Government Schemes for Women Entrepreneurs in India

Women’s Mudra Yojana

This scheme provides eligible women with funding to start small businesses with no collateral. The funding is split into 3 tiers, Shishi, Kishor, and Tarun depending on the organization’s maturity. The program facilitates access to capital without collateral and therefore provides financial independence.

Stand-Up India Scheme

Under this program, women entrepreneurs can obtain bank loans of Rs.10 lakhs capital to Rs.1 Crore capital to start new ventures in the manufacturing, trading or in service sectors. This funded scheme particularly benefits those from marginalized groups.

Mahila Udhyam Nidhi Scheme

This scheme provides funds for women who want to start or grow small businesses. This scheme also provides up to a 10-year repayment tenure to enable company structure and growth.

TREAD Scheme (Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development)

This scheme combines business training with financial support. It provides funding for NGOs that support women to set up their business and skills development for the purpose of empowering women.

The Annapurna Scheme

The program provides funding to individuals starting catering companies and is specifically designed for women in the food industry. The money can be used to purchase kitchenware and other supplies needed for preparing and distributing food.

The Udyogini Scheme

The program provides low-interest loans for small business, retail, or agriculture ventures to women from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds. It promotes self-employment and economic inclusion at the grassroots level.

Bhartiya Mahila Bank Business Loan

The program provides loans of up to Rs. 20 crores to assist women company owners who building their business. It encourages larger-scale ventures through lower interest rates and lower collateral requirements.

Dena Shakti Scheme

This program provides women in industry, retail, or agriculture with subsidized loans. It includes a slight interest subsidy, making credit more affordable for eligible applicants.

The Cent Kalyani Program

This program provides women who operate micro or small businesses access to credit without the need for collateral. It is ideally suited for those who wish to modernize or grow their business.

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

It is an important program that provides skills development training, even if it isn’t a funding program. Depending on the skills learnt, it helps women set up microbusinesses or prepares them for employment.

Conclusion

Women entrepreneurs must be empowered for inclusive and lasting prosperity. While these programs by the government have been created with the intent to provide the necessary support. However, to be successful, implementation, awareness, and outreach are key factors. When women are given the tools and opportunities to lead, they not only uplift their families but also transform entire communities.