The lack of financing options has hindered women entrepreneurs in India. The purpose of establishing Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) in 2013 is to aid women’s financial growth and self-reliance. Designed exclusively for women, BMB offered targeted loans that helped countless women kick-start and expand their businesses. The scheme offered by BMB Business Loan, which has now been assimilated into the State Bank of India, is still preferred as ga overnment business loan for women because of its reliability.
Read More: Top 6 Government Loans to Support Women Entrepreneurs in 2025
Overview
Here’s a clean and informative overview of the Bhartiya Mahila Bank Business Loan Scheme, specially tailored for women entrepreneurs in India.
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Launched In | 2013 by the Government of India |
| Loan Amount | Up to ₹1 crore (Collateral-free) |
| Purpose | Business expansion, working capital, and infrastructure |
| Interest Rate | Competitive (based on profile) |
| Repayment Tenure | 3 to 7 years (depending on loan type) |
| Available To | Women entrepreneurs only |
| Merged With | State Bank of India (from 2017 onwards) |
| Popular Schemes | Shringaar, Annapurna, SME Easy, Parvarish |
What Is Bharatiya Mahila Bank Business Loan?
BMB is India's first women-centric bank, which was set up by the Government of India in 2013. The aim of setting up the bank was to encourage the financial inclusion of women by providing a facility for safe savings, credit, and other services. One of the important initiatives launched by the bank for this purpose is the Mahila Loan Yojana. The scheme was specifically designed to offer low-cost and easily accessible loans to women for business start-ups or expansions.
To fulfil this goal, these loans are offered not only as personal loans but also as government business loans, which do not require rigorous documentation or collateral.
What Are the Different Types of Mahila Business Loans?
The BMB has developed several loan schemes revolving around the Mahila Loan Yojana. All of them cater to different categories of women-owned ventures.
1. BMB Shringaar
The BMB Shringaar Scheme caters to women entrepreneurs keen on establishing or growing beauty and grooming enterprises.
Eligibility Criteria
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For beauty parlours, salons, spas, and other grooming-related businesses.
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Age: 20 to 60 years
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Repayment tenure: Up to 7 years
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Collateral: None
2. BMB Annapurna
The BMB Annapurna Scheme is a loan initiative specifically designed to encourage women towards self-employment in the culinary business.
Eligibility Criteria
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For food catering businesses, tiffin services, and small restaurant ventures.
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Age: 18 to 60 years
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Repayment tenure: Up to 3 years
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Collateral: None
3. BMB SME Easy (Bhartiya Mahila Bank Small and Medium Enterprise Easy)
The BMB SME Easy has been crafted explicitly to assist women entrepreneurs at the small and medium enterprise (SME) levels.
Eligibility Criteria
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For small and medium enterprises owned or co-owned by women.
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Repayment tenure: Up to 7 years
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Collateral: Not required for loans up to ₹1 crore
4. BMB Parvarish
The BMB Parvarish Scheme specifically targets women entrepreneurs looking to commence or grow their enterprises in the field of childcare and daycare services.
Eligibility Criteria
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For setting up or expanding daycare centres, creches, or child-care units.
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Age: 21 to 55 years
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Repayment tenure: Up to 5 years
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Collateral: None
Read More: How The Udyogini Scheme Is Empowering Women Entrepreneurs In Karnataka?
What Are The Benefits Of Bharatiya Mahila Bank Business Loans?
The government BMB loan comes with important highlights customised to support women business owners:
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No security is needed for loans that amount to ₹1 crore or less.
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Interest rates are lower than average, and terms are flexible.
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Both working capital and term loans are available.
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Repayment is easy over up to 7 years.
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Support is provided for diverse business sectors (beauty, food, education, childcare).
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Women-specific service and documentation.
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A part of the efforts to support women financially through special banking services.
Who Is Eligible To Apply for Bharatiya Mahila Bank Business Loans?
To complete any application for a personal loan for women under Bharatiya Mahila Bank, the following checklist needs to be satisfied first:
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Women falling under the age group of 18 to 60 years can opt for these schemes (depending on the scheme type).
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She must already be engaged in or intending to start a new business.
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The business should also be registered and functioning within India.
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The applicants must not have defaulted on loans before or been blacklisted.
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They need to have a clean credit profile or proof of stable income if self-employed.
How To Apply For Bharatiya Mahila Bank Business Loans?
The procedure for applying for a Bhartiya Mahila Bank Loan (currently available through SBI branches) is straightforward and designed to promote women entrepreneurship.
Step 1: Locate Your Nearest Branch
Although BMB was merged with SBI in 2017, its loan offerings continue via SBI branches under women-oriented schemes.
Step 2: Get the Application Form
Obtain the loan application form from the bank. Complete the following particulars as required:
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Name and Type of Business.
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Owner’s particulars (name, age, ID document).
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Purpose and the total amount of the loan required.
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Proof of income from business, if available.
Step 3: Submit with Documents
You are to affix the relevant documents and submit the form at the closest SBI branch. A loan officer may ask you to come for a brief interview or talk.
Step 4: KYC and Background Verification
Provide your PAN Card, Aadhaar, and other KYC documents. Verification of your background, along with credit checks, will be conducted next.
Step 5: Loan Disbursal
Once approved, the loan amount will be credited to your account. The repayment schedule and EMI details will be discussed clearly.
Read More: The SEHER Credit Education Program
What Documents Are Required For The Government Scheme?
To make the process simple, make sure to have the documents listed below on hand when you are applying for the Mahila Loan Yojana:
For Salaried Applicants:
For Self-Employed Applicants:
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Identity proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.).
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Address proof (Rental agreement, utility bills, property tax receipts).
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Business proof (Registration, Sales Deed, Trade licence).
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Bank statement for the last 6 months.
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ITR returns of the last 2 years.
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Profit & Loss Statement.
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Asset ownership documents (property, gold, vehicles, if any).
Conclusion
Women can achieve financial freedom through the Bhartiya Mahila Bank business loan. It has positively contributed towards the advancement of women in society. Women's dreams of operating small cafes, opening salons or launching online businesses can be accomplished without the restrictions imposed by a lack of finances.
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