Over the last 3 decades of FLO’s existence it has grown as an organization and today it is one of the most prestigious pan-India business organizations with 18 chapters across India and nearly 4000 members across India, committed to working towards women empowerment through business women development and capacity building initiatives besides other programmes. Over the years, FLO has been led by 31 Presidents, all women business leaders. Since 2004, FLO also has younger entrepreneurs and executives between the ages of 20 and 39 involved through Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO). Mandate and Mission
As a body of eminent women entrepreneurs and senior executives, FLO recognises its responsibility, its strengths and its role in the area of encouraging and promoting empowerment of women through support in traditional and non-traditional livelihoods. FLO aims to dedicate its strengths as an independent charter to help create sustainable employment or enterprise opportunities especially in the non-traditional areas for women. FLO believes that mentoring and support to women venturing into non-traditional areas is valuable and vital for their success. The members of FLO are ideal mentors and supporters for other women wishing to enter the world of business and enterprise. FLO Activities
As the pre-eminent institution for Women in business, we work together across the country on several levels.
1. Awareness Programmes: We create awareness on relevant and important issues through panel discussions, talks & seminars.
2. Advocacy through practical action: We engage in advocacy especially in addressing barriers for women in business and employment.
3. Recognition: We organize awards to promote excellence and leadership , recognize important contributions in the arena of women’s empowerment.
4. Business start-up assistance: For women wishing to enter business, we provide guidance and assistance through our dedicated team of consultants. A lot of these activities are free of costs for entrants in the small business segment.
5. Practical assistance: For women in grassroots, we help provide access to markets, Government support, employers and Institutions, knowledge and mentoring assistance.
6. Consultancy Services: For women already in business or profession, we provide consulting services, industry interface and conduct research and studies and provide studies published by FICCI, conduct special training to help keep up with changing markets.
7. Training : We regularly conduct and manage Entrepreneurship Development Programs, Management Development Programs, In addition we also conduct business orientation programmes to introduce entrants into new business segments. This is in the MSME segment.
8. Skill development: We conduct Vocational Training and skills development programmes in all our chapters, for disadvantaged women in the Rural and Urban segments.
9. Mentoring and supporting women in business and employment: FLO’s members have incredible business skills, links and knowledge to help other women entrepreneurs make successes of their business ventures. Formally and informally, the FLO members encourage , support and sometimes handhold other budding entrepreneurs towards business success.
10. International Exposure: We promote cross border and International learning to foster understanding and promote international trade. We regularly organize inbound and outbound delegations, trade Exhibitions and visits to and from many countries for the women entrepreneurs every year.
11. Research & Publications: Our dedicated team produces newsletters, Research publications, surveys, industry reports, thematic studies for public at large especially in issues and ideas on women ‘s entrepreneurship.
