At the UP International Trade Show 2025, Development Alternatives, in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, showcased the stories, skills, and aspirations of women entrepreneurs who are reshaping Uttar Pradesh’s rural economy from the ground up. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Through a diverse range of enterprises — from local innovations to sustainable products — these women are demonstrating how entrepreneurship can extend beyond households to influence entire communities and markets.

The event also highlighted two of Development Alternatives’ flagship initiatives. The Safe Mobility programme is enabling women-led rickshaw enterprises to provide safe, green, and reliable transport solutions, while simultaneously opening up new income streams. Complementing this, the mission to build 100,000 women-led enterprises across 15 districts of Uttar Pradesh aims to transform women from job seekers into job creators and from participants into leaders driving the state’s growth story.

As one of India’s largest trade platforms, the UP International Trade Show offered a crucial stage to demonstrate how women-led entrepreneurship can serve as a catalyst for economic empowerment, dignity, and systemic change. By spotlighting these ventures, the event reinforced the transformative potential of Women-led entrepreneurship in rural India.