A prominent non-banking financial company (NBFC) in India specializing in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)—FlexiLoans.com—has launched a significant program to support women-owned businesses. To narrow the gender gap in the business sector and encourage more women to start their own companies, the company aims to lend over Rs 100 crore by 2025.
Addressing the Credit Gap for Women Entrepreneurs
Despite the significant contributions of women-led enterprises to the economy, accessing official financing remains challenging. According to government statistics, only 10% of female business owners receive official funding. FlexiLoans aims to change this by offering quick access to capital for women entrepreneurs through collateral-free business loans and minimal paperwork.
Growth of Women-Led MSMEs in India
In India, the number of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) run by women is on the rise. The government reports that more than 8 million small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are run by women. From 1,300 in 2019 to more than 3,000 in 2024, the number of women borrowers on FlexiLoans increased by 2.3 times in the last five years.
The fact that 70% of these female borrowers come from cities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 shows that there is a growing need for financial aid outside of major cities.
FlexiLoans’ Commitment to Financial Inclusion
Ritesh Jain, co-founder of FlexiLoans, highlighted the company’s goal of empowering female entrepreneurs by streamlining the lending process and eliminating financial obstacles.
“Our commitment is to provide easy access to collateral-free business loans with minimal documentation, ensuring that women can grow their businesses without financial barriers. With our tailored financial solutions, we continue to empower them to reach new heights, scale their operations, and contribute significantly to India’s economic growth.”
Women Entrepreneurs Driving Growth in Key Sectors
There has been an uptick in the number of companies run by women in a variety of sectors, according to FlexiLoans. Industry leaders in the need for business financing include:
- Readymade Garments
- FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)
- Medical Stores
- Electrical Goods & Fittings
- Cosmetics
Business loans for women entrepreneurs are anticipated to increase in the future years, contributing to the expansion of MSMEs in India, thanks to the country’s rising digital penetration and better financial awareness.
The ambition of FlexiLoans to lend Rs 100 crore to women-led MSMEs is a significant step towards enhancing financial inclusion in India. The NBFC is well-positioned to empower women and drive economic growth through its collateral-free business loans, digital lending solutions, and support for entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Rising public consciousness and official backing are paving the way for women entrepreneurs in India to make a significant impact in the commercial world.
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