In recent years, women entrepreneurship in India has seen remarkable growth. From running small businesses to launching tech startups, Indian women are breaking barriers. But one common challenge remains—access to capital.
To bridge this gap, both government schemes and private lenders offer special loans for women entrepreneurs. These are designed to encourage self-employment, provide financial independence, and boost economic participation.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore the best loan schemes for women entrepreneurs in India, eligibility criteria, top platforms, and tips for easy approval.
✅ Why Special Loans for Women Entrepreneurs?
- Lower interest rates
- Collateral-free options
- Subsidies and interest subsidies
- Simplified paperwork
- Focus on self-help groups (SHGs), MSMEs, and startups
🏦 Best Government Loan Schemes for Women Entrepreneurs
1. Stand-Up India Scheme
- Offered by: SIDBI, through banks
- Loan Amount: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
- Purpose: Greenfield projects (first-time ventures) in manufacturing, services, trading
- Eligibility: SC/ST or Women entrepreneurs aged 18+
- Repayment: 7 years max with 18-month moratorium
- Visit Stand-Up India →
2. Mudra Yojana (PMMY) – Women Empowerment Loans
- Offered by: Public & private banks, MFIs
- Categories:
- Shishu: Up to ₹50,000
- Kishor: ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh
- Tarun: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
- No collateral required
- Interest subsidy available for women-led MSMEs
- Visit Mudra Website →
3. Annapurna Scheme
- Target Group: Women in the food business (catering, tiffin services, etc.)
- Loan Amount: Up to ₹50,000
- Tenure: Up to 3 years
- Offered by banks like State Bank of Mysore and Bharatiya Mahila Bank
- May require a guarantor
4. Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme (SIDBI)
- Loan Amount: Up to ₹10 lakh
- Purpose: Small-scale businesses and MSME modernization
- Tenure: Up to 10 years
- Includes soft loans at low-interest rates
5. Udyogini Scheme (Women SHGs and Entrepreneurs)
- Offered by: Women Development Corporations in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Loan Limit: ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh (varies by state)
- Eligibility: Women between 18–55 years, household income under ₹1.5–2 lakh
- Interest Rate: Subsidized for BPL and SC/ST groups
💳 Private Banks & NBFC Loans for Women
1. HDFC Bank – Smart Business Loan for Women
- Collateral-free loan
- Quick approval for self-employed women or businesses owned 51%+ by women
- Amount: ₹50,000 to ₹50 lakh
2. Bajaj Finserv Business Loan for Women
- Amount: ₹1 lakh to ₹45 lakh
- Flexible repayment tenure up to 84 months
- Online documentation and fast disbursal
3. Lendingkart
- Loan Amount: ₹50,000 to ₹2 crore
- No collateral
- Focus on small and medium enterprises run by women
- Visit Lendingkart →
4. Indifi Business Loan
- Ideal for boutique owners, beauty parlours, online sellers, food startups
- Fast approval, no collateral
- Visit Indifi →
📋 General Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 65 years |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Business Ownership | At least 51% by a woman |
| Business Type | Sole proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Pvt Ltd |
| Credit Score | 650+ (for private lenders) |
| Documentation | PAN, Aadhaar, business plan, bank statements, GST (if applicable) |
📝 Documents Required
- PAN Card and Aadhaar Card
- Business plan or project report
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Udyam/MSME registration (optional but preferred)
- Income tax returns (ITR) (if applicable)
- Rental agreement or property proof (for office/shop)
- Photographs and address proof
💡 Tips to Get Loan Approval Easily
- Register your business on Udyam portal
- Open a current account in business name
- Prepare a simple business plan
- Keep credit score above 650
- Apply under government schemes first for interest subsidy and support
📊 Loan Comparison Table
| Scheme/Platform | Amount Range | Collateral | Interest Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand-Up India | ₹10L – ₹1 Cr | No | ~8.5–9.5% | Manufacturing, trading, services |
| Mudra Yojana | Up to ₹10L | No | 8%+ | Small businesses & retail |
| Annapurna Scheme | Up to ₹50K | May be needed | ~11% | Catering, food startups |
| Bajaj Finserv | ₹1L – ₹45L | No | 12–18% | Urban self-employed women |
| Lendingkart | ₹50K – ₹2 Cr | No | 12–24% | MSMEs & online businesses |
🧾 Real-Life Examples of Women Entrepreneurs Who Got Loans
- Priya from Pune took ₹5 lakh Mudra Loan to launch her handmade saree boutique.
- Salma from Lucknow availed ₹10 lakh under Stand-Up India for a small IT firm.
- Anjali from Bengaluru used Lendingkart to fund her food truck business expansion.
🙋♀️ FAQs – Loan for Women Entrepreneurs in India
Q1. Can I get a loan without collateral?
Yes, many schemes like MUDRA, Stand-Up India, and NBFCs offer collateral-free loans.
Q2. Do I need to register my business to get a loan?
Not always, but MSME/Udyam registration boosts approval chances and makes you eligible for subsidies.
Q3. Are there any loans available for women without CIBIL score?
Yes, some microfinance institutions and NBFCs like KreditBee or U GRO Capital offer loans with alternate scoring.
Q4. Which is better: Government or private lender?
Government loans offer lower interest and subsidies, but private NBFCs are faster and have flexible terms.
Q5. Is it compulsory to have a business plan?
For higher loan amounts, yes. For smaller loans (under ₹1–2 lakh), a simple revenue estimate may be enough.
🔗 Useful Links
✍️ Final Words
In 2025, loan options for women entrepreneurs in India are stronger than ever—thanks to government schemes and private innovations. Whether you’re starting a boutique, cafe, agency, or online store, financial support is accessible and often tailored for your success.
Start small, build smart, and leverage the power of entrepreneurship. The right loan can turn your dream business into reality.
Would you like a Hindi version, or an article customized for a women startup blog, fintech platform, or affiliate marketing site? Just let me know!
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Hello friends, my name is Manoj Meena, and I’m a BA Final Year student. I have a deep passion for writing biographies because, in Hindi, there’s often a lack of detailed information about notable individuals. To bridge this gap, I collect extensive information and write biographies about popular personalities. I love sharing their stories and inspiring others through my work. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated with my latest biographies and content. Connect with me to explore the fascinating lives of influential people!