SDFC to Launch Financing Scheme to Support Women Entrepreneurs
SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has announced the launch of a new Financing Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs, set to open in November 2025, aimed at encouraging women to step into entrepreneurship.
This initiative is designed to encourage women to enter the business sector by providing easy access to financial assistance, empowering women entrepreneurs, increasing economic independence, and promoting women-owned businesses. Through this scheme, SDFC will offer financing to women across various sectors, with applications set to open in November 2025.
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In addition to the newly announced scheme, SDFC continues to provide financing under the Fashaa Madhadhu Loan scheme, launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Ministry of Social and Family Development. The scheme comprises a total allocation of MVR 100 million, phased out into five phases of MVR 20 million each, with 25% of every phase specifically reserved for persons with disabilities. Applications for the two phases of the Fashaa Madhadhu loan scheme have already been completed.
Success of Phase 1
The first phase, launched in 2024, approved loans for 63 recipients, including four persons with disabilities. Loans were disbursed across 16 atolls, including Male’ area, supporting 13 different business types, including wholesale, retail, food takeaway, food factory, tailoring, salon, photography/videography, handicraft, gym/fitness centres, fish processing, education, clinical/health services, and bakeries.
While 45% of the loans disbursed in this phase are currently operating businesses, the Corporation is closely monitoring and providing necessary assistance for the work being done to start other projects.
Progress of Phase 2
From June 15 to August 31, 2025, the second phase received 205 applications. Of these, 47 are currently under processing, while eight loans have already been approved, and disbursements are in progress.
With the MVR 20 million allocation fully utilised, 110 applications have been waitlisted. New Start-up Financing Scheme
Applications for the new Financing Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs are set to open during the first week of November 2025. Applications will be accepted via the SME Portal at www.sdfc.mv. Further details on the scheme will be shared in the coming days.
This scheme is a key initiative by SDFC to encourage and support women stepping into business, providing them with the financial resources to start, grow, and establish their role as key contributors to the nation’s economic development.
