Empowering the Women's BIZ Experiencesial Ecosystem A lot is to be done yet as women BIZ Experiencess in India are neither considered comparable nor encouraged to be in the majority

By H.P. Singh

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

You're reading BIZ Experiences India, an international franchise of BIZ Experiences Media.

Freepik

Many widespread social values support the patriarchal system that does not create an environment conducive for women to work unless there is a necessity. Women have always been trying to shed this traditional mould. Recently, more women have emerged into the league of earnest, ambitious, and determined business owners. However, a lot is to be done yet as women BIZ Experiencess in India are neither considered comparable nor encouraged to be in the majority.

Current challenges as a woman BIZ Experiences

A major challenge women-led enterprises in our country face is the lack of capital due to investor prejudices and other factors. This is due to poverty, cultural barriers to property, and land ownership causing a lack of collateral for loans and limited employment in the formal sector. Running a business requires long hours and dedication, and this puts women in conflict with their family commitments, making them feel guilty about prioritizing their business. One needs a lot of encouragement in the form of mentors and an ecosystem/support system to handle a business. A majority of businesses are dominated by men, thus, making it difficult for women to get introductions and connections into the elite business networks. Women have always been confined to a supportive role, hence, leading in the professional world gets conflicting causing rifts in the social life of budding women BIZ Experiencess. As a result, leading in the professional world becomes conflicting, causing schisms in the social lives of aspiring female BIZ Experiencess.

BIZ Experiencesial loan options for women

To assist women in their BIZ Experiencesial initiatives, from financial bodies to government schemes, there are recently many different types of business loans to aid them:

Small business loans: Small business loans are offered for startups and existing businesses. One such loan for female BIZ Experiencess is the line of credit. The eligibility of the applicant is checked, and women are then permitted to borrow money up to a maximum credit limit with certain documents. While repaying, they have to only pay interest on the amount used and not on the entire credit limit.

Commercial business loan: This loan, ideal for a medium-sized business, can allow females a certain amount, for a tenure of up to three-five years. It does not require detailed paperwork. To gain eligibility, the business needs to be at least a year old and established. The applicant has to submit the current account statement for a one-year minimum to the lender.

Loan against securities: Women can acquire this loan against investments in the stock market, mutual funds, and life insurance policies. These are available for four-five years and require ownership proof of the securities, to be used as collateral.

Personal loan: Women planning to start a home-based business can seek out this loan. It is offered based on the applicant's financial stability. An option to add a co-applicant to help increase eligibility makes it beneficial. It can be used both personally and professionally. Monthly income and credit score are requisites to determine the loan amount to be sanctioned.

Loan schemes that women can consider

The Indian government introduced loan schemes to aid women to get financial support for their BIZ Experiencesial journey.

Mudra loan scheme for women: This scheme was launched to provide financial support for enthusiastic women BIZ Experiencess starting a new business in the form of a beauty salon, tailoring shop, coaching classes, etc. It does not require any security and has categories under which it can be applied. They are Shishu Loans for growing businesses, Kishor Loans for recognized businesses who wish to improve services, and Tarun Loans for well-established businesses planning to expand.

Annapurna scheme: Women BIZ Experiencess who need loans for food catering businesses come under this scheme. They make use of the borrowed amount for working capital like buying utensils, tiffin boxes, working tables, etc. Once it is approved, there is no EMI for the first month. Only if sanctioned, the amount has to be repaid in 36 monthly nstalments. Interest rates are charged as per the market rate and the concerned bank.

Dena Shakti scheme: Women BIZ Experiencess in the fields of agriculture, micro-credit, manufacturing, retail stores, or small enterprises can receive a loan from the Dena Shakti Scheme. A 0.25 per cent concession is given on the interest rate.

The Cent Kalyani Yojana: Self-employed women in micro-companies such as cottage industries, farming, agriculture, and retail trade are eligible to apply for this scheme. No security is required, and the interest rate depends on market rates. The loan has to be repaid within a tenure of seven years.

Today, our country boasts of successful businesswomen across the world. However, the journeys were never easy. It is only when their families, investors, and society make conscious attempts to pull down gender walls, women can shine in the corporate world.

H.P. Singh

Chairman & MD, Satin Creditcare Network Ltd

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Starting a Business

How to Develop the Mindset for a Billion-Dollar Success, According to Raising Cane's Founder

Todd Graves was turned down by every bank in town when he started. Here, he sits down to share his mentality on success, leadership and building a billion-dollar brand.

News and Trends

Reliance Retail Launches FMCG Brand 'Independence' In Gujarat

Independence includes diverse categories such as staples, processed foods, beverages, among other daily essentials

Business News

Here Are the 10 Jobs AI Is Most Likely to Automate, According to a Microsoft Study

These careers are most likely to be affected by generative AI, based on data from 200,000 conversations with Microsoft's Copilot chatbot.

Starting a Business

These Brothers Started a Business to Improve an Everyday Task. They Made Their First Products in the Garage — Now They've Raised Over $100 Million.

Coulter and Trent Lewis had an early research breakthrough that helped them solve for the right problem.