Top Business Loan Schemes Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in India

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Business Loan Schemes in India. India has introduced a number of specialized loan programs for women entrepreneurs to help them build, grow, and sustain their businesses. These programs not only assist in providing financial assistance but also promote women’s participation in MSMEs, retail, farming, and service sectors.

1. Cent Kalyani - Central Bank of India

Cent Kalyani offers collateral‑free loans up to ₹100 lakh for women entrepreneurs.

Interest Rate: 8.70% - 8.95% p.a.

Loan Purpose: Purchase of machinery, equipment, and working capital needs.

Processing Fee: Nil

Security: Covered under CGTMSE, no collateral required. This type of scheme is beneficial to women in MSMEs, rural industries, farming, and government-backed firms.

2.Mudra Loan – PMMY

The Mudra loan launched in 2015 is available for up to ₹10 lakh under three categories: Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun.

Features: Collateral‑free, concessional interest rates, repayment up to 5 years.

Loan Type: Term Loan / Overdraft.

Processing Fee: Nil to 0.50%. Mudra loans are available for both urban and rural women and encourage MSME growth and entrepreneurship.

3.ICICI Bank– SHG Linkage Programme

ICICI Bank offers loans to Self Help Groups (SHGs) of 10–20 women.

Loan Amount: Up to ₹10 lakh.

Interest Rate: Up to 21.50% p.a.

Repayment Tenure: Up to 36 months. Eligibility requires SHGs to have at least 6 months of experience and minimum savings of ₹5,000.

4.Stand-Up India

A government plan offering loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to greenfield enterprises.

Repayment Tenure: Up to 7 years with 18 months moratorium.

Coverage: Up to 85% of project cost.

Collateral: Required, or covered under CGFSIL. This scheme is for women setting up new ventures in manufacturing, trading, or services.

5.PNB Mahila Udyami

PNB will provide loans up to ₹10 lakh to new and existing units.

Tenure: 3-5 years with moratorium of 3-6 months.

Margin: Nil up to ₹2 lakh, 20% for ₹2–5 lakh, 25% above ₹5 lakh.

Eligibility: Women having at least 50% financial interest, preference for SC/ST/BPL card holders.

KBL Mahila Udyog Loan– Karnataka Bank. Exclusively for women entrepreneurs with majority shareholding.

Loan Amount: Up to ₹10 lakh (₹2 lakh for working capital).

Interest Rate: 11.94% p.a. onwards.

Repayment Tenure: Up to 120 months. Collateral is covered under CGTMSE wherever possible.