signifies a commitment to boosting economic development and preserving Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage.

Under this partnership, women artisans in Gujarat will benefit from market access, product development support, and access to networks and technology through the Accenture-supported WeAct platform. WeAct, a platform for women entrepreneurs, aims to help artisans enrolled in the Hastkala Setu Project scale their businesses and gain access to national markets. This collaboration reflects a joint effort to promote inclusive growth, drive economic development, and support Gujarat’s artisanal community.

WeAct has already made a significant impact, reaching out to more than 13,400 women entrepreneurs across India and expanding the market for artisans and weavers.

Shri Pravin Solanki, IAS, Secretary and Commissioner of Cottage & Rural Industries, Govt. of Gujarat, expressed his commitment to the welfare of artisans and weavers in the state through this partnership.

Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, highlighted the shared dedication to fostering inclusive development and empowering Gujarat’s artisanal community.

Dr. Raman Gujral, Director, Dept. of Projects, Corporate, EDII, emphasized that the MoU will provide comprehensive support, including expanded markets and networks, for the beneficiaries of the Hastkala Setu Project through the WeAct platform.

This collaboration between EDII’s WeAct programme, supported by Accenture, and the Commissionerate of Cottage and Rural Industries, Govt. of Gujarat, underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable socio-economic development and empowering local communities.