‘PENPRENEUR’ Networking Forum Launched in Madurai to Support Women Entrepreneurs

On April 20, 2026, the ‘Penpreneur’ networking forum for women entrepreneurs was officially launched in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The initiative, established under the aegis of the VAPS Training Centre, aims to empower mid-scale women entrepreneurs through referral-based networking, collaborative growth, and a dedicated ecosystem for business development.

The launch event was inaugurated by Ms. Visalakshi Kannan, Director of Thiagarajar Mills and founder of Pacific Cotton-USA, alongside Mr. R. Rajapandian, Divisional Retail Head of Indian Oil Corporation Limited. During the ceremony, Ms. Kannan emphasized the importance of clarity in business vision, stating that “the strength of any business lies in the clarity of why it was started,” and highlighted self-confidence, well-defined business plans, and clear objectives as essential pillars for sustainable growth.

Speaking at the event, Ms. R. Elamathi, Director of Green Fem, underscored the forum’s focus on fostering ‘sisterhood in business,’ describing ‘Penpreneur’ as a platform built on mutual support, shared empathy, and collective advancement. She noted that the network is designed to enable women entrepreneurs to grow together by lifting each other up.

The Madurai chapter of ‘Penpreneur’ will serve as a catalyst for women-led enterprises seeking market expansion, brand identity development, and peer-driven collaboration. According to the press release issued by the organizers, the forum will facilitate structured networking opportunities and knowledge exchange among women entrepreneurs across various sectors in the region.

Additional insights from the launch were shared by Mr. S. A. Arul, Secretary of VAPS, and other local stakeholders who affirmed the forum’s commitment to creating inclusive growth pathways for women in business. The initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems for women in Tier-2 cities through targeted support mechanisms and community-driven engagement.

As of April 25, 2026, the ‘Penpreneur’ forum has begun operational activities in Madurai, with plans to expand its reach and impact through regular networking events, mentorship linkages, and collaborative workshops tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs.