The government has multiple schemes and loan programmes designed to financially empower women entrepreneurs across india by helping them start or expand their own businesses. These schemes offer collateral‑free loans, grants and subsidies to reduce financial barriers for women.
📌 Major Support Schemes for women Entrepreneurs
🟣 Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) – Core Loan Support
Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, women entrepreneurs can avail of collateral‑free loans to start or grow micro and small businesses.
· 📍 Loan range: ₹50,000 up to ₹20 lakh (Shishu, Kishor, tarun categories).
· 💰 Loans are interest‑bearing but accessible without demanding heavy security.
· 🧑💼 Helps in financing activities such as tailoring, catering, retail shops, beauty parlours, small manufacturing and services.
Often, combining PMMY loans with credit guarantee support from government‑backed schemes (like CGTMSE) makes lending easier for women.
🟣 Cent kalyani Scheme – Flexible business Finance
The Cent kalyani Scheme focuses on business finance tailored to women entrepreneurs.
· 💵 Loan amount: Up to ₹1 crore.
· 📌 Covers term loans, working capital, cash credit, overdrafts and non‑fund based limits.
· 💡 Offers interest concessions to women borrowers.
This scheme supports both new and growing enterprises — making higher loan amounts accessible to women running SMEs.
🟣 State‑Level Mahila Startup Support Schemes
States are also launching women‑focused business support initiatives, some of which include financial assistance that effectively works like a loan or capital support.
🔹 Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana (Bihar)
Under this programme, women are empowered with direct financial support to start businesses:
· women receive an initial grant of ₹10,000 via direct benefit transfer.
· Based on performance of their business, they may receive up to ₹2 lakh additional assistance later.
· This support is intended to help women establish sustainable income‑generating ventures.
This programme is essentially aimed at seed capital and follow‑up support for self‑employment and entrepreneurship.
For example, bihar has disbursed around ₹1,000 crore to 10 lakh women beneficiaries, supporting their startups and livelihood activities.
📊 Who Can Benefit from These Schemes
✅ Eligibility Typically Includes:
· women residents of india aged 18 years or above.
· Applicants planning to start or expand a micro or small business.
· Enterprises in manufacturing, services, retail, agriculture‑linked services, and trader segments.
· No requirement for higher education — many schemes focus on entrepreneurial intent and project viability.
❓ Why These Schemes Matter
· 👉 Lower financial barriers: Collateral‑free or low‑interest loans make it easier for women to access credit.
· 👉 Empowerment: Financial support helps women become financially independent and self‑employed.
· 👉 Economic growth: Supporting women entrepreneurs drives job creation and local economic activity.
· 👉 Skill & support linkages: Many schemes are linked with training and mentoring programmes to help women build strong business foundations.
🧠 How to Apply
1. Identify the scheme best suited to your business plan (PMMY, Cent Kalyani, state assistance etc.).
2. Prepare a business plan or project report outlining your idea and financial needs.
3. Approach your bank or nodal agency offering the scheme (many banks process Mudra and similar loans).
4. Submit documents — usually ID, address proof, business plan, and bank details.
5. Follow up with the lender or scheme portal to track application status and loan disbursement.
Tip: Many schemes allow online application or submission through bank branches partnered with government lending initiatives.
📌 Summary
· The government of india and various state governments offer financial support to women entrepreneurs through targeted loan and grant schemes.
· Central programmes like PMMY and Cent Kalyani allow women to access up to tens of lakhs in business finance.
· State‑specific initiatives like Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana provide financial assistance to help women start and sustain income‑generating activities.
· women entrepreneurs across sectors can benefit and boost their business prospects and economic independence with these schemes.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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