Dena Shakti Scheme: Dena Bank provides loans at concessional rates to women entrepreneurs

In the landscape of women’s entrepreneurship, access to affordable finance remains a crucial stepping stone toward building successful businesses. Recognizing this need, Dena Bank (now a part of Bank of Baroda) launched the Dena Shakti Scheme to empower women entrepreneurs across India. This initiative is a significant enabler, especially for women engaged in agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade, and other small businesses.

Affordable Financing to Fuel Women-Led Enterprises

The Dena Shakti Scheme offers loans up to ₹20 lakh at concessional interest rates, making it easier for women entrepreneurs to finance their ventures. By reducing the cost of borrowing, the scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden many women face when trying to scale their businesses. The lower interest rates serve as a financial boost, helping women entrepreneurs allocate more resources towards growth and innovation.

Key Sectors Benefiting Under the Scheme

The scheme strategically targets sectors where women’s entrepreneurial potential is immense:

1. Agriculture: Women are key contributors to India’s agricultural sector. The Dena Shakti Scheme provides financial support for activities like crop production, dairy farming, and agri-processing, empowering women to modernize agricultural practices and improve productivity.
   
   

2. Manufacturing: In the manufacturing sector, women are stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, leading micro-enterprises that produce everything from handmade crafts to industrial components. The scheme supports these ventures, encouraging women to become job creators.
   
   

3. Retail Trade: Women-led retail businesses are flourishing in both urban and rural areas, from local shops to e-commerce ventures. The scheme’s support helps these businesses expand their product lines, improve operations, and increase market reach.
   
   

4. Small Businesses: Women engaged in service-based enterprises, educational services, and other small businesses can also benefit from the scheme, enabling them to take calculated risks and grow sustainably.
   
   

The Impact in Numbers

Since its inception, the Dena Shakti Scheme has facilitated thousands of women entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their businesses. According to government and banking reports, the scheme has had a profound impact, contributing to job creation and economic development across diverse sectors. This access to finance has allowed many women to uplift their families and communities, creating a domino effect of economic empowerment.

Inspiring Women, Inspiring Growth

Consider the story of Renu Verma from Gujarat, who utilized the Dena Shakti Scheme to transform her small retail outlet into a thriving business. With a concessional loan of ₹15 lakh, she expanded her inventory and upgraded her store, leading to a 40% increase in revenue within the first year. Renu’s success is a testament to the power of financial support in unlocking women’s potential.

Cultural Roots of Women’s Empowerment

Indian scriptures have long celebrated the strength and resilience of women. The Puranas and the Vedas emphasize the concept of Shakti, the divine feminine energy that drives all creation. The Dena Shakti Scheme embodies this age-old wisdom by channeling the energy of women entrepreneurs and transforming it into economic strength. It recognizes that when women are empowered financially, they bring prosperity to entire communities.

Supporting the Ecosystem with RisingWoman®

While the Dena Shakti Scheme provides essential financial aid, other initiatives like RisingWoman® by RisingIndia ThinkTank offer complementary support. By focusing on mentorship, networking, and skills development, RisingWoman® ensures that women entrepreneurs not only have access to capital but also the knowledge and connections needed to succeed. Together, these efforts are building a robust ecosystem where women-led businesses can thrive.

The Way Forward

The Dena Shakti Scheme is more than a loan program; it is a powerful tool for social and economic change. However, the real impact lies in the hands of women who dare to dream and innovate. It is up to all stakeholders—banks, investors, government bodies, and society—to ensure these women have the resources and support they need to build thriving businesses.

Invest in her dreams today, and watch a nation transform tomorrow. As more women gain access to concessional loans and financial independence, India moves closer to a future defined by equality, innovation, and shared prosperity.