Introduction
Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in India’s economic growth, contributing significantly to innovation, employment generation, and industry expansion. To empower and encourage women-led businesses, the Government of India has introduced various financial schemes, subsidies, and incentives that help women entrepreneurs start, sustain, and scale their businesses.
This blog highlights the top government schemes that women entrepreneurs should be aware of in 2025, along with eligibility criteria and application processes.
1. Stand-Up India Scheme
Launched by the Government of India, the Stand-Up India Scheme aims to provide financial support to women entrepreneurs, especially those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Key Features:
- Provides loans ranging from INR 10 lakh to INR 1 crore to women entrepreneurs.
- Focuses on manufacturing, services, and trading businesses.
- Offers financial assistance for greenfield enterprises (newly established businesses).
- The loan tenure is up to 7 years with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must be a woman entrepreneur.
- The business should be a greenfield project in manufacturing, trading, or service sectors.
- The applicant should hold at least 51% ownership in the business.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official Stand-Up India portal.
- Register and fill in the application form with business details.
- Approach any bank or financial institution offering Stand-Up India loans.
2. Mudra Yojana for Women
Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), the government provides loans to micro and small businesses owned by women entrepreneurs.
Key Features:
- Offers collateral-free loans under three categories:
- Shishu (up to INR 50,000)
- Kishor (INR 50,000 – 5 lakh)
- Tarun (INR 5 lakh – 10 lakh)
- Helps women start small businesses, including beauty salons, tailoring shops, boutiques, and food stalls.
- Provides low-interest rates and easy repayment options.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant must be a woman entrepreneur.
- The business must be classified as a micro or small enterprise.
- No defaulter history in any financial institution.
How to Apply:
- Visit a nearby bank, microfinance institution, or NBFC.
- Submit the business plan and required documents.
- Loans are sanctioned based on business feasibility and creditworthiness.
3. Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme
Offered by SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India), this scheme provides financial assistance to women entrepreneurs for starting or expanding their small businesses.
Key Features:
- Offers loans up to INR 10 lakh with a repayment period of 10 years.
- Specially designed for small-scale enterprises (SSIs), MSMEs, and service sector businesses.
- Helps in financing working capital, business expansion, and modernization.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Women entrepreneurs running micro and small enterprises.
- The business should be in the manufacturing, service, or trading sector.
How to Apply:
- Approach SIDBI or participating banks.
- Submit a business proposal and financial statements.
- Upon approval, funds are disbursed directly to the business account.
4. Annapurna Scheme
The Annapurna Scheme is designed to support women entrepreneurs in the food catering business.
Key Features:
- Offers loans up to INR 50,000.
- Covers working capital needs, such as buying kitchen equipment, raw materials, and delivery vehicles.
- The loan is collateral-free but requires a guarantor.
- Flexible repayment tenure of up to 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Women entrepreneurs involved in food catering services.
- The applicant must have a viable business plan.
How to Apply:
- Apply through banks like SBI and other financial institutions.
- Submit a business plan and required documents.
- Loan disbursal is subject to the bank’s verification process.
5. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
The NITI Aayog launched Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) to provide a single-window platform for women entrepreneurs.
Key Features:
- Offers mentorship, funding support, and networking opportunities.
- Helps women entrepreneurs connect with investors, business mentors, and government agencies.
- Provides access to learning modules and workshops on entrepreneurship.
How to Apply:
- Register on the WEP portal.
- Create a profile and apply for available funding and mentorship programs.
6. Udyogini Scheme
The Udyogini Scheme, managed by SIDBI, aims to provide low-interest loans to women entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas.
Key Features:
- Offers loans up to INR 3 lakh.
- Encourages women to start businesses in agriculture, retail, and manufacturing sectors.
- Interest rates are highly subsidized, and no collateral is required for small loans.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Women aged between 18 and 55 years.
- Family income should not exceed INR 1.5 lakh per year (relaxations for widows and disabled women).
How to Apply:
- Visit a government-approved bank or SIDBI branch.
- Submit KYC documents, a business plan, and income certificates.
- Once approved, the loan amount is disbursed to the business account.
Conclusion
The Indian government is taking significant steps to support women entrepreneurs through financial aid, mentorship, and policy initiatives. By leveraging these government schemes, women can establish, expand, and sustain successful businesses.
If you are a woman entrepreneur, now is the time to explore these opportunities and take your business to the next level! 🚀
