Women entrepreneurship is no longer a side narrative in India — it’s a policy priority. From collateral-free loans to mentorship platforms and skill development programs, the Government of India has rolled out multiple schemes to fund, train, and scale women-led businesses.
If you are planning to start a business or already running one, this guide explains the top government schemes for women entrepreneurs, their benefits, eligibility, and direct application links.
Why Government Schemes Matter for Women Entrepreneurs
Traditionally, women entrepreneurs faced three big barriers:
Limited access to capital
Lack of mentorship and networks
Low risk appetite from banks
Government schemes are designed to bridge these gaps by offering:
Subsidized or collateral-free loans
Training and capacity building
Priority lending and institutional support
1. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
Women Entrepreneurship Platform
Best for: Idea-stage to growth-stage women founders
What it is:
WEP is a national digital platform launched by NITI Aayog to bring together mentors, investors, incubators, and women entrepreneurs in one ecosystem.
Key benefits
Free learning resources
Mentorship & networking
Access to funding partners and accelerators
Who should use it:
First-time founders, solopreneurs, and women planning to formalize a business.
Apply here:
https://wep.gov.in/
2. Stand-Up India Scheme
Stand-Up India Scheme
Best for: Large startup loans (₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore)
What it is:
This scheme ensures that every bank branch supports at least one woman entrepreneur with a business loan for a greenfield project.
Loan details
₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
Manufacturing, services, or trading
Composite loan (term loan + working capital)
Eligibility
Woman entrepreneur above 18 years
New (greenfield) enterprise
Apply here:
https://www.standupmitra.in/
3. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
Best for: Small & micro businesses
What it is:
MUDRA provides collateral-free loans to micro and small businesses under three categories:
Shishu: up to ₹50,000
Kishor: ₹50,000 – ₹5 lakh
Tarun: ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh
Ideal for
Shop owners
Home-based businesses
Service providers
Small manufacturers
Apply here:
https://www.mudra.org.in/
4. Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme
SIDBI
Best for: Business expansion & asset creation
What it is:
Supported by SIDBI, this scheme provides financial assistance up to ₹10 lakh to women entrepreneurs for setting up or expanding small businesses.
Highlights
Long repayment tenure
Lower interest rates
Focus on MSME growth
Where to apply:
Through SIDBI-linked banks like PNB
https://www.pnb.bank.in/schemes-for-women.html
5. Annapurna Scheme
Best for: Food & catering businesses
What it is:
Designed for women starting food-related businesses like:
Tiffin services
Catering units
Food stalls
Loan amount
Up to ₹50,000
For equipment and working capital
How to apply:
Available via nationalized banks (SBI, PNB, etc.) — enquire at the nearest branch.
6. TREAD Scheme (Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development)
TREAD Scheme
Best for: Training + grant support
What it is:
Under TREAD, the government provides:
Up to 30% grant via NGOs
Training and skill development
Credit linkage support
Ideal for
SHG members
Rural women entrepreneurs
Learn more:
https://www.dcmsme.gov.in/
7. Bank-Specific Women Entrepreneur Schemes
Many banks run women-focused programs aligned with government policy:
Dena Shakti Scheme – Loans up to ₹20 lakh
Stree Shakti Package – Preferential interest rates
Cent Kalyani Scheme – Up to ₹1 crore without collateral
Best approach: Visit your bank’s official website or branch and ask for women entrepreneur loan schemes.
How to Apply Successfully (Practical Steps)
Finalize your business idea
Prepare a simple project report
Get Udyam (MSME) registration
Open a current bank account
Apply via:
Official scheme portal
Bank branch
Government service centers
Final Thoughts
Government schemes are not charity — they are strategic tools. Women who treat these schemes professionally, with proper documentation and a clear business plan, get funded and scale faster.
If you’re serious about entrepreneurship, use the system instead of fighting it.
Disclaimer
This blog post is shared for informational purposes only.
The content is based on research, experience, and publicly available information.
Government schemes, policies, eligibility, prices, and procedures may change over time.
Readers are advised to verify details from official sources before taking any action.
I am not responsible for any loss or outcome resulting from the use of this information.
