Economic empowerment in Kashmir means enabling individuals and communities to control resources, make financial decisions and improve livelihoods. Entrepreneurship, starting and managing businesses, is a key catalyst for this empowerment. Amid Kashmir’s unique socio-political challenges, entrepreneurship fosters economic revival and social progress by creating jobs and diversifying beyond traditional agriculture and tourism. Both men and women contribute to this transformation, with women increasingly pioneering through education, vocational training and community support. This entrepreneurship-led empowerment underpins societal advancement, innovation, self-reliance and gender equality. Sustained government and community efforts are crucial for building Kashmir’s resilient, inclusive economy.

Kashmir’s economy has historically relied on agriculture, horticulture (such as apples and saffron) and traditional handicrafts like Pashmina shawls and carpets. These sectors face vulnerabilities, including political unrest, limited modernisation and poor market reach. Tourism, though promising, suffers disruptions from the ongoing conflict. Gradual economic diversification is seen with emerging sectors like IT, education, renewable energy and modern agribusiness, though infrastructural weaknesses and cautious investments remain hurdles. Entrepreneurship has long faced sociopolitical, financial and infrastructural constraints. Women, in particular, confront additional cultural barriers, including mobility limits, restricted education and training opportunities and social expectations curbing public economic roles. Recent initiatives target empowering women entrepreneurs through skill-building, support networks and government schemes to break these traditional bonds. Together, these efforts promote inclusive participation and socio-economic development amidst Kashmir’s complex challenges.

Agriculture and horticulture remain foundational, with entrepreneurs modernising techniques to improve the production of apples, saffron and related agribusiness operations. Men mainly handle large-scale ventures, while women actively support allied activities. Handicrafts & Artisanal Work. Preserving Kashmir’s rich craft heritage, entrepreneurs maintain traditional skills and explore broader markets. Female artisans increasingly leverage cooperatives and online platforms, gaining economic independence. Tourism & Hospitality. Leveraging natural beauty and culture, this sector attracts investments in hospitality, adventure tourism and related services. While mainly male-driven at ownership levels, women contribute notably through home stays and guiding roles. Services & IT. Newer IT, education and digital services venture capitalise on skilled youth, including rising female participation in tech and remote education businesses.

Limited access to finance due to high collateral requirements and conservative lending. Political instability and frequent shutdowns disrupt daily operations and scare off investors. Poor infrastructure, including erratic electricity, weak transportation and communication gaps. Restricted market access and supply chain issues impede growth scaling. Societal norms restrict women’s mobility and business participation. Safety concerns and cultural preference for male succession in family businesses. Women bear a dual burden, balancing domestic duties and entrepreneurship. Men face pressures of traditional breadwinning roles. Women have less decision-making power and face cultural scepticism as entrepreneurs.

The Start-Up Policy 2024–27 and the Startup Jammu and Kashmir platform offer funding, incubation centres, training and networking opportunities. The Youth Start-Up Loan Scheme, administered by Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute, provides financial support and mentorship for young entrepreneurs. Rural empowerment is pursued through schemes like MUMKIN Livelihood Generation, which is focused on youth and women’s self-employment. The State Women’s Development Corporation’s women-specific projects include soft loans, skill development and targeted assistance, such as the Tejaswini Scheme, which supports women entrepreneurs. Loan schemes such as the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute and National Small Industries Corporation Loan schemes offer accessible credit for MSMEs and first-time business owners.

Entrepreneurship in Kashmir generates notable social benefits It raises family incomes, creates jobs and boosts community development by diversifying economic activity. Both men and women entrepreneurs challenge traditional stereotypes, fostering cultural shifts. Women’s economic participation often creates a multiplier effect, improving health, education and gender attitudes within families and communities. Women-led enterprises benefit from supportive schemes like UMEED and SAATH, increasing financial and social independence. Emerging gender partnerships and mixed-gender ventures reflect changing household dynamics and social openness.

Women entrepreneurs use digital platforms to overcome mobility limits and extend their market reach, becoming influential role models in Kashmir’s transformation. Such impacts underscore entrepreneurship’s role as more than an economic engine it is also a tool for societal empowerment and progressive cultural change.

Entrepreneurship is a vital engine for Kashmir’s economic revival and social transformation. Entrepreneurial ventures reshape the region’s economy amid its unique challenges by driving innovation, creating employment and fostering financial independence. Empowering both men and women entrepreneurs is essential for building a balanced, resilient, forward-looking society, where inclusive participation strengthens communities and advances progressive cultural norms. Continued support for entrepreneurship across genders will unlock Kashmir’s full human potential, resulting in sustainable and inclusive growth for years.