Here’s about Fueling Female Founders: The 5 Best Loans for Women Entrepreneurs
To start a business, vision, courage-and money are required. For women entrepreneurs, the right money can be the difference between a plan that never makes it onto the drawing board and one that is a success story. Fortunately, India has a wealth of loan schemes available that are designed to spur women-owned businesses.
Following are five of the best loan schemes offered to women entrepreneurs who wish to fund their start-ups and grow their businesses:
1. Mudra Yojana Scheme (Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Loan)
Eligible for: MSMEs, start-ups, small scale women entrepreneurs
Loan amount: Up to ₹10 lakhs
Key points:
- No collateral is needed
- Available in Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun forms depending on the need for the loan
- Given in most public sector and private sector banks
Why it’s great: Introduced specifically for first-generation female borrowers, this government program is ideal for women establishing their first business or expanding a small business.
2. Stand-Up India Scheme
For: SC/ST woman entrepreneurs starting greenfield projects
Loan Value: ₹10 lakhs – ₹1 crore
Important facts:
- Should be first-generation entrepreneur
- Supports women entrepreneurs in manufacturing, trading, and services sector businesses
- 75% of project cost can be financed
Why it’s good: The scheme stands out in strategy with an orientation towards inclusiveness and towards eradicating caste and gender discriminations for entrepreneurs.
3. Cent Kalyani Scheme – Central Bank of India
Best suitable for: Women entrepreneur businesswomen owning cultivation, retail trade, or small-scale industries
Loan Amount: Max. ₹100 lakhs
Key Features:
- No collateral
- No processing fee
- Quick sanction turnaround
Why it’s good: For elderly women-owned businesses who want to grow without the hassle of too much interest or too many forms.
4. Udyogini Scheme – Women Development Corporation
Most suitable for: Women businesswomen from rural and semi-urban regions
Loan Amount: Max. ₹3 lakhs (state and category dependent)
Key Features:
- Subsidized rate of interest
- No collateral for small loan amounts
- Income and age restrictions apply
Why it’s good: It encourages independence among rural women and is otherwise supported by local NGOs for counseling and orientation.
5. Dena Shakti Scheme – Bank of Baroda
Best suited for: Women entrepreneurs in agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade, or micro-enterprises
Loan Amount: Up to ₹20 lakhs
Features:
- Concession in interest rate of 0.25%
- Priority sector lending
- Easy eligibility for well-established women-owned businesses
Why it’s cool: With competitive interest rates and adequate availability, this is a great choice for women growing their businesses step by step.
Conclusion: Funding has to empower, and not scare. These five funding channels empower thousands of women in India to go ahead and achieve financial victories and turn business dreams into reality. Whether you are starting or growing a business, there’s something in your funding need.
Add comment