Women entrepreneurship has been recognised as an important source of economic growth. Women entrepreneurs create new jobs for themselves and others and also provide society with different solutions to management, organisations and business problems. Many banks have simultaneously stepped up and launched special loans at attractive interest rates to promote women entrepreneurs in the country. These special schemes offer flexibility in terms of collateral security as well as interest rates. Today, let us go through it one by one.

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Finance Solutions for Women
Entrepreneurs in India
Women entrepreneurship has been recognised as an important source of
economic growth. Women entrepreneurs create new jobs for themselves
and others and also provide society with different solutions to
management, organisations and business problems. Many banks have
simultaneously stepped up and launched special loans at attractive
interest rates to promote women entrepreneurs in the country. These
special schemes offer flexibility in terms of collateral security as well as
interest rates. Today, let us go through it one by one.
Annapurna Scheme:

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 The scheme is meant for women entrepreneurs who want to set up
food catering units.
 The maximum loan amount provided on this composite term loan
is Rs. 50,000.
 The loan needs to be repaid in 36 monthly installments.
 There is a one-month ‘EMI free’ period after the loan is disbursed.
 This loan requires a guarantor and assets to be submitted as
collateral.
 The interest rate applicable on this loan is as per market rates.
Stree Shakthi Package:
 This package is available for women entrepreneurs who have 50%
ownership in a firm or business.
 Most State Bank branches offer this scheme.
 You are eligible for a 0.50% concession on the interest if the loan
amount exceeds Rs. 2 lacs.
 Only women entrepreneurs who have taken part in
Entrepreneurship Development Programmes organised by state
level agencies are eligible to apply.
Bharatiya Mahila Bank
 This bank supports and encourages women entrepreneurs to start
their new ventures.
 This bank offers loans for the retail sector, loan against property,
MICRO loans, and SME loans.
Dena Shakti Scheme

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 This scheme offered by Dena Bank and aims at providing financial
assistance to women entrepreneurs.
 Women benefit from a 0.25% reduction on the interest rate.
 This loan is available for entrepreneurs engaged in agriculture,
manufacturing, micro-credit, retail stores or small enterprises.
Udyogini Scheme
 This scheme is promoted by Punjab and Sind Bank.
 This loan is available at lower interest rates and on flexible terms.
 This loan can be used for agricultural activities, retail, and small-
business enterprises.
Cent Kalyani Scheme

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 This scheme has been launched by Central Bank of India.
 It is available for women employed in village and cottage
industries, micro, small and medium enterprises, self-employed
women, agriculture and allied activities, retail trade and
government sponsored programmes.
 The interest rate varies from one sector to another and is based on
market rates.
Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme
 This scheme has been launched by Punjab National Bank.
 This scheme is mainly targeted towards the small-scale sector.
 You can get a loan up to Rs. 10 lacs.
 This soft loan is repayable within 10 years.
 The interest rates are dependent on market rates and are revised
from time-to-time.
 There are special loans catering to beauty parlors, day care centres,
buying auto rickshaws, two wheelers and cars.
 The rate of interest varies for each of these loans.

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Alongsidethese utility schemes, imbibe these tips to drive financing:
Explore your financing options.
Today, business owners have many business financing options to
consider. If a conventional business loan doesn’t meet your specific
needs, you may want to explore an array of loans. Talk with your banker
about the credit options available for your business to identify the best
option for you.
Seek lenders with a commitment toward women business owners.
It’s a competitive market for small business loans, and that’s good for
women business owners. Lenders are seeking to make every responsible
loan they can to credit-worthy business owners.

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When choosing a lender, you should consider financial institutions that
have demonstrated a commitment and track record of working with
women-owned businesses as well as a lender who may have
implemented lending goals or programs focused on women-owned
businesses. Many states have programs for women entrepreneurs, so it is
worth investigating the opportunities in your area.
Connect with other women entrepreneurs.
Federation of Indian Women Entrepreneurs (FIWE) membership has a
base of 15,000 individual members /professionals and more than 28
Member Associations spread throughout the country. Another great
resource for women business owners is Consortium of Women
Entrepreneurs of India, which offers online newsletters and webinars in
addition to an extensive database of female mentors. Many of these
organisations are dedicated to helping women find the right financial
tools to successfully run and grow their business.
Build a relationship with a banker.
Having a strong relationship with a business banker helps your banker to
understand your business better when you come to them for support and
financial solutions to help it grow.
A banker can help you build a strong credit profile, as well as help you
gain access to the capital your business needs when you’re credit ready.
A banker can also provide guidance on how to lay a strong financial
foundation for your business, such as establishing a business plan. To

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build the relationship, make sure to keep your banker up to date on
significant changes and notable successes in your business.
Conclusion
There is certainly a lot to be learned from the many successful female
entrepreneurs who have made it in today’s evolving and challenging
business environment. An important thing for women entrepreneurs is to
understand how the use of business credit may benefit their operations.
Business credit can provide a business the source of funds it needs for
multiple purposes, from bridging gaps in cash flow to pursuing growth
opportunities.
(References: bankbazaar, entrepreneur.com)
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