#WomenEntrepreneurs #Budget2025 #EmpowerHer #IndiaBusiness #InclusiveEconomy
As India gears up for the Union Budget 2025-26, women entrepreneurs are eagerly awaiting offerings that could shape their future in the business landscape. With Finance Minister Srimati Nirmala Sitharaman at the helm, this year’s budget really holds the promise of fostering gender inclusivity, enhancing access to resources & creating opportunities for female-led businesses to thrive.
Women entrepreneurs, particularly those leading small and medium enterprises (SMEs), are hoping for simplified access to credit, reduced loan interest rates & targeted financial incentives. The government has consistently emphasized the importance of financial inclusion, and so we expect this year’s budget to introduce schemes aimed at empowering women to scale their ventures.
Key expectations also include – tax relief for women-owned businesses, simplified tax compliance processes, and incentives to invest in startups. By focusing on these areas, the government can not only lower barriers for women entrepreneurs, but also unlock their full potential to contribute to India’s economic growth.
Interestingly, this budget also represents an opportunity to prioritize long-term financial security for women, with measures supporting education, retirement & financial independence. With their increasing participation in the workforce and entrepreneurship – women taxpayers hope for policies that will empower them to lead the charge in
shaping India’s economic future.
> Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI FLO
“With women comprising nearly 48% of India’s population yet contributing only about 18% to the GDP, the Union Budget 2025-26 presents a critical opportunity to bridge this gap.
At FICCI FLO, we’re hoping for targeted measures like incentives for women-led businesses, easier access to credit, and programs to enhance digital and financial literacy. Investments in healthcare, education, and sustainability would further empower women across sectors. A gender-responsive budget can unlock immense potential and drive inclusive growth. We’re optimistic about policies that not only support women entrepreneurs but also create a more equitable and innovative future for the nation.”
> Parbati Bhattacharya, Founder, Wanderers’ Footprints
My expectations are:
- A favourable GST regime and better infrastructure for Tourists.
- Tourism policy to curb overcrowding in a certain destination.
- Promote sustainable tourism.
> Neeti Nayak, Founder, The Gist
“The Union Budget presents an opportunity to empower women leaders and create meaningful job opportunities for women across sectors. The government has already introduced several progressive policies to support women, such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, the Stand-Up India Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS), and initiatives for women-led self-help groups.
Building on this foundation, the upcoming Budget can further expand access to capital, skill building opportunities, and mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to drive innovation and create jobs across the country. Women are pivotal to India’s economic growth, and empowering them will undoubtedly pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.”
> Pragati Srivastava, Founder & CEO, Eresha Technology Innovators
My Budget 2025 wish list is as follows:
- Tax incentives such as reducing GST on simulator equipment and services tax breaks for R&D investments.
- Skilling initiatives focusing on structured aviation training programs, focusing on emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR.
- Ease of doing business such as reducing compliance burdens for startups.
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
