Two Indians in Austin, Texas Build A Women Entrepreneur Community

AIWB’s initiatives, including networking events, workshops, and exhibitions, have helped women gain visibility, form partnerships, and expand their customer base.

In today’s evolving business landscape, building communities that support women entrepreneurs is critical, especially for those facing unique challenges while starting and scaling businesses. Indian women living abroad often encounter additional obstacles such as navigating different cultural and business environments, limited networks, and restricted access to localized resources. Organizations focused on empowering women entrepreneurs can play a transformative role by providing platforms for networking, mentorship, and resource-sharing, helping women unlock their potential and grow their ventures.

Austin Indian Women in Business (AIWB) is one such initiative, dedicated to supporting Indian women entrepreneurs in Austin, Texas. Founded in 2024, AIWB quickly grew into a vibrant network that helps women build their businesses by offering resources, growth opportunities, and connections. With over 200 businesses joining within six months, AIWB creates a nurturing environment for Indian women to collaborate and succeed. The organization recently transitioned into a nonprofit, enhancing its capacity to provide mentorship and broader support for Indian women entrepreneurs.

AIWB’s initiatives, including networking events, workshops, and exhibitions, have helped women gain visibility, form partnerships, and expand their customer base. The founders aim to further empower women, transforming the entrepreneurial journey for Indian women in the United States.

We sat down with the Founder – Priyanka Puppala, for an one on one interview, in helping us understand their startup better, and learn their goals and vision. Do go through their interview conducted by Desi Founder Team.

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How did the idea for Austin Indian Women in Business (AIWB) come to life? Was there a particular event or moment that inspired you?

The idea for AIWB started from a personal experience, As I was growing my own business, I realized there wasn’t a dedicated platform for Indian women entrepreneurs in Austin. I felt this gap – we needed a community where women could openly share challenges, get guidance, and feel supported. It wasn’t one specific moment, but more like a series of conversations with other vendors (businesswomen) who were experiencing the same challenges. That’s when I knew we had to create something insightful and impactful, and that’s how AIWB (Austin Indian Women In Business) came to life.

What gap in the community did you see when you decided to start AIWB, and how do you believe AIWB fills that gap today?

What I noticed was a lack of a support system and visibility specifically for Indian women in business. Many of us were trying to find our way to get better exposure, often without mentorship or resources that resonated with our unique cultural and professional needs. Today, AIWB fills that gap by offering not just a network, but a community where women can learn, grow, and thrive together, with the slogan “#Let’sGrowTogether”. We provide mentorship, resources, sharing knowledge, building strong networks and a platform where women don’t just feel heard—they feel empowered.

Priyanka Puppala – Founder

You’ve grown AIWB to include over 200 businesses in just six months. What do you think has contributed to this rapid growth?

Honestly, it’s been a combination of things. First, the support from my co-founder, Hiral Patel, has been invaluable. Our partnership has allowed us to reach more women and create a real sense of community. Second, I think women in our community have unity, growth, and the spirit of togetherness, encouraging all women entrepreneurs to uplift and inspire one another as they pursue their goals. The rapid growth shows how much a platform like AIWB was needed. Our focus on collaboration rather than competition has resonated with women, and I think that’s a big part of why we’ve grown so quickly.

What is the mission of AIWB, and how does it reflect your personal beliefs about women’s empowerment in the business world?

The mission of AIWB is simple: to empower Indian women entrepreneurs by providing them with the insightful tools, mentorship, and community they need to succeed. This reflects my personal belief that when women support each other, incredible things happen. I’ve always believed that empowerment comes from lifting others, and that’s exactly what we do at AIWB. Unlike the traditional idea of having a single boss, it emphasizes that we are all leaders—supporting, empowering, and learning from one another, both personally and professionally, and leading with confidence.

What kinds of resources and mentorship does AIWB provide to its members to help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship?

We offer a wide range of resources, from business workshops and legal advice to marketing strategies and financial planning. But what sets us apart is the mentorship we provide, a network of resources, and a wide range of business exposure events. Whether someone is just starting or looking to scale their business, we provide the support they need to overcome challenges.

How do you identify the right mentors or resources for your community members, and what has been the impact on their businesses?

We spend a lot of time getting to know our members and understanding their unique needs. From there, we identify mentors who align with those specific challenges and the impact has been incredible results many of our members have grown their businesses significantly.

Can you share any success stories where AIWB members have thrived through networking or mentorship within the community?

Many of our members have seen incredible growth through AIWB. For instance, one of our food catering business owners was struggling to expand her client base. After connecting with a mentor through AIWB, she revamped her marketing strategy and gained exposure at several high-profile events. Now, her catering business is thriving, and she’s even collaborating with other women in the community to expand further. This is just one of many success stories that highlight the power of our network. Together, we help each other overcome challenges and grow our businesses.

What role does collaboration between AIWB members play in the growth of their businesses?

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at AIWB. We encourage our members to partner on projects, share resources, and refer clients to one another. This spirit of collaboration has led to incredible partnerships and growth opportunities, allowing our members to lift each other up rather than compete. In fact, instead of spending large sums on social media influencers, small business owners find it far more beneficial to engage with one another, forming meaningful collaborations that enhance visibility and expand reach. By working together, they create a supportive ecosystem that fuels the success of their businesses.

Hiral Patel – Co-Founder

AIWB is known for its workshops and events. How do you go about planning and executing these events?

