If you are a woman who wants to start a business instead of depending on others, several government initiatives in India are designed specifically to support women entrepreneurs.
From funding and training to marketing platforms and mentorship, these schemes help women build independent businesses across multiple sectors.
Here is a complete guide to important government schemes every aspiring businesswoman should know.
1. Mahila E-Haat – Online Marketplace for Women Entrepreneurs
Mahila E-Haat is an online marketing platform launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It works like an online marketplace where women entrepreneurs can sell products directly to buyers.
Products can include:
- Clothing
- Organic products
- Handicrafts
- Pottery and handmade goods
Key Benefit
- Zero commission charged by the government
- Direct interaction between seller and buyer
How to Apply
Visit the official portal:
mahilaehaat-rmk.gov.in
You need:
- Aadhaar card
- Mobile number
2. Stree Shakti Yojana (SBI Loan Scheme)
This is a specialized loan scheme offered by the State Bank of India for businesses where women hold more than 51% ownership.
Key Benefits (2026)
- Interest Concession: 0.50% reduction for loans above ₹2 lakh
- No Collateral: Generally not required for loans up to ₹10 lakh
- Loan Amount: Up to ₹25 lakh for professionals and small-scale industries
3. Stand-Up India Scheme
This scheme supports women starting their first-ever business (Greenfield projects).
Key Benefits (2026)
- Loan Size: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
- Bank Mandate: Every bank branch must support at least one woman entrepreneur
- Margin Money: Only 10–15% contribution required from applicant
- Repayment Period: 7 years with an 18-month moratorium before repayment begins
4. Bhartiya Mahila Bank (BMB) Business Loan
Designed for women entrepreneurs entering manufacturing and enterprise sectors.
Benefits
- Loans up to ₹20 crore for manufacturing enterprises
- Collateral-free loans up to ₹1 crore under CGTMSE cover
- 0.25% interest rate concession for women borrowers
5. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
A popular collateral-free loan scheme supporting small businesses at different growth stages.
Loan Categories
- Shishu: Up to ₹50,000 (home-based or initial stage)
- Kishor: ₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh (established small units)
- Tarun: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh (business expansion)
Benefit
Banks are encouraged to prioritize women applicants under this scheme.
6. Sector-Specific Government Schemes
| Field / Sector | Scheme Name | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & Dairy | Lakhpati Didi | Training programs helping rural women earn ₹1 lakh/year through dairy, organic farming, and drone operations |
| Food Processing | Annapurna Scheme | Loans for catering units or food stalls, including utensils and equipment purchase |
| Traditional Crafts | Mahila Coir Yojana | 75% subsidy on motorized machinery for coir spinning and weaving |
| IT & Tech | TREAD Scheme | Grant assistance up to 30% of project cost through NGOs for women lacking traditional credit access |
7. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
An initiative by NITI Aayog that acts as a one-stop support platform.
It provides:
- Mentorship opportunities
- Tax consultation support
- Networking groups and business guidance
8. Jan Samarth Portal
The Jan Samarth Portal serves as a digital gateway to multiple government schemes.
Key Feature
- Check eligibility for 15+ government schemes
- Apply online and receive in-principle approval within minutes
Conclusion
India offers a wide range of schemes to help women start and grow businesses independently. From commission-free marketplaces and collateral-free loans to mentorship and training programs, these initiatives aim to empower women entrepreneurs across industries.
Choosing the right scheme based on your business type and growth stage can significantly reduce financial barriers and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey.