The Delhi government has announced a comprehensive financial support package for women entrepreneurs in the national capital. According to reports from Business Standard, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday evening that the government will provide collateral-free loans of up to ₹10 crore to women-led startups and self-help groups. The Delhi government itself will act as guarantor for these loans, eliminating the need for traditional collateral requirements. As reported by Business Standard, Gupta announced this initiative while addressing the inauguration of the two-day 'Mega Self Help Group (SHG) Mela-2026' near Unity One Mall in Rohini, emphasizing that the initiative aims to make every woman in Delhi self-reliant and strengthen indigenous businesses through better financial access and market opportunities. The government's commitment to women entrepreneurship was further reinforced through social media posts celebrating the SHG Mela as a celebration of Nari Shakti, highlighting how every handmade product carries the story of a woman's hard work, self-respect and dreams.
Beyond financial support, the government is implementing market access strategies to boost women entrepreneurship. As reported by Business Standard, the government will provide regular platforms in malls and major shopping complexes for the promotion and sale of local and handmade products prepared by women entrepreneurs and SHGs. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing capabilities and modern retail distribution channels, with the government actively including banks at these events to strengthen financial inclusion and improve access to easy credit for women-led groups and startups. The CM noted that banks had been included in the mela to strengthen financial inclusion and improve access to easy credit for women-led groups and startups.
The government's support for women entrepreneurs was demonstrated through a recent SHG Mela that showcased the potential of local manufacturing. According to Business Standard, around 24 self-help groups participated in the fair, exhibiting and selling handicrafts, crochet work, khadi, household products, food items, and other handmade products. The event, organised by the North-West District Administration, showcased handicrafts, khadi products, crochet work, food items and other handmade goods prepared by around 24 self-help groups under the 'One District, One Product' initiative of North-West Delhi district. The event featured handicrafts under the 'One District, One Product' initiative, highlighting the diversity and quality of local manufacturing capabilities. Among those present at the event were Yogendra Chandolia, MLA Kulwant Rana and North-West District Magistrate Soumya Saurabh, along with senior district officials and representatives of banking institutions.
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized the need for improved branding and marketing to compete with foreign products, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Vocal for Local', 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'One District, One Product'. As reported by Business Standard, she noted that people often prefer foreign brands despite Indian handicrafts, khadi, household products, and handmade items being comparable in quality. The CM highlighted that Indian handmade and indigenous products are comparable to global brands and require stronger branding and marketing support, appealing to citizens to adopt local products and support indigenous industries. She emphasized that women are not only increasing family income through home-based industries and handmade products but are also strengthening the country's economy.
The initiative aligns with broader national sustainability and self-reliance goals, with Gupta referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve fuel, use public transport, and adopt indigenous products. According to Business Standard, Gupta referenced Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Vocal for Local', 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'One District, One Product', promoting campaigns such as 'Monday metro' and 'No Vehicle Day' as part of its comprehensive approach to encouraging sustainable practices and supporting local manufacturing. The CM emphasized that the initiative promotes economic self-reliance and strengthens indigenous businesses through better financial access and market opportunities. She noted that today India is rapidly moving towards self-reliance in every sector, including defence, space, agriculture and manufacturing, and Indian products are being exported across the world.
