Empowering Indian Women Entrepreneurs: Priyanka Puppala’s Journey with AIWB

Starting a business is tough, especially when navigating a new market and juggling multiple roles. As an Indian woman entrepreneur in the USA, I faced these challenges head-on. I realized that many other Indian women were in the same boat—struggling with limited resources, cultural barriers, and the demands of balancing work and family.

That’s why I founded Austin Indian Women in Business (AIWB). My goal was simple: to create a supportive community where Indian women entrepreneurs could connect, share resources, and thrive together.

In this article, I’ll share how AIWB came to be, its impact, and our plans for the future.

Background Story: Overcoming Struggles and Challenges

When I first started my business in the USA, I needed to understand the local scene, and I didn’t have a network to help promote my business or guide me in the right direction. Balancing my roles as a mother and a businesswoman made things even tougher.

Attending marketing and sales events felt overwhelming, and finding information about sales exhibitions, networking opportunities, or even my competitors was difficult. This lack of access to crucial resources and support made my journey incredibly challenging. I realized many other Indian women entrepreneurs were probably facing the same challenges. AIWB was born to build a strong community where women could find the resources and support they need to succeed in their businesses.

The Birth of AIWB: Building a Supportive Community

Since its beginning, AIWB has quickly grown into a vibrant community with over 200 businesses in just six months. The organization hosts networking events and workshops and offers resources to help women navigate the business world confidently.

Our goal with AIWB is to provide a space where women can share their experiences, learn from each other, and collectively overcome the challenges they face in the business world.

AIWB’s Impact: Helping Entrepreneurs Thrive

AIWB has been essential in helping Indian women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. Through AIWB, members have gained access to valuable resources, mentorship, and a supportive network that has helped them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Many women have been able to grow their customer base, find new partnerships, and secure funding through their connections in the AIWB community.

For example, AIWB organized two business and sales events where women could connect, leading to collaborations that helped reduce influencer marketing costs. These events also included sales exhibitions with low registration fees, allowing vendors to participate without financial strain while maximizing their profits. Additionally, AIWB facilitated collaborations between different businesses, such as event planners working with caterers, clothing vendors, photographers, and more. This created new opportunities for everyone involved, helping each businesswoman grow and succeed.

Transitioning into a Nonprofit Organization

To further solidify its mission and expand its impact, AIWB is transitioning into a nonprofit organization. This transformation will enable AIWB to access more resources, form strategic partnerships, and enhance its members’ support.

Converting AIWB into a nonprofit allows us to reach a wider audience and create more meaningful, lasting change in the lives of Indian women entrepreneurs. We aim to offer more comprehensive programs, mentorship opportunities, and funding resources that can make a difference.

AIWB’s Future: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Looking ahead, AIWB will continue to offer resources, mentorship, and opportunities for women to connect and support each other. We’ve accomplished a lot, but we can do so much more. I’m excited to see how AIWB will continue to grow and empower even more women.

As AIWB continues to grow, we are committed to empowering Indian women entrepreneurs and positively impacting their communities.

Priyanka Puppala is a Tech Lead, an Entrepreneur and leads the AIWB community in the USA to empower Indian businesswomen.