Mumbai: Women’s ambitions to become entrepreneurs are on the rise in India, according to early findings from a forthcoming report by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The survey data reveals that 64% of women working in finance and accountancy in India now aspire to become entrepreneurs, up from 56% last year. The insights are drawn from early findings of ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2026 survey, which gathered responses from more than 11,000 finance professionals across 175 countries, with the full report scheduled for release in May 2026.
The increase reflects growing confidence among women in leveraging finance and accountancy skills as a foundation for business ownership and entrepreneurial ventures. While entrepreneurial ambitions remain higher among men overall, the narrowing gender gap indicates a notable shift in career confidence and long-term professional aspirations among women.
The data also highlights that entrepreneurial ambitions are particularly strong among younger female professionals, especially Generation Z and Millennials, with nearly half indicating they aim to start their own ventures in the future. The trend points to a generational push toward greater autonomy, financial independence, and meaningful impact.
The findings come ahead of International Women’s Day 2026 and align with the global theme set by UN Women — “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls.”
Commenting on the findings, Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, said, “Entrepreneurship represents economic empowerment in action. The number of women aspiring to business ownership is an encouraging signal that finance and accountancy skills are equipping women not only to lead within organisations, but to build enterprises of their own. Accountancy provides a powerful platform for entrepreneurial success, combining financial expertise, governance, risk management, technology and strategic insight. Supporting women to translate ambition into enterprise is essential not just for equality, but for economic growth.”
According to the survey, accountancy continues to serve as a natural training ground for future entrepreneurs, with more than half of respondents globally believing their finance background provides a strong foundation for launching and managing businesses. Entrepreneurial ambitions are particularly pronounced in emerging markets, where business ownership is often seen as a pathway to economic mobility and social impact.
The research also suggests that women’s entrepreneurial aspirations are part of a broader shift within the accountancy profession. Increasingly, finance professionals are seeking careers aligned with purpose, sustainability, social impact, and personal autonomy, highlighting the expanding role of the profession as a gateway to entrepreneurship.
Sharing his perspective, Md. Sajid Khan, Director – ACCA India, said, “The drive towards entrepreneurship in India is especially evident among younger finance professionals. They see accountancy as more than a technical discipline, it is a launchpad for innovation, independence, and impact. While there remains more progress to be made to achieve parity, the direction of travel is clear. The profession is helping to unlock entrepreneurial potential at scale.”
With International Women’s Day serving as a key moment to reflect on progress, the findings underscore how supporting women’s entrepreneurial ambitions can drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation, while expanding access to opportunities across industries.
