The Role of Digital Platforms in the Growth of Women-Owned Start-Ups in North Karnataka Region

In digital era, the entrepreneurial landscape in North Karnataka has witnessed a significant transformation with the advent of digital technologies. This study explores the role of digital platforms in fostering the growth of women-owned start-ups in North Karnataka. Digital platforms, such as social media, (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook Etc.) e-commerce websites, and fin-tech applications, have transformed traditional business models, offering opportunities for women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale their businesses. The study aims to explore how these technologies are being utilized by women entrepreneurs in North Karnataka, identify effective digital tools and strategies, and analyze the impact of digital adoption on business growth. The study is based on primary as well as secondary data, Primary data is obtained through a pre-structured questionnaire administered to 200 women entrepreneurs across various sectors in North Karnataka, while secondary data are gathered from in-depth interviews with a selected subset of these entrepreneurs and published and unpublished sources. The survey focused on the types of digital platforms used, the extent of their usage, and the perceived benefits and challenges. Interviews provide a deeper understanding of the strategic applications of these technologies and the personal experiences of the entrepreneurs. The study uses statistical tools such as correlation analysis and regression modeling to analyze the quantitative data. Correlation analysis examines the relationship between digital platform usage and business performance. Regression modeling further investigates the impact of digital adoption on key business metrics such as revenue growth, market expansion, and customer engagement. The findings of this study highlight the role of digital platforms in empowering women entrepreneurs in North Karnataka. It identifies effective digital tools and strategies, providing actionable insights for policymakers, business incubators, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The study also highlights challenges faced by women in leveraging these platforms and offers recommendations to overcome these barriers and promote inclusive digital entrepreneurship.