Soft Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs - Kerala
The Soft Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs is an exclusive financial support initiative implemented by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) under the Government of Kerala. The scheme is designed to provide low-interest, collateral-free soft loans to women-led startups and enterprises in Kerala. It supports early-stage business growth by easing access to finance, encouraging women entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable employment generation. The scheme is currently active and applicable across Kerala.
Key Features
- Concessional Soft Loan Facility: The scheme offers soft loans with a lower interest burden compared to regular commercial loans, helping women entrepreneurs manage early-stage cash flow challenges.
- Collateral-Free Support: Applicants are not required to provide collateral security, making the scheme accessible to first-time women entrepreneurs and startups without assets.
- Startup-Focused Design: The scheme prioritises innovation-driven and scalable business models registered with Kerala Startup Mission.
- Structured Repayment: A defined repayment tenure with moratorium support allows enterprises to stabilise operations before starting repayment.
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
- Applicant must be a woman entrepreneur
- Enterprise must be registered in Kerala
- Startup should be registered with Kerala Startup Mission
- Minimum 51% ownership by women
- Business should be operational or in early growth stage
Who cannot apply:
- Male-owned or male-controlled enterprises
- Units operating outside Kerala
- Non-registered or unrecognised entities
Documents Required
- Founder’s identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
- Startup / enterprise registration certificate
- KSUM recognition / registration proof
- Shareholding pattern (showing women majority)
- Business plan or pitch deck
- Financial statements / projections
- Bank account details
- Board resolution / consent (if applicable)
Application process for the scheme
Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)
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Option 2: Apply via Kerala Startup Mission Portal
- Visit the official KSUM Soft Loan Scheme page.
- Log in using your startup credentials.
- Complete the online application with enterprise, promoter, and funding details.
- Upload required documents and submit for evaluation.
- Applications are screened by KSUM and lending partners before sanction.
Option 3: Assisted Application through KSUM Incubation Centres
Eligible women founders can approach KSUM incubation centres / partner hubs for guidance and assisted filing.
Power combo with the scheme
Related Schemes
Frequently asked questions
What is the objective of the Soft Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs?
The scheme aims to improve access to affordable finance for women-led startups and enterprises in Kerala. By offering concessional loans with flexible terms, it helps women entrepreneurs overcome funding gaps, especially during early and growth stages of business development.
Is this scheme only for startups?
While the scheme primarily targets KSUM-registered startups, women-led enterprises recognised under Kerala Startup Mission’s ecosystem are eligible, subject to scheme guidelines and approval criteria.
Is collateral mandatory under this scheme?
Generally, the scheme is designed with no or minimal collateral requirements, making it more accessible to women entrepreneurs. However, final terms depend on the lending partner and risk assessment.
How much loan can a woman entrepreneur get?
There is no fixed public cap. The sanctioned amount depends on business needs, viability, and appraisal by KSUM and associated financial institutions.
Can early-stage startups apply without revenue?
Yes. Early-stage women-led startups can apply, provided they have a viable business plan and meet KSUM eligibility norms.
Is the scheme currently active?
Yes. The Soft Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs is active and applications are accepted through Kerala Startup Mission, subject to availability of funds.