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India's female entrepreneurship is growing rapidly — but women entrepreneurs still face significant challenges in accessing capital, market linkages, and mentorship. The central government runs multiple dedicated schemes to bridge this gap. Whether you want to start a small home business, a micro-enterprise, or scale up an existing one, these five schemes can provide funding, training, and market access. Here is a complete guide.
PM MUDRA Yojana is the most accessible source of business finance for women entrepreneurs. Loans are available in three categories: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,001–₹5 lakh), and Tarun (₹5–₹10 lakh). No collateral is required. Women entrepreneurs account for about 68% of all MUDRA loan beneficiaries. Apply at any bank, microfinance institution, or NBFC. Interest rates are typically 8–12% — lower than open-market micro-finance loans.
Stand-Up India is specifically designed to fund greenfield enterprises (new businesses, not expansion) set up by SC/ST or women entrepreneurs. Loans range from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for manufacturing, services, or trading businesses. At least one SC or ST borrower and at least one woman borrower must be funded per bank branch. Apply through any Scheduled Commercial Bank or through the Stand-Up India portal at standupmitra.in. A Working Capital component can be included in the loan.
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Startup India provides recognition, tax exemptions, and funding access for innovative startups. Registered startups get: 3-year income tax exemption, 80% rebate on patent filing fees, access to ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds managed by SIDBI, and easier public procurement norms. Women-led startups receive additional visibility through the WEP (Women Entrepreneurship Platform). Apply for Startup India recognition at startupindia.gov.in — the process is fully online and takes 2–3 days.
Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme (MUN) is run by SIDBI and Small Industries Development Bank of India to provide equity-type soft loans to women entrepreneurs in the tiny and small industries sector. Loans up to ₹10 lakh are provided at concessional rates for setting up new projects or expansion. The scheme is specifically for women who do not have access to formal bank credit due to lack of collateral. Apply through SIDBI regional offices or through empanelled banks.
Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK) are community centres set up under the Ministry of Women & Child Development to empower rural women through skill development, employment, digital literacy, and health awareness. MSKs connect women with government schemes, provide training in tailoring, food processing, handicrafts, and other vocational skills, and link them with market buyers. More than 300 district-level and 640 block-level MSKs are operational. Find your nearest MSK through the WCD Ministry or district administration.
About this article: Written and reviewed by the Sarkaari Saathi Editorial Team. Information verified against official government sources. Last updated: 5 July 2026.
Always verify from the official government portal before taking action.
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