IWES

Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008

6.5/10

"Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008" aimed to encourage women entrepreneurship and promote self-employment by providing additional incentives such as interest subsidies and preferential treatment under capital contribution schemes. The scheme benefited women-owned industrial units.

State Cash

States / UT: Goa

Nodal department: Commercial Taxes Department

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

Scheme open date: 2009-01-15

Categories: Business & Entrepreneurship

Sub-categories: Setting up / start-up / entrepreneurship, Micro finance, Credit Linked Subsidy

Target beneficiaries: Individual, Business Entity

Tags: Incentive, Woman, Entrepreneur, Subsidy, Industry

Details

Launched in 2008, the scheme "Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008" by the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Government of Goa aimed to encourage women entrepreneurship and promote self-employment by providing additional incentives to women-owned industrial units. The scheme offered benefits such as interest subsidies, additional employment subsidies, and preferential treatment under capital contribution schemes. Eligible units included those owned by women, either as proprietary concerns or partnerships, with specific ownership criteria. The scheme remained in force until 31st March 2011.

Benefits

  • Interest Subsidy
  • The interest subsidy was applicable from the interest of the quarter preceding the quarter of the first commercial production date
  • The benefit under this scheme was for a period of 5 years (20 quarters) from the quarter of applicability
  • The subsidy was limited to 1% of the total net turnover or 30% of the interest paid by the units, whichever was less, subject to a ceiling of ₹5,00,000/- per annum
  • In case of the Interest Subsidy Scheme, the prescribed limit of 1% of turnover was increased to 2%, and 30% of interest paid was increased to 35%, subject to an overall ceiling of ₹8,00,000/-. Additional Benefits 5% additional benefit was provided under the Local Employment Subsidy Scheme, over and above what was eligible under the original scheme
  • Preference was given in Capital Contribution and under Special Capital Contribution Schemes. The Task Force Committee disbursed the amount payable within 6 months from the date of receipt of the application

Interest Subsidy

  • The interest subsidy was applicable from the interest of the quarter preceding the quarter of the first commercial production date.
  • The benefit under this scheme was for a period of 5 years (20 quarters) from the quarter of applicability.
  • The subsidy was limited to 1% of the total net turnover or 30% of the interest paid by the units, whichever was less, subject to a ceiling of ₹5,00,000/- per annum.
  • In case of the Interest Subsidy Scheme, the prescribed limit of 1% of turnover was increased to 2%, and 30% of interest paid was increased to 35%, subject to an overall ceiling of ₹8,00,000/-.

Additional Benefits

  • 5% additional benefit was provided under the Local Employment Subsidy Scheme, over and above what was eligible under the original scheme.
  • Preference was given in Capital Contribution and under Special Capital Contribution Schemes.

*The Task Force Committee disbursed the amount payable within 6 months from the date of receipt of the application.

Eligibility

  • Only partnership and proprietary concerns were eligible, provided the ownership was with women to the extent of 100% in case of proprietary concerns and 51% in case of partnership firms.
  • In partnership firms, the balance share of 49% should not be entirely held by the husband, father, brother, or son, and there had to be at least one additional partner other than these relatives.
  • Units that had gone into commercial production or service on or after the date of publication of this scheme were eligible.
  • Women entrepreneurs were given preference under the Capital Contribution and Special Capital Contribution Schemes.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.5
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 5.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 7.0/10 Challenging
Financial impact 9.5/10 Good
Literacy barrier 4.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 9.0/10 Good
Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility5.0
  • Financial impact9.5
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness4.5
  • Simplicity3.0
  • Inclusivity9.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme provides essential support to women entrepreneurs, promoting self-employment and business growth.

Key challenges addressed

  • Encourages women entrepreneurship
  • Provides financial incentives for business establishment

Most beneficial for

  • Women-owned businesses
  • Partnership firms with female ownership

Likely challenges

  • Complex eligibility criteria
  • Need for additional partners in partnerships

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme's benefits may not reach all eligible women due to complex application processes.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to information
  • Physical distance to application centers

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Scrutiny delays by the Task Force Committee

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness among rural women

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline office
Documents burden
Moderate, requires specific forms and certificates
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves scrutiny by a committee
Office dependency
High, requires physical application submission
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate, requires understanding of eligibility and documentation

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Female-focused
  • Occupation reach Entrepreneurs

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Cash
Benefit frequency
Annual, based on application
Benefit practicality
Practical for eligible women-owned businesses
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, as benefits can significantly aid small businesses
Long-term impact
Positive, as it encourages sustained entrepreneurship among women

Plain-language guidance

This scheme helps women start and grow their businesses by providing financial incentives. Women entrepreneurs can apply for interest subsidies and other benefits.

