StartupFloraBest Government Grants in India for Women Entrepreneurs in 2025
Finding the right capital can be the biggest hurdle, while starting a business. That’s why government grants for women entrepreneurs matter so much. These are special funds or support from the state that help you kick-start or scale up without the heavy burden of repayment. If your venture is led by a woman and you’re looking for government funding for women entrepreneurs, you’re in the right place.
India offers several government-backed loan schemes and support initiatives for women entrepreneurs in 2025, rather than outright grants (which are less common and often competitive awards). Key programs focus on providing collateral-free loans, subsidies, and skill development to help start or expand businesses.
Top Government Schemes for Women Entrepreneurs
| Scheme Name | Loan/Funding Amount | Key Features & Purpose |
| Stand Up India Scheme | ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore | For setting up a new enterprise in manufacturing, services, trading, or agri-allied activities. Mandates at least one woman or SC/ST borrower per bank branch. Offers 15% margin money support and a long repayment tenure. |
| Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) | Up to ₹10 lakh | Provides collateral-free loans for micro/small enterprises (e.g., tailoring, beauty parlors, tiffin services). Divided into three categories: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh), and Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh). |
| Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) | 5 lakh to ₹10 lakh | Provides collateral-free loans for micro/small enterprises (e.g., tailoring, beauty parlors, tiffin services). Divided into three categories: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,001 to ₹5 lakh), and Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh). |
| Mahila Coir Yojana | Up to 75% subsidy on equipment cost | Specific to women in coir-producing states. Provides training and a subsidy for purchasing coir processing equipment to promote home-based businesses. |
| TREAD Scheme (Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development) | Government grant up to 30% of project cost (max ₹30 lakh) | Aims to develop entrepreneurship capabilities in non-traditional trades. The remaining 70% is a loan from a bank, often facilitated through NGOs. |
| TREAD Scheme (Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development) | Government grant up to 30% of project cost (max ₹30 lakh) | Aims to develop entrepreneurship capabilities in non-traditional trades. The remaining 70% is a loan from a bank, often facilitated through NGOs. |
| Annapurna Scheme | Up to ₹50,000 | Targeted at women starting food businesses (tiffin services, catering units, snack stalls) to purchase equipment and raw materials. Repayment over 36 months with a one-month moratorium. |
| Cent Kalyani Scheme | Up to ₹1 crore | Offered by Central Bank of India to women entrepreneurs in manufacturing and service industries (excluding retail/training). Provides collateral-free loans with zero processing fees. |
| Udyogini Scheme | Up to ₹3 lakh | Supports women from economically weaker sections (annual family income generally under ₹1.5 lakh, though this varies by state) for small-scale businesses with subsidized or interest-free loans. |
Other Key Support Initiatives
Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): An initiative by NITI Aayog that acts as a digital hub connecting women entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, though it does not directly provide funds.
NSIC Schemes: The National Small Industries Corporation offers raw material assistance, marketing support, and credit facilitation to women-led MSMEs.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): While not exclusively for women, it offers grants up to ₹20 lakh for proof of concept and prototype development for DPIIT-recognized startups, with special consideration for women founders.
How to Apply?
Applications for most of these schemes can be made online through the respective official portals (e.g., www.standupmitra.in for Stand Up India, www.mudra.org.in for MUDRA loans) or by contacting participating public sector banks and District Industries Centres (DICs). Required documents typically include identity proof, business registration details (like Udyam certificate), address proof, and a business plan/project report.
Top Grants & Schemes for Women Entrepreneurs in India in 2025
Here are some of the most useful schemes you should know if you’re a woman founder seeking government grants for startup in India:
- Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme (SIDBI): Soft loans up to ~₹10 lakh with long repayment for women-led small units.
- Annapurna Scheme (SBI etc): For food/catering business by women; smaller amounts, fewer hurdles.
- Dena Shakti Scheme: Loans up to ~₹20 lakh in agriculture, retail, micro-enterprise for women.
- Woman-specific provisions under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: Collateral-free loans under “Shishu” / “Kishor” / “Tarun” categories, accessible to women.
Each of these supports women to build government grants for MSME-style growth or startup momentum.
How to Pick the Right Grant or Scheme for You?
If you’ve just started your business, go for small-amount schemes made for beginners, these government grants for women entrepreneurs are easier to get and have fewer conditions.
If your business is already running and you want to grow bigger, then look for government grants for startup in India or government funding for women entrepreneurs that offer more money and bigger support.
Also, check your business type, some schemes are only for manufacturing, some for services, and some for farming or trading. Pick the one that suits what you actually do.
Application Tips to Get the Best from These Schemes
- Get your business plan ready: Describe clearly who you are, what you do, how you’ll use the funds. This helps when you apply for government funding for new business.
- Collect relevant documents: Identity, business registration, bank accounts, income proof, etc.
- Choose the right bank or agency: Many schemes run via public sector banks or nationalised institutions.
- Be clear on your ownership: Many of these schemes expect you (as a woman) to hold a significant stake in the business, relevant when applying for government grants for women entrepreneurs.
- Stay updated: Because government grants for startup in India evolve every year, staying aware of announcements (like budget announcements for 2025) is critical.
(FAQs)
Which government grants for women entrepreneurs can I apply for now?
You can apply for schemes like Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana, and Mahila Udyam Nidhi that support women-led businesses.
What documents do I need for government funding for women entrepreneurs?
You usually need your Aadhaar card, business registration, bank details, and a simple business plan.
Is there government funding for new business for women without collateral?
Yes, schemes like Mudra Loan and Stand-Up India give loans and funding without needing any property as security.
How much grant money or loan support is available under government grants for MSME for women?
Most MSME grants and loans for women range from ₹50,000 to ₹1 crore depending on your business size and scheme.
Who is eligible for the government grants for women entrepreneurs in India?
Typically, you should be a woman entrepreneur (women should own a major share of your business).