The Delhi government announced collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 10 crore for women-led startups and self-help groups (SHGs), aiming to improve access to funding for women entrepreneurs in the capital.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government will act as guarantor for eligible loans, a move designed to help women founders who often struggle to secure institutional credit due to the absence of assets or financial backing.
The announcement came during the inauguration of the two-day Mega SHG Mela 2026 in Rohini, where women entrepreneurs showcased handicrafts, food products, khadi items, crochet work, and other locally made goods.
Addressing the gathering, Gupta said many women-run businesses remain small despite strong demand for their products because access to formal financing remains a challenge.
“Women should not have to stop their business plans because they cannot provide collateral,” she said, adding that the government wants more women to move from small-scale production to organized entrepreneurship.
Officials said banks and financial institutions participating in the mela have been asked to simplify the lending process for women-led ventures and SHGs.
The move forms part of the broader Delhi Startup Policy 2026, which focuses on funding, incubation, and market access for emerging businesses.
The government had earlier announced a startup-focused policy framework with a proposed allocation of Rs. 350 crore over five years to support young entrepreneurs, student innovators, and early-stage startups.
Industry observers say access to large-ticket funding remains one of the biggest hurdles for women founders, especially in sectors outside technology and urban services.
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The Delhi government also said it plans to create dedicated retail spaces for women entrepreneurs in malls and commercial centers to improve the visibility of local products.
Gupta linked the initiative to the Center’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns, saying the administration wants locally made products to reach wider markets.
India’s startup ecosystem has seen a rise in women’s participation in recent years, with government data showing that more than one lakh recognized startups in the country have at least one-woman director or partner.