Nepali women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and shaping the future of business in Nepal. These leaders come from diverse sectors, including technology, agriculture, hospitality, and social enterprise. Their stories reflect resilience, innovation, and a strong commitment to uplifting communities. In this post, we highlight the top 10 Nepali women entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact locally and globally.
Table of Contents
1. Anushka Shrestha
Anushka Shrestha, crowned Miss Nepal World 2019, transitioned her passion for culture and entrepreneurship into founding Makkuse, a unique brand offering traditional Nepali-flavored desserts. Anushka’s vision was to preserve Nepali heritage through food while introducing it to modern consumers in an appealing way. Her entrepreneurial journey is rooted in blending tradition with innovation, aiming to create sustainable business models that empower local producers. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs in South Asia by The InCap Magazine, Anushka actively promotes women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship and youth engagement. Her story inspires many young Nepali women to dream big and turn their ideas into reality.
2. Mausumii Shrestha
Mausumii Shrestha is a leading name in Nepal’s agricultural modernization. As the Director of Shreenagar Agro Group, she has championed the adoption of innovative farming technologies and sustainable practices that benefit both farmers and consumers. Mausumii’s dedication to improving Nepal’s agricultural landscape earned her the ‘Best Woman Entrepreneur’ award at the NewBiz Business Women Awards 2024. Her work focuses on empowering rural women farmers by providing training, access to quality seeds, and market linkages. She believes that strengthening the agriculture sector is key to Nepal’s economic growth and food security. Mausumii’s leadership combines business success with social responsibility.
3. Shyam Badan Shrestha
Shyam Badan Shrestha founded Nepal Knotcraft Centre Pvt Ltd, a pioneering enterprise that promotes traditional Nepali handicrafts on national and international stages. Her efforts to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Nepali crafts have earned her accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in Women Entrepreneurship. Shyam Badan works closely with rural artisans, especially women, to enhance their skills, ensure fair wages, and open new markets. She is a role model for combining entrepreneurship with cultural preservation. Her company also focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly production techniques, appealing to conscious consumers worldwide.
4. Shanta Baskota Koirala
Awarded ‘Best Woman Entrepreneur’ in 2024, Shanta Baskota Koirala has made a remarkable impact in promoting women’s economic empowerment through business innovation. She has spearheaded initiatives that create opportunities for women in sectors traditionally dominated by men. Shanta’s approach emphasizes mentorship, networking, and skill-building to help women entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses. Her advocacy for gender equality in business environments has inspired many young women in Nepal to pursue entrepreneurial ventures confidently.
5. Shilshila Acharya
Recognized by BBC as one of the 100 inspiring women of 2024, Shilshila Acharya is the founder of Avni Ventures, a plastic recycling company that transforms waste into sustainable products. Her work creates economic opportunities for marginalized communities, especially indigenous artisans. Shilshila’s innovative approach to social entrepreneurship highlights environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Her dedication to tackling Nepal’s plastic pollution problem while promoting indigenous crafts has earned international acclaim. She is a beacon for young entrepreneurs wanting to make a difference through business.
6. Sonika Manandhar
Sonika Manandhar is a computer engineer and social entrepreneur, co-founder and CTO of Aeloi Technologies, a fintech startup that supports women micro-entrepreneurs with digital funding solutions. She has been honored as a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth and a National Geographic Society Emerging Explorer. Sonika is a passionate advocate for using technology to drive social change and empower women in Nepal. Her leadership showcases how tech innovations can break barriers and promote financial inclusion for underserved communities.
7. Bonita Sharma
Founder of Social Changemakers and Innovators (SOCHAI), Bonita Sharma is a health and nutrition activist working to eradicate malnutrition in Nepal. Her flagship innovation, the Nutribeads bracelet, has raised awareness on proper nutrition among women and children in rural areas. Bonita’s social enterprise model combines health education with grassroots empowerment, helping vulnerable communities adopt healthier lifestyles. She represents a new wave of social entrepreneurs who merge business and activism for lasting impact.
8. Nikita Acharya
Nikita Acharya co-founded Urban Girl, Nepal’s first female-centric e-commerce platform, at just 19 years old. Urban Girl began with fashion jewelry and personalized accessories and quickly expanded to cosmetics, home decor, and more. Nikita’s visionary approach has revolutionized online shopping experiences for Nepali women, making trendy and customized products accessible nationwide. She is a leading example of how young women entrepreneurs can leverage digital platforms to disrupt traditional markets.
9. Ambica Shrestha
Ambica Shrestha transformed Dwarika’s Hotels and Resorts from a small guest house into a renowned boutique hotel brand known for authentic Nepali hospitality. Her leadership combines cultural preservation with world-class service standards. Ambica has played a vital role in positioning Nepal as a premium tourism destination. Beyond business, she is active in philanthropic efforts and promoting women’s leadership in hospitality and tourism sectors.
10. Bhawani Rana
Bhawani Rana, former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), is a prominent advocate for women’s participation in business. Her tenure was marked by efforts to improve the business environment for women entrepreneurs and push for policies that foster gender equality. Bhawani’s leadership and vision have paved the way for countless women to take active roles in Nepal’s economic development.
Conclusion
The stories of these top Nepali women entrepreneurs show how determination, creativity, and leadership can transform communities and economies. They inspire future generations of women to pursue their dreams and make an impact. By supporting Nepali women entrepreneurs, we can contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Nepal.
