Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts: How Budget 2026 Is Powering Women entrepreneurship

In a landmark move to bolster women-led enterprises, India’s Union Budget 2026 introduced the Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts initiative. This program aims to transition women from credit-linked livelihoods to enterprise ownership, providing them with community-owned retail outlets to market their products.

you may also like to read: Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): How India’s Women Entrepreneurs Can Start, Grow & Scale with Government Support

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Understanding Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts

SHE Marts are envisioned as community-owned retail outlets established within cluster-level federations of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These marts will serve as platforms for women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, ranging from handicrafts to processed foods. By aggregating production and linking it to organized retail spaces, the initiative seeks to reduce dependence on intermediaries and improve income realization for women entrepreneurs.

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Objectives of SHE Marts

• Market Access: Provide structured platforms for women entrepreneurs to reach broader markets.
• Branding Opportunities: Enhance the visibility and recognition of products made by women-led SHGs.
• Sustainable Income: Create steady income avenues by facilitating direct sales and reducing middlemen.
• Strengthening SHGs: Reinforce the self-help group ecosystem by promoting collective enterprise ownership.

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Implementation Strategy

The government plans to support the establishment of SHE Marts through enhanced and innovative financing instruments. These may include viability gap funding and capital support, ensuring that women entrepreneurs have the necessary resources to set up and manage these retail outlets. The initiative builds upon the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme, which aimed to empower rural women by helping them earn a sustainable income of at least ₹1 lakh per year.

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How Women Entrepreneurs Can Benefit

• Joining SHGs: Women can become members of existing self-help groups or form new ones to participate in the SHE Marts initiative.
• Skill Development: Engage in training programs to enhance product quality, packaging, and marketing skills.
• Access to Finance: Leverage the innovative financing instruments provided by the government to fund their enterprises.
• Market Expansion: Utilize SHE Marts as platforms to reach new customers and expand their market presence.

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Potential Impact on the Economy

By facilitating the transition of women from credit-linked livelihoods to enterprise ownership, SHE Marts are expected to:

• Boost Rural Economies: Stimulate economic activity in rural areas through increased entrepreneurship.
• Enhance Women’s Participation: Increase the involvement of women in the formal economy, contributing to overall economic growth.
• Promote Local Products: Encourage the production and consumption of locally made goods, supporting traditional crafts and industries.

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🗺️Looking Ahead

The SHE Marts initiative represents a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic development in India. By providing the necessary infrastructure, financial support, and market access, the government aims to create an environment where women-led enterprises can thrive.

As the program unfolds, its success will depend on effective implementation, continuous support, and active participation from women entrepreneurs across the country.

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📚 References

NDTV – What Are SHE Marts? Budget 2026 Push To Boost Women-Led Enterprises
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of SHE Marts as community-owned retail outlets to enhance market access for women-led enterprises.
🔗 Read Article

The Times of India – SHE gets a boost in Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026
The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship by enabling women-led self-help groups to operate local retail networks.
🔗 Read Article

Moneycontrol – Budget 2026: Govt announces community-owned retail outlets SHE-Marts to boost rural women entrepreneurs
SHE Marts will function as community-owned retail outlets within cluster-level federations, providing market access to women entrepreneurs.
🔗 Read Article

India Today – Budget 2026 rolls out SHE-Marts in boost to women-owned enterprises
The initiative builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi scheme, aiming to expand economic opportunities for rural women.
🔗 Read Article

GKToday – Budget 2026 Introduces SHE Marts to Boost Women Entrepreneurs
The Union Budget 2026-27 has announced the establishment of SHE Marts as community-owned retail outlets to strengthen women-led enterprises.
🔗 Read Article

Vajiram & Ravi – SHE Marts, Meaning, Purpose, Latest News
An in-depth explanation of SHE Marts, their objectives, and their connection to the Lakhpati Didi

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are SHE Marts?

A1: SHE Marts are community-owned retail outlets established within cluster-level federations of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), aimed at providing women entrepreneurs with platforms to market and sell their products.

Q2: How do SHE Marts benefit women entrepreneurs?

A2: They offer enhanced market access, branding opportunities, and sustainable income avenues, empowering women to transition from credit-linked livelihoods to enterprise ownership.

Q3: What is the Lakhpati Didi programme?

A3: It’s a government initiative that trains rural women in various skills, enabling them to start small businesses and earn a sustainable income of at least ₹1 lakh per year.

Q4: How can women join the SHE Marts initiative?

A4: Women can become members of existing SHGs or form new ones, engage in skill development programs, and leverage government-provided financing instruments to participate in the initiative.

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✍️ About the Author

BusinessZindagi Editorial Team

The BusinessZindagi editorial team is dedicated to providing insightful and up-to-date information on entrepreneurship, small businesses, and economic developments in India. With a focus on empowering entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive growth, our team ensures that readers are well-informed about the latest initiatives and opportunities in the business landscape.

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