Siya Shaikh believes in building a community where women grow together
For Siya Shaikh, entrepreneurship has never been only about building a business. It has been about building an ecosystem where other women can build theirs, too. That belief lies at the heart of WEBN Network. This all-women entrepreneurial community has grown across Goa and Belagavi, with three chapters and more than 90 women founders and entrepreneurs.
The idea began with a simple observation. Siya saw talented women running businesses with passion and determination, yet many were doing it alone. What they often lacked was access to the right networks, mentorship, visibility, and business opportunities.
“I wanted to create a space where women could grow together instead of competing against each other,” she says.
For Siya, WEBN was never meant to be just another networking group. The larger vision was to create a community where women could feel heard, supported, challenged, and celebrated, while turning relationships into meaningful business growth and personal transformation.
From Networking to Meaningful Connections
The journey has been deeply personal for Siya, particularly alongside Madhu, Moksha, and the core team following their earlier Gowomania community. What began as an idea gradually grew into a network that touches the lives of women across two states.
“Building a community isn’t about numbers; it is about trust,” she says. That trust has become one of WEBN’s foundations. Through structured networking, mentoring, accountability, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborations, the network encourages members to know one another personally before doing business together.
The result is a culture where members genuinely want to see one another succeed.
For Siya, some of the most rewarding moments have come not simply from watching businesses grow, but from watching women grow into their own confidence. She recalls seeing women who initially doubted themselves go on to win clients, speak on public platforms, and mentor others.
“One of the most beautiful transformations is when a member stops seeing herself as ‘just a small business owner’ and starts believing she is an entrepreneur capable of creating impact”, says Siya.
The Business behind the Community
The scale of WEBN’s collective journey is reflected in its reported business growth of around `65 crore. But for Siya, the figure represents far more than a financial milestone. Behind it are opportunities created, families supported, dreams pursued, and women gaining greater financial independence. “Behind every rupee is a story of courage, persistence, and growth,” she says.
That journey recently entered another significant chapter with Women Founders Fest 2026, whose grand inauguration brought together 100 women founders, along with leaders, achievers and visionaries. The celebration also featured Chief Guest Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha; Guest of Honour Colonel Apurva Bhatnagar, Indian Army; Special Guest Neha Kamat; and Special Invitee Dr Madhurita Gupta.
For Siya, and the WEBN team, the occasion reflected how far the community has come; and the vision that continues to drive it forward: bringing women together to dream, build and lead.
For her, the network’s collective growth shows what becomes possible when women have access to the right ecosystem; not merely building successful businesses, but creating lasting economic and social impact.
Yet the challenges women face remain familiar across businesses of different sizes. Siya points to self-belief, family responsibilities, access to finance, limited networks, and the experience of not always being taken seriously. Another challenge is visibility. “Many women hesitate to promote themselves. They are excellent at their work but uncomfortable talking about their work and achievements.” WEBN therefore encourages women to own their success and confidently communicate the value they bring.
The Meaning of Women Supporting Women
For Siya, ‘women supporting women’ has to go beyond encouragement. It can mean buying from another woman entrepreneur, referring a client, sharing knowledge, opening a door, mentoring someone, or celebrating another woman’s achievement. “Real empowerment is not just encouragement; it is creating opportunities.”
Sometimes, she believes, one introduction, recommendation, or collaboration can change the direction of someone’s business and, with it, their future.
That philosophy also shapes how she approaches her own leadership. Siya does not see supporting other women and pursuing her own ambitions as separate goals. “When I help another woman grow, I grow too.” Her approach has required her to learn to prioritize, delegate, and create systems that allow both her own journey and the wider community to keep evolving.
Lessons in Leadership
Siya’s understanding of leadership has been shaped by many entrepreneurs, community leaders and mentors, but she particularly credits her mother and the women within the WEBN community. Their resilience, courage, and determination continue to inspire her.
The lesson she carries forward is simple: leadership is built on service.
“When you genuinely serve others with integrity and purpose, success naturally follows.” It is a philosophy that has also helped her navigate the challenges of building a community; keeping members engaged, managing different expectations, and ensuring that the network continues to provide value.
There have been moments of doubt, she admits. But each time a woman gains confidence, secures a client, or tells Siya that WEBN has changed her life, those doubts are replaced by a sense that the mission is bigger than the challenges.
Looking Ahead
Siya’s vision is for WEBN to become one of India’s most respected platforms for women entrepreneurs while retaining the warmth and trust that define its community.
The next phase could see expansion into more cities, stronger mentorship programs, national collaborations, and greater visibility for women-led enterprises. But growth, for Siya, is not simply about increasing the network’s footprint.
She wants women to use the platform to scale, innovate and lead. And for women who are still waiting to take their first entrepreneurial step, her message is equally direct. “Don’t wait until you feel completely ready because that day may never come.” Start with what you have, learn along the way, seek the right community, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Because, as Siya’s own journey through WEBN demonstrates, entrepreneurship may begin with an individual idea; but it can become far more powerful when women do not have to walk the journey alone.