10 Best Government Schemes and Programs Supporting Women’s Entrepreneurship in India
Indian women entrepreneurs are doing a fabulous job for India’s economy, but still the issue of access to capital, mentorship and business support still exists. Realizing this, the Indian government has launched some schemes and programs to facilitate women-owned businesses. Below are ten initiatives that support women entrepreneurs in India.
1. Stand-Up India Scheme
Initiated by the Government of India, this scheme offers bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore to SC/ST women entrepreneurs, among others, to initiate new ventures.
2. Mudra Yojana Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) scheme offers women collateral-free loans to initiate or scale up micro-enterprises. It has three stages: Shishu (upto ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh), and Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh).
3. Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme
Provided by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the scheme lends loans to women-led MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to promote entrepreneurship and growth.
4. Bhartiya Mahila Bank Business Loan
The scheme was launched to lend loans up to ₹20 crore to women entrepreneurs in manufacturing, retail, and services sectors with lower interest rates and without collateral for small loans.
5. Annapurna Scheme
Focusing on women entrepreneurs in the food catering sector, the scheme extends up to ₹50,000 loan assistance to establish small food enterprises. The loans may be used for working capital and business expansion.
6. Udyogini Scheme
Operated by state governments and banks, the scheme extends concessionary loans to women entrepreneurs, primarily at rural locations, for self-employment.
7. Dena Shakti Scheme
Under this scheme, women entrepreneurs can receive loans at a concessional rate of interest for activities in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and micro-credit activities.
8. TREAD (Trade-Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development) Scheme
The scheme offers women entrepreneurs, especially in non-traditional areas, financial assistance and skill development training as grants and subsidies.
9. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
WEP was launched by NITI Aayog as an online portal that offers women entrepreneurs across industries mentorship, funding, networking, and business advice.
10. Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
Subsidy by the government under this scheme is available for women entrepreneurs to launch new manufacturing and services businesses.
Conclusion: All such schemes and government initiatives help fill the opportunity-ambition gap in the case of Indian women entrepreneurs. By providing money, training, and contacts, such schemes are streamlining the entrepreneurial ecosystem. These schemes can help you become successful if you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to start or grow your business.
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