Who should apply
Women who own or plan to start a business.
Who may struggle
Women without partners or those unfamiliar with application processes.
Best application route
Apply at the local office of the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

  • The applicant was required to claim the benefits under the Scheme for which additional benefits were being stated in this Scheme.
  • The procedure, rules, and other requirements mandated under the Schemes, under which special benefits were granted, were applicable under this Scheme.
  • The Task Force Committee, consisting of members from the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Finance Department, and industry associations, scrutinized and recommended the applications within 3 months from receipt.

Deadline: The eligible units had to file their claim in the specified proforma after the closing of every financial year and before 31st May.
*If the claim for the year (four quarters) was not admitted by 31st May, it lapsed, but the eligibility continued for the balance period of benefit.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What were the eligibility criteria for proprietary concerns under the scheme?

Proprietary concerns were eligible if they were 100% owned by women entrepreneurs.

Was there any condition regarding additional partners in partnership firms?

Yes, there had to be at least one additional partner other than the husband, father, brother, or son in partnership firms.

What was the maximum interest subsidy provided under the scheme?

The interest subsidy was limited to 1% of the total net turnover or 30% of the interest paid, whichever was less, subject to a ceiling of ₹5,00,000/- per annum.

Was there any increase in the interest subsidy limit for eligible units?

Yes, the interest subsidy limit was increased to 2% of turnover and 35% of the interest paid, subject to an overall ceiling of ₹8,00,000/-.

For how long was the interest subsidy benefit available under the scheme?

The interest subsidy benefit was available for a period of 5 years (20 quarters) from the quarter of applicability.

What additional benefits were provided under the Local Employment Subsidy Scheme?

An additional 5% benefit was provided under the Local Employment Subsidy Scheme, over and above the benefits under the original scheme.

Were there any preferential benefits under the Capital Contribution Scheme?

Yes, women entrepreneurs were given preference under the Capital Contribution and Special Capital Contribution Schemes.

What was the deadline for filing claims under the scheme?

Eligible units had to file their claims after the closing of every financial year and before 31st May in the specified proforma.

What documents were required to file a claim under the scheme?

A claim application in the specified proforma and a certificate from nationalized banks or specified financial institutions regarding the total interest paid were required.

Who scrutinized and recommended the applications under the scheme?

A Task Force Committee, consisting of members from the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Finance Department, and industry associations, scrutinized and recommended the applications.

Within how many months was the amount payable disbursed after application receipt?

The amount payable was disbursed within 6 months from the date of receipt of the application.

Was there any relaxation in ownership criteria for partnership firms?

Yes, in partnership firms, at least 51% ownership had to be with women, and the remaining 49% could not be entirely held by the husband, father, brother, or son.

Was there any financial limit on the additional benefits provided under the scheme?

Yes, the additional benefits were subject to an overall ceiling of ₹8,00,000/- under the Interest Subsidy Scheme.

References

Guidelines (Page No. 11)
https://ditc.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/Preferential-Purchase-Incentives-for-Micro-and-Small-Enterprises.pdf

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Individual, Business Entity through benefits related to Business & Entrepreneurship, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Eligibility for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Benefits under Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 is managed by Commercial Taxes Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Applications for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 available in all states?
No, Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 is primarily available for eligible residents of Goa and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Goa apply for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Eligibility for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 is generally limited to residents of Goa unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Is Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 only for women beneficiaries?
Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 is primarily intended to support eligible women beneficiaries through welfare assistance, financial support, skill development, healthcare, or social security initiatives.
Does Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 support self-employment or financial assistance for women?
Depending on scheme guidelines, Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 may provide loans, subsidies, training support, self-employment assistance, or financial welfare benefits for women.
Does Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 provide business loan or startup assistance?
Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 may support entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed individuals, MSMEs, or small businesses through financial assistance, subsidies, credit support, or training initiatives.
Is collateral required under Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Collateral requirements may vary depending on the loan amount, implementing agency, financial institution, and government subsidy structure.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Are there deadlines for applying to Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 in Goa?
Users in Goa may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Incentives to Women Entrepreneurs Scheme, 2008 applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.