Delhi Govt announces ₹10 crore collateral-free loans for women start-ups

The move aims to boost women-led entrepreneurship in the capital through easy credit support, guaranteed loans, and expanded retail opportunities, alongside initiatives promoting local craftsmanship, self-help group products, and sustainable consumption habits across Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that the city government will provide collateral-free loans of up to ₹10 crore to women-led startups and self-help groups (SHGs). The government will also facilitate dedicated selling spaces in malls and major commercial complexes to help women entrepreneurs showcase and sell their products to a wider customer base.

The initiative aims to strengthen women’s economic independence and encourage entrepreneurship in the national capital. Gupta said the government itself will act as a guarantor for these loans, removing the need for traditional collateral and easing access to credit for women-led enterprises.

Push for women entrepreneurship and local products

Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day ‘Mega Self Help Group (SHG) Mela–2026’ in Rohini, the Chief Minister said the government is working to make women “self-reliant, entrepreneurial and financially empowered.” She added that financial support mechanisms have been designed to ensure easier credit availability for SHGs and startups run by women.

Gupta also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives such as ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, and ‘One District, One Product’ have inspired the Delhi government’s approach. The SHG Mela, she said, serves as a platform to promote indigenous goods produced by women and connect them directly with consumers.

Around 24 self-help groups participated in the event, displaying a range of products including handicrafts, khadi items, crochet work, handmade household goods, and food products. Items under the ‘One District, One Product’ scheme from North-West Delhi were also featured at the exhibition.

Focus on branding, mobility and local consumption

The Chief Minister noted that Indian handmade products often match or exceed foreign goods in quality but lack strong branding and marketing support. She emphasised that improving visibility and promotion of local products is essential to expanding their market reach.

Gupta also urged citizens to prefer indigenous goods over imported alternatives, calling it important for strengthening the local economy. She referred to ongoing public awareness efforts aligned with the Prime Minister’s appeal to conserve fuel and adopt sustainable practices.

She mentioned campaigns such as ‘Monday Metro’ and ‘No Vehicle Day’, encouraging citizens to use public transport and reduce private vehicle usage. According to her, even small behavioural changes in daily life can contribute significantly to national development.

The announcements made at the SHG Mela highlight the government’s combined focus on financial inclusion, market access, and promotion of indigenous products as part of its broader empowerment strategy for women in Delhi.