Entrepreneurship ventures, or startups, are no longer new business concepts in India. To boost the growth of entrepreneurial initiatives, both private and public sector banks, alongside NBFCs, have introduced various business loan schemes for women entrepreneurs. Numerous lenders offer business loans and working capital loans with concessional interest rates specifically for women. Let's explore the 5 most popular loan schemes for women entrepreneurs in India offered by financial institutions.

1. Cent Kalyani from the Central Bank of India
The Central Bank of India provides startup loans to women entrepreneurs eager to open or expand their businesses.

• Interest Rate: 8.70% p.a. to 8.95% p.a.
• Loan Amount: Up to Rs. 100 lakhs
• Purpose: Purchase of machinery/equipment and working capital.
• No Collateral Required: Covered under CGTMSE
• Processing Fee: Nil

2. Mudra Loan under PMMY
Launched in 2015, this scheme offers loans up to Rs. 10 lakh to establish or expand businesses under three categories: Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun.

• Interest Rates: Concessional for women
• Collateral-Free
• Repayment: Up to 5 years
• Loans: Available for both urban and rural women in India

3. ICICI Bank – Self Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP)
Recently, ICICI Bank introduced collateral-free business loans for SHGs of 10-20 women with a maximum loan of Rs. 10 lakh and tenure up to 3 years.

• Interest Rate: Up to 21.50% p.a.
• No Collateral Required
• Eligibility: SHGs existing for at least 6 months

4. Stand-Up India
This government initiative helps establish Greenfield Enterprises with loans from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.

• Interest Rate: Base Rate + MCLR + 3% + Tenor Premium
• Repayment: Up to 7 years with an 18-month moratorium
• Collateral: Required as primary security

5. PNB Mahila Udyami
This scheme offers loans up to Rs. 10 lakh for both new and existing units with a repayment tenure of 3-5 years for term loans.

• Eligibility: Women holding at least 50% financial stake
• No Collateral Required

KBL Mahila Udyog Loan from Karnataka Bank
Only for women entrepreneurs to meet credit requirements with a maximum loan amount of Rs. 10 lakh.

• Interest Rate: 11.94% p.a. onwards
• Collateral: Hypothecation of assets