Pahle India Foundation

The meeting was held to discuss key aspects of supporting women entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu’s MSME sector, bringing together significant stakeholders, including Amelia Betsy, ISS, Deputy Director of MSME DFO – Chennai, S. Somasundaram, DGM of NABARD, Jyothi R Thomas, Sanjana Vijay from Villgro, V. K Rekha, AGM of LB-RSETI at State Bank of India, Somesh Saravanan R, Lead District Manager at IOB, Hari Haran, Advocate at READ, Devaneyan from Thozamai, Chennai, and Jency from CCRD, Chennai. The agenda focused on financial inclusion, skill development, market connections, and regulatory aid for women entrepreneurs.

In terms of financial inclusion, the discussion highlighted that women in Tamil Nadu’s MSME sector benefit from government-backed credit schemes such as the Mudra Yojana, facilitated by the Department of MSME and supported by StartupTN for startups. Additionally, subsidies and grants, including up to 25% under the NEEDS program, are provided by the Department of MSME and the Department of Industries. The government has also dedicated five industrial estates specifically for women entrepreneurs, offering affordable and supportive environments.

Skill development was another key focus area. The Department of MSME, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) and StartupTN, has trained over 1.2 lakh women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in their businesses. The meeting also addressed market connections, noting that women-led MSMEs can access government-supported marketing platforms to enhance their reach and visibility.

Regarding regulatory aid, the Department of Finance and Department of Industries offer specific tax exemptions, such as a 50% rebate on stamp duty, and have simplified the registration process for MSMEs, resulting in a 40% increase in women-owned MSME registrations in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, technology upgradation support is provided through government schemes like the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS), managed by the Department of MSME and supported by the Department of Industries.

To effectively connect grassroots women with the MSME department and avail of these schemes, the CEO of iTNT hub suggested several approaches. These include leveraging local Self-Help Groups (SHGs), attending government outreach programs, utilizing online portals and helplines, seeking assistance from local NGOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), directly visiting MSME facilitation offices, and engaging with local elected representatives.

The meeting also explored various regulatory aids available in Tamil Nadu to support women in the MSME sector. These aids include the Single Window Clearance System offered by the Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance & Export Promotion Bureau, the simplified Udyam Registration process, Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Cells set up by the Department of MSME, subsidized legal support provided by the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA), and simplified taxation and GST compliance procedures offered by the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department. Additionally, credit facilitation through the Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme ensures that women entrepreneurs can access loans without the need for collateral.

Overall, the meeting underscored the various opportunities and support systems available to women entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu’s MSME sector, aiming to streamline their entrepreneurial journey and reduce the challenges they may face.

Number of people impacted: There were 15 attendees out of which 10 were women