Women are growing in the field of entrepreneurship, and thereby, developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi once said,

"No country can progress if its women are not full partners in the development process."

Women are proving to be critical to the economic growth in India as the country realises the true value of including them on an equal footing.

Diverse Ministries and State Governments have taken initiatives to promote entrepreneurship among women, providing incentives and making provisions to ensure their participation. Here's a quick overview of existing schemes and initiatives in the country to identify the best opportunity to expand your business or materialise your idea.

Rajasthan MSME Policy 2015

Aims to provide interest subsidy for setting up micro-enterprises to:

  • Uneducated or unemployed youth and women
  • Marginalised communities (SC/ST)
  • Specially-abled Persons

Hirakani Maharashtrachi

Aims to provide a platform for women's Self Help Groups (SHGs) to showcase their innovations and entrepreneurial skill at the district and state levels.

Tejashri Financial Services Scheme

Aims to address the needs of women living in rural areas by:

  • Setting up Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and providing them financial assistance
  • Bringing women into the mainstream of the development agendas

Maharashtra State Innovation Society

Aims to foster innovative approaches and create a conducive business environment in Maharashtra.

  • Manage various initiatives to provide support for the start-up ecosystem at multiple levels
  • Give start-ups a platform for showcasing innovative solutions to Maharashtra's government

Convergence of Agricultural Interventions in Maharashtra’s Distressed Districts Project

Aims to empower women by:

  • Enhancing their access to microfinance and microenterprise activities
  • Increasing household incomes with diversified farming and off-farm activities

Maharashtra Prajwala Yojana

Aims to educate the women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) about legal matters, social issues, and finances. Through this program, women in self-help groups receive planned training.