Budget 2026: Sitharaman to boost women entrepreneurs with retail outlets

FM Nirmala Sitharaman announced a plan to boost women entrepreneurs by setting up community-owned retail outlets. The 'SHE' initiative aims to help women-led self-help groups transition from credit beneficiaries to enterprise owners.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget in Parliament on Sunday turned her focus toward the boosting women entrepreneurs. She announced that self-help entrepreneurs will be set up as community-owned retail outlets for women.

The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship by enabling women-led self-help groups to run local retail networks, improve market access for women-made products, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities at the community level.

Building on 'Lakpati Didi' Success

She highlighted a significant evolution in how the government views women's work. She spoke about the successful foundation laid by previous initiatives, specifically noting that she intends to "build on the success of 'Lakpati Didi Programme'" which has already helped millions of women find their footing through self-help groups.

From Beneficiaries to Enterprise Owners

The Finance Minister made it clear that the goal is no longer just about providing small loans or supporting basic survival. She explained that the next phase of development is about scaling up and moving into the big leagues of retail.

She signaled a shift in strategy when she said, "I propose to help women take the next step from credit-linked livelihoods to being owners of enterprises." This marks a transition from women being beneficiaries of credit to becoming the actual decision-makers and stakeholders in the supply chain.

'SHE' Initiative: A New Framework for Growth

To make this a reality, the budget introduced the concept of "SHE," a dedicated branding and infrastructure project. These aren't just small stalls; they are designed to be professionally managed spaces.

Community-Owned Retail at Cluster Level

Sitharaman detailed the structure of this plan, stating that "Self Help Entrepreneurs (SHE) will be set up as community owned retail outlets within the cluster level federations." By placing these outlets at the cluster level, the government aims to give rural products a premium platform that can compete with mainstream brands.

Enhanced and Innovative Financing

Realising that traditional bank loans might not be enough for such an ambitious leap, the Finance Minister also addressed the need for specialised capital. She noted that these entrepreneurs would be supported "through enhanced and innovative financing instruments," suggesting that the government will look beyond simple interest-rate subsidies to more robust equity-like support. (ANI)

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