This day marks the completion of 9 years in the history of the Startup India initiative with over 100 unicorns among the 1,59,157 startups contributing to the vibrance and boom in the sector. In the midst of all this, it becomes imperative to take note of the impact that the Startup India initiative has created on people’s lives, especially women's lives. A key highlight in Startup India’s journey so far has to be the women’s participation. Factually, a total of 73,151 of the startups recognized under Startup India include at least one woman director. 

The impact of the Startup India initiative has made India the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. It has facilitated big startups that have become businesses, such as Zomato, Nykaa, and Ola.    

Startup India: Top 4 Schemes for Women 

Here are the top 5 schemes that aim to empower entrepreneurs especially women entrepreneurs under the Startup India initiative by the government of India.  These are: 

1. Stand-Up India Scheme: This scheme provides collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs between Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore for setting up greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, or trading sectors.
2. Mahila Udyam Nidhi: This scheme provides funding support to women entrepreneurs through equity investments.
3. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): This platform provides a comprehensive support system for women entrepreneurs, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources.
4. Mudra Yojana: While not exclusively for women, Mudra Yojana offers collateral-free loans to micro and small enterprises, which can significantly benefit women entrepreneurs.

These schemes aim to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, such as access to finance, mentorship, and market linkages, thereby fostering their growth and success.

Also Read: What is the Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 (AIM 2.0)? Read more to know about the 8 Programs launched under AIM 2.0

As India completes 9 years of its flagship Startup India initiative, aimed at supporting and promoting startups, it is nowhere behind in establishing itself as a hub of entrepreneurs and innovators across the domains. India has well-recognized and well-fruitful startups in nearly every sector of the business from space to horticulture. In the mid of all this, it presents an amazing and not-before opportunity for women in India to redefine their role and let a lasting impact be cast on society for time immemorial.