Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget 2025-26 speech, announced a new scheme for 5 lakh first-time women entrepreneurs, as well as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This scheme will provide term loans up to Rs 2 crore over the next five years, aimed at supporting the growth of businesses.
The scheme builds on the Stand-Up India initiative and will also offer online training to help entrepreneurs with skills in business management and entrepreneurship.
Sitharaman also highlighted plans to transform India Post into a large public logistics organisation. This move is expected to support new entrepreneurs, self-help groups, MSMEs, and women entrepreneurs.
The government aims to increase women’s participation in economic activities, with a target of 70%. The scheme marks a step towards supporting women and marginalised groups in starting and growing their businesses.