In an era where women's empowerment is a national priority, the SBI Stree Shakti Yojana (also known as the Stree Shakti Package) continues to be a cornerstone initiative for supporting women entrepreneurs in India. Launched by the State Bank of India (SBI) in October 2000, this scheme aims to provide financial assistance and concessions to women who own and manage businesses. As we enter 2026, the scheme remains highly relevant, empowering thousands of women to start or expand ventures in retail trade, manufacturing, services, and professional fields.
With India's focus on inclusive growth and schemes like "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" and women's economic participation, the Stree Shakti Yojana aligns perfectly with government goals. It offers subsidized loans, reduced margins, and interest concessions, making it easier for women to access credit without heavy collateral burdens. In 2026, amid rising entrepreneurship among women—driven by digital platforms and post-pandemic recovery—this scheme provides a vital boost for self-reliance and economic contribution. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the SBI Stree Shakti Yojana in 2026, including eligibility criteria, key benefits, interest rates, loan amounts, and the step-by-step application process.
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What is SBI Stree Shakti Yojana?
The SBI Stree Shakti Yojana is a dedicated loan package designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs. It targets small-scale industries, retail trade, business enterprises, and self-employed professionals where women hold majority ownership. The scheme recognizes women as "entrepreneurs" if they own at least 51% stake in a proprietary concern, partnership, private limited company, or cooperative society (as per MSME guidelines).
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| SBI Stree Shakti Yojana |
Unlike general business loans, this package includes built-in concessions to reduce financial barriers. It supports sectors like agriculture-allied activities, micro-enterprises, education, housing-related businesses, small manufacturing, and services. Women professionals such as doctors, beauticians, architects, and chartered accountants are also eligible. The primary objective is to foster economic independence, create jobs, and promote gender equality in business. Since its inception, it has disbursed millions in loans, transforming lives and contributing to India's GDP through women-led enterprises.
SBI Stree Shakti Yojana 2026 Highlights
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Women owning ≥51% stake in business (proprietary, partnership, or company) |
| Business Types | Small-scale industries, retail trade, services, self-employed professionals |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to ₹25 lakhs (for SSI/professionals); ₹2 lakhs (retail/business) |
| Interest Rate Concession | 0.5% lower for loans > ₹2 lakhs (no concession for pure retail traders) |
| Margin Reduction | Up to 5% concession on borrower's contribution |
| Collateral Requirement | None for loans up to ₹10 lakhs (MSME); up to ₹100 lakhs under CGTMSE |
| Application Process | Offline via nearest SBI branch; submit documents and project report |
| Key Benefit | Empowers women entrepreneurs with affordable credit and flexible terms |
Lakhpati Didi Yojana
Eligibility Criteria for SBI Stree Shakti Yojana 2026
To avail benefits under this scheme, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Gender and Ownership: The applicant must be a woman entrepreneur. The business must be owned and managed by women with at least 51% share capital (individually or jointly). For proprietary concerns, it should be fully women-owned.
- Business Type: Applicable to small-scale industries (SSI), retail trade, business enterprises, services, and professionals/self-employed women. Examples include beauty parlors, clinics, boutiques, spice processing, clothing manufacturing, cottage industries, and fertilizer sales.
- Entrepreneurship Training: Preference or requirement in some cases for participation in Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDP) organized by state agencies or DICs.
- Loan Amount Threshold for Concessions: Full interest concessions apply for loans above ₹2 lakhs. Smaller loans may qualify for basic package benefits.
- Credit Profile: Good repayment history and viable business plan. No defaulter status with any bank.
- MSME Registration: Beneficial for higher loan limits and collateral-free options under CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises).
Women in rural and urban areas are equally eligible, with special focus on empowering those in underserved regions.
Key Benefits of SBI Stree Shakti Yojana
The scheme stands out due to its women-specific concessions, making loans more affordable and accessible:
- Interest Rate Concession: For loans exceeding ₹2 lakhs, a 0.5% reduction in interest rate compared to standard rates. Interest is floating and linked to SBI's MCLR (Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate). No interest concession for pure retail traders in some cases.
- Reduced Margin: Up to 5% concession on the required margin (borrower's contribution) across categories, lowering the upfront investment needed.
- Higher Loan Limits: Up to ₹25 lakhs for SSI units and professionals; ₹2 lakhs for retail trade and general business enterprises.
- Collateral-Free Options: No security required for loans up to ₹10 lakhs (or ₹100 lakhs under CGTMSE coverage for MSMEs). This is a huge relief for startups.
- Flexible Repayment: Tenure up to 7-10 years, including moratorium periods, aligned with business cash flows.
- No Processing Fees Concession: Standard fees apply, but overall cost is lower due to rate reductions.
These benefits make the scheme ideal for women starting small businesses like home-based products, dairy farming, or professional setups.
Loan Amount and Interest Rates in 2026
Loan Quantum:
- Retail traders and business enterprises: ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakhs.
- Professionals and SSI units: ₹50,000 to ₹25 lakhs.
- Interest Rates: Linked to SBI's current MCLR (around 8-9% as of recent trends, subject to change). With 0.5% concession for loans > ₹2 lakhs, effective rates can be highly competitive. Exact rates depend on credit score, business viability, and prevailing repo-linked lending.
- No Guarantee for Small Loans: Up to ₹5 lakhs often without third-party guarantee.
