Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have grown exponentially over the years. SMEs have been one of the leading contributors to the economic growth of India. They have outperformed all other businesses through their contribution to the agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors. Right from the little grocery store next to your home to the catering service you hired for your last get-together, SMEs have been spreading magic everywhere.

While financing remains a challenge for SMEs, NBFCs have risen to the occasion to offer quick loan disbursement. This hand-in-glove relationship between SMEs and NBFCs has encouraged business owners to fulfill their ambitions, including women.

As of today, 20% of the population (around 20 million) of SMEs in India are women-owned SMEs (WSMEs)and are concentrated in four states: Kerala, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. However, about 90% of WSMEs in the country still rely on informal financing and 66% WSMEs do not have a bank account. In short, this is a really underserved segment with a lot of opportunities.

Thus, if you are a women entrepreneur seeking financial assistance for your next big business ambition, we have you covered. This article lists the top six loan options to help you make your dreams come true.

Top 6 Business Loans for Women Entrepreneurs:

• Loan Against Property

  Loan against Property is one of the best loans available in India for entrepreneurs. If you have a healthy credit score, a loan against Property is one of your best options. With a loan against Property, you will get low interest rates and up to 80% of the current market value of your Property approved as a loan. If you have an idea for business, loan against Property is the right option. What's more? Loan against Property offers you the longest loan repayment tenure of up to 25 years! Additionally, a loan against Property provides you with tax benefits under Section 37(1) and Section 24 (b). It's an excellent option for women looking for ways to start a business or fund an existing business.

   

• MUDRA Loan

  The Government of India initiated the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) on April 8, 2015, to uplift women across the country. This is one of the best business loans in India. The mission was to help women establish small and medium enterprises to create an inclusive, sustainable and value-based entrepreneurial culture. Women can get loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs from banks, NBFCs, Small Finance banks, etc. Women from rural areas and villages can also access the loan.

   

  You must have a small or medium enterprise business plan to get the loan approved. For instance, business ideas like grocery stores, salons, tuition classes, food joints, etc., are good business plans. You will enjoy a low-interest rate of 7.30% with a loan repayment tenure ranging from one year to seven years.

   

  The Government has three offerings under the Mudra Loan Scheme:

  • Shishu Loan: Under the Shishu loan scheme, women can get up to Rs. 50,000. This is extremely useful for women looking to start a business.
  • Kishore Loan: Under this offering, you can get a loan between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 5 lakhs. This is a great offering for women looking for additional capital to purchase machinery and raw materials or expand one's businesses.
  • Tarun Loan: Under this offering, you can get a loan between Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs. This is most useful for established business enterprises.

   

• ANNAPURNA Scheme

  The Government of India established the Annapurna loan scheme favoring women in the food and catering business. You can avail of a loan up to Rs. 50,000 under this scheme. This is one of the best business loans in India. You will have the benefit of paying back the loan within 7 years. This is the perfect offering if you want to start a food, cloud kitchen, or catering business. Additionally, this loan aids in sourcing additional capital for your existing food business too.

   

• DENA SHAKTI Scheme

  The Dena Shakti Scheme is an excellent loan offering for women entrepreneurs looking to fund their small and medium businesses in agriculture, micro-credit, retail trade, education, housing, etc. The interest rate under this scheme is 0.25% below base rates for women who are the major stakeholders in the business. This is one of the best business loans in India.

   

  With this loan offer, you can avail of a business loan of up to Rs. 20 lakhs. If you are looking for credit under the retail trade and micro-credit category, you can avail of a loan up to Rs. 50,000. You also get an extended repayment tenure of 7 years and a processing fee of just 0.50% of the loan amount!

   

• UDYOGINI Scheme

  The Udyogini loan scheme began with a mission to uplift women from the country's underdeveloped and rural areas and help them start a business. This scheme aims for women's entrepreneurship, financial independence and a boost to the micro and small enterprises sector. This is one of the best business loans in India.

   

  Women with a family income of Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum can apply for this scheme. You can get a loan of up to Rs. 3 lakhs. For women in the agricultural sector, interest-free loans are available. Moreover, some of the business ideas one can choose to avail of a loan under this scheme are a baking business, grocery stores, fisheries, tailoring shops, etc. Any woman between the ages of 25 to 65 can apply for this scheme.

   

• Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme

  The MahilaUdyam Nidhi Scheme is a government scheme for Indian women. You can avail of a loan up to Rs. 5 lakhs with a loan repayment tenure of up to 10 years.

   

Conclusion

Women are the lifeblood of their homes and the Indian economy with their contribution through small and medium enterprises. We offer loans at great interest rates to help women like you achieve their dreams! A loan against Property is one of the best business loans in India for women wanting to start a business or expand their existing business!

Godrej Capital, through its subsidiaries, Godrej Housing Finance and Godrej Finance, offers products such as Home Loans, Loans Against Property, Balance Transfers, and many more. To know more about our offering, click here.

Disclaimer: The names used in this article are fictitious and are used for representational purposes only.

The contents of this article is for information purpose only & not a financial advisory. For more details, please refer to the product or service document and/ or connect with our customer representative prior to making any financial decision. The information is subject to update, completion, revision and amendment and may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Godrej Capital or its affiliates to any requirements. Godrej Capital or its affiliates shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.