Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Financial Assistance

The Union Budget 2025-26 has introduced multiple schemes aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs through financial aid, training, and business development assistance.
1. Stree Shakti Yojana
•    Objective: This public sector bank-led initiative aims to financially assist women entrepreneurs in launching or expanding their businesses.
•    Key Benefits:
o    Interest Rate Discount: Women entrepreneurs receive a 0.5% interest rate reduction on loans.
o    Simple Application Process: The scheme offers a hassle-free and easy loan approval process.
o    Lower Processing Fees: Women borrowers benefit from reduced processing charges.
2. Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana
•    Objective: This scheme provides financial assistance for women starting or expanding their businesses.
•    Key Benefits:
o    Loan Access: Helps women-owned businesses secure essential capital.
o    Promoting Self-Reliance: Encourages women to become financially independent.
o    Business Expansion: Enables entrepreneurs to scale up their ventures.
3. PM Employment Generation Program (PMEGP)
•    Objective: Provides loan support, training, and employment opportunities.
•    Key Benefits:
o    Loan Assistance: Unemployed youth and artisans can avail loans between ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
o    Training & Skill Development: Business owners receive necessary skills and guidance.
o    Special Concessions: Women, SC/ST categories, and ex-servicemen receive additional financial support.
o    Employment Generation: Encourages job creation in urban and rural areas.
4. Business Development & Market Research Support
•    Entrepreneurial Encouragement: Government initiatives encourage women to start businesses.
•    Business Planning Assistance: Helps formulate effective business models.
•    Financial Management: Provides support in budgeting and financial handling.
•    Market Research Support: Assists women in understanding business markets and consumer needs.