It’s definitely a team effort! Hiral and I, along with our dedicated event planners and coordinators, work closely to understand the unique needs of our members. From there, we design workshops and exhibitions that are both practical and impactful. We’ve already hosted three successful events, which gave numerous vendors significant exposure and visibility in a short time. While it takes a lot of planning, seeing the results—how much our members benefit and grow from these events—makes every effort worthwhile.

What has been the most successful or impactful event AIWB has hosted so far, and what was its main focus?

One of our most impactful events was our very first sales exhibition, where we brought together over 35 vendors in one place. Initially, it was a challenging task to organize, but the results were incredible. This event firmly established AIWB as a one-stop destination for all Indian shopping, products, and service needs. The turnout exceeded our expectations, giving us a tremendous boost of confidence to organize more events. It was this success that sparked the idea to form AIWB into an esteemed organization, dedicated to empowering and supporting Indian women entrepreneurs.

Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming events or workshops that AIWB members should be excited about?

Yes! We’re excited about our upcoming gala event to celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. It’s going to be a major networking opportunity, and we’re expecting over 200 entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors. The focus will be on building even stronger connections within our community and creating new growth opportunities.

You’ve mentioned transitioning AIWB into a nonprofit organization. What was the motivation behind this move, and how will it change the way AIWB operates?

The move to become a nonprofit came from a desire to make a bigger impact. As a nonprofit, we’ll be able to access grants, collaborate with larger organizations, and provide even more resources to our members. This transition will allow us to reach more women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and help them succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.

How do you plan to expand AIWB’s reach and impact in the future, particularly as you grow into a nonprofit?

We plan to expand by forming new chapters in different cities, both in the U.S. and internationally. We’re also looking to partner with global organizations that share our mission of empowering women. Digitally, we’re building out our online presence so that more women can access our resources, even if they can’t attend events in person.

What’s your revenue model or strategy for funding the community and its events? Are there any partnerships or grants you are particularly proud of?

As of now, we don’t have an established revenue model. We are currently funding AIWB through personal assets and a small amount of registration fees from events. However, once we obtain our Non-Profit organization’s tax-exempt status, we will be eligible for grants and funding from governmental bodies and non-profits focused on supporting women entrepreneurs. This will allow us to expand our initiatives and continue providing valuable resources and opportunities to our community.

With AIWB growing so quickly, how do you maintain a work-life balance?

It’s a challenge to multitask as a mompreneur by passion, Tech Lead by profession, and AIWB Founder by initiative & commitment—especially with a toddler at home. I’ve had to be intentional with my time, set clear boundaries between work and family, and ensure I take breaks when needed.

My co-founder, Hiral, has been an incredible support, and having a reliable team has been key to maintaining that balance. Hiral’s support has been invaluable throughout this journey. As a co-founder, she has not only shared the responsibilities of running AIWB but has also been a constant source of encouragement and guidance. Her ability to manage tasks, collaborate effectively, and offer solutions during challenging times has been crucial. Hiral’s dedication has allowed me to focus on both my professional and personal commitments, knowing that AIWB is in capable hands. Together, we have built a strong partnership that has significantly contributed to the success and growth of the AIWB community. Her unwavering support has been instrumental in helping me maintain balance while driving our shared vision forward.

What does a typical day in your role as the founder of AIWB look like?

My days are pretty packed! I start by checking in with my partner, planning upcoming events, and listening to vendors’ challenges and issues. I also meet with potential partners and spend a lot of time mentoring members, answering their questions, and offering guidance. On top of that, I juggle my tech lead responsibilities alongside caring for my toddler, so every day is a balancing act—but it’s one that I truly enjoy. Thankfully, I have a strong support system in my husband, who is incredible. Sharing my challenges and discussing ideas with him always gives me a boost and helps me handle everything with more peace and clarity.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with AIWB so far, both personally and professionally?

The most rewarding part has been seeing the women in our community thrive. Watching someone take their business to the next level because of the support they’ve received from AIWB is incredibly fulfilling. On a personal level, I’ve built lasting friendships and connections that have made this journey even more meaningful.

What challenges have you faced as a female entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming self-doubt and external skepticism. As a female entrepreneur, especially in the tech world, it can be easy to question your capabilities. But I’ve learned to trust my instincts, lean on my support system, and remind myself of the value I bring to the table.

What advice would you give to Indian women who are just starting their entrepreneurial journeys in the U.S.?

My advice is to build a strong network and not be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone! Find communities like AIWB where you can learn, share, and grow. Be patient with yourself, stay persistent, and always stay true to your vision.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned since founding AIWB that you think all entrepreneurs should keep in mind?

The importance of collaboration. No one succeeds in isolation. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and be open to learning from others. That sense of community is what will carry you through the challenging times.

For women looking to build strong business communities, what are the key elements they should focus on to foster growth and support?

Focus on building trust and inclusivity. Make sure your community offers real value and encourages collaboration. Consistently provide opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, and make celebrating each other’s successes a priority.

From your own experience, what are the most important qualities for a successful entrepreneur in today’s competitive market?

Resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. The market is constantly changing, so being able to pivot and stay focused on your long-term goals is essential. Entrepreneurs today need to be flexible and open to evolving, while still staying true to their mission.

That will be a wrap of the interview. Hope you enjoyed reading it, as much as we enjoyed creating it. If you too have an interesting Founder Story to share it with the world, please feel free to submit a request here.