Capital to back women startups with Rs 10 crore collateral-free loans

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced that the Delhi Government will provide collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 crore to women-led startups and self-help groups, with the Government itself acting as guarantor for the loans.

The announcement was made at the inauguration of the two-day Mega Self Help Group Mela 2026 in Rohini.

Addressing the event near Unity One Mall at Rohini West Metro Station, the Chief Minister said the Government was working to make women in the Capital financially independent through entrepreneurship, local manufacturing, and market access for handmade products.

She said the Government would also create regular marketing platforms for indigenous products in malls and large commercial centres across Delhi to help women entrepreneurs and self-help groups reach more customers.

The mela was organised by the North-West District Administration and featured products made by women-led self-help groups, including handicrafts, khadi items, crochet work, food products, and household goods. Around 24 self-help groups participated in the event.

The Chief Minister said the initiative aimed to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vocal for Local,” “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” and “One District, One Product.” She said locally made products deserved stronger branding and better market support.

The Chief Minister said women working from home through small businesses and handmade production were making an important contribution to both household incomes and the national economy.

She added that Indian products were now gaining recognition globally across sectors, and similar opportunities should be created for locally produced household and handicraft items.

“People often prefer foreign brands, but products made in India are not behind anyone in quality. What they need is proper branding and market support,” she said.

The Chief Minister said the Delhi Government wanted more women to join self-help groups and turn their skills into sustainable businesses. She said banks were also being linked with such initiatives to improve access to credit and financial services for women entrepreneurs.

According to the Chief Minister, the collateral-free loan support scheme would particularly help women startups and self-help groups that struggle to secure large loans due to a lack of collateral or financial guarantees.

The event was attended by North-West Delhi MP Yogendra Chandolia, MLA Kulwant Rana, North-West District Magistrate Soumya Saurabh, officials from the district administration, representatives of banking institutions, and women associated with self-help groups.

The Chief Minister also linked the initiative with broader economic and sustainability campaigns being promoted by the Delhi Government. Referring to fuel conservation efforts, she said the Government was encouraging citizens to adopt measures such as “Monday Metro” and “No Vehicle Day” in line with the Prime Minister’s appeal for responsible energy use. She said small lifestyle changes by citizens could collectively strengthen the economy and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

Handicraft products displayed at the mela were also showcased under the “One District, One Product” initiative for North-West Delhi. Organisers said the exhibition aimed to connect women entrepreneurs directly with buyers while promoting traditional and locally manufactured products.

The Chief Minister congratulated the participating women and the district administration for organising the event. She said such programmes not only support women-led enterprises but also help strengthen the larger goal of self-reliance.

Officials said the mela was designed to provide exposure and business opportunities to women associated with self-help groups while encouraging greater public participation in supporting local products.

The Delhi Government said similar initiatives would continue in the future to strengthen women entrepreneurship, improve access to finance, and expand market opportunities for indigenous products across the Capital.