Documents Required
To apply, prepare these essential documents:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or PAN Card.
- Address Proof: Utility bills, rent agreement.
- Business Proof: SSI/MSME registration (if applicable), shop license, GST registration.
- Financial Documents: ITR for last 2-3 years, bank statements, projected balance sheets.
- Project Report: Detailed plan including machinery, suppliers, production estimates, profit-loss projections (for term loans).
- Photographs: Passport-size photos.
- Ownership Proof: Partnership deed, MOA for companies showing >51% women stake.
- Additional documents may be requested based on the branch's discretion.
How to Apply for SBI Stree Shakti Yojana in 2026
The application process is offline and straightforward:
- Visit Nearest SBI Branch: Locate an SBI branch offering SME/MSME loans (most branches do).
- Consult Branch Manager: Inform them about your interest in the Stree Shakti Package. They will provide detailed guidance and confirm current terms.
- Obtain Application Form: Get the specific form for business loans under Stree Shakti.
- Fill and Submit: Complete the form accurately, attach all documents, and submit.
- Verification and Sanction: Bank officials will assess your business plan, credit history, and site visit if needed. Approval typically takes 15-30 days.
- Disbursal: Loan amount credited to your SBI account upon sanction.
There is no online application portal exclusively for this scheme; however, you can pre-apply for general business loans on sbi.co.in and mention Stree Shakti during branch visit.
Impact and Success Stories
The SBI Stree Shakti Yojana has empowered countless women entrepreneurs across India, transforming lives from rural villages to urban centers. From rural artisans scaling cottage industries like dairy farming in Karnataka—where one beneficiary significantly boosted her income—to urban professionals expanding clinics and textile businesses in Rajasthan, it has created thousands of jobs and strengthened local economies. For instance, Meera Sharma from Rajasthan used the loan to grow her small-scale textile unit, hire more staff, and export products internationally. Similarly, Pune-based Ananya Gupta launched an organic farming venture, supplying to major supermarkets while inspiring other women in her community. Since inception, the scheme has disbursed millions in aid, fostering innovation and inclusive growth. In 2026, with digital tools further aiding women entrepreneurs, its relevance remains higher than ever, driving self-reliance and economic progress.
Conclusion
The SBI Stree Shakti Yojana 2026 remains a powerful and enduring tool for women aspiring to entrepreneurial success in India. Launched over two decades ago, it continues to offer relaxed eligibility norms, lower interest rates, reduced margins, and focused support, paving the way for true financial independence and self-reliance. By easing access to credit for women-led businesses in diverse sectors, it not only empowers individuals but also contributes to broader economic growth and gender equality. If you're a woman with a viable business idea—whether a startup or expansion—don't hesitate: visit your nearest SBI branch today and take that empowering first step toward building your dream venture. For the most accurate and latest updates on terms, rates, or guidelines, always consult SBI directly or their official website, as policies may evolve in line with RBI directives and government priorities.
FAQs on SBI Stree Shakti Yojana 2026
Q. What is SBI Stree Shakti Yojana?
The SBI Stree Shakti Yojana, also known as the Stree Shakti Package, is a special loan scheme launched by the State Bank of India in 2000 to empower women entrepreneurs. It provides financial support with concessions for women-owned businesses in sectors like retail trade, manufacturing, services, and professional fields.
Q. Who is eligible for the scheme?
Women entrepreneurs who own at least 51% stake (individually or jointly) in a proprietary concern, partnership, private limited company, or cooperative society are eligible. The business must be in small-scale industries, retail, services, or self-employed professions like doctors or architects.
Q. What is the maximum loan amount available?
Loan amounts range from ₹50,000 to ₹25 lakhs for small-scale industries and professionals/self-employed women. For retail trade and general business enterprises, it is up to ₹2 lakhs, depending on the business profile.
Q. What are the key benefits?
Key benefits include a 0.5% interest rate concession for loans above ₹2 lakhs, reduced margins (up to 5% lower), and no collateral required for loans up to ₹10 lakhs (or ₹100 lakhs under CGTMSE coverage for MSMEs).
Q. What is the interest rate under this scheme?
Interest rates are floating and linked to SBI's MCLR (currently ranging around 8-9%), with a 0.5% concession for qualifying loans. No interest concession applies to pure retail traders. Exact rates depend on the borrower's profile and current bank policies.
Q. Is collateral or security required?
No collateral is needed for loans up to ₹10 lakhs in women-owned MSMEs. Higher amounts up to ₹100 lakhs can be collateral-free under CGTMSE guarantee. For loans above ₹1 crore, security may be required based on assessment.
Q. How can I apply for the loan?
The application is offline. Visit your nearest SBI branch offering SME/MSME loans, consult the manager for the Stree Shakti Package form, submit required documents, and await verification and sanction (usually 15-30 days).
Q. What documents are required?
Essential documents include identity/address proof (Aadhaar, PAN), business registration (MSME/GST if applicable), financial statements (ITR, bank statements), project report, and proof of women ownership (>51% stake).
Q. Is Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) mandatory?
Preference is given to women who have attended or commit to an EDP organized by state agencies or DICs, as it enhances business skills and improves approval chances.
Q. Has the scheme been updated for 2026?
The core features remain consistent as of 2026, with ongoing concessions for women entrepreneurs. Always check with your SBI branch or official website for the latest rates and guidelines, as they align with RBI policies.