In a world of fleeting trends, handloom artisans struggle to keep pace. Despite India’s rich heritage, the fast-changing market leaves many artisans feeling lost, unable to adapt their craft to meet evolving demands. Traditional design education relies heavily on conventional methods and lacks innovation. Due to a lack of accessible and relevant educational resources, which hinders their potential and entrepreneurial aspirations, the sector faces stagnation, threatening its cultural legacy and economic viability. This research examines the effectiveness of design-based interventions in empowering these artisans as entrepreneurs. Inspired by the “Antaran” initiative promoting artisanal entrepreneurship, this research employed a survey. We conducted interviews and surveys with 118 artisans, 2 Antaran personnel, and seven teachers in Kamrup and Nalbari, Assam. Data analysis uncovered several pain points experienced by the artisans and provided clear research directions. We developed a unique, customized design-based entrepreneurship module, employing pedagogical, heutagogical, and andragogical approaches. The curriculum focused on basic design principles, innovation and creative exploration through images, and the cultural creation of motifs and patterns around India through a visual language that artisans will understand. Artisans also participated in short creative exercises to create new motifs and experiment with innovative designs on the spot using readily available objects and materials, like leaves. This research aims to equip handloom artisans with the necessary design knowledge to create innovative motifs and patterns to adapt their craft to market demands, fostering economic self-sufficiency and cultural sustainability.