Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget in Parliament on Sunday, during which she announced a special initiative to promote women entrepreneurship, Self-Help-Entrepreneurs (SHE), reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering Nari Shakti.

This announcement was made to celebrate the successful implementation of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, which has significantly strengthened women’s financial independence and encouraged them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs across the nation.

She stated that Self-Help Entrepreneurs (SHE) outlets will be established as community-owned retail outlets for women, to strengthen entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

This initiative aims to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by enabling them to operate and manage local retail networks, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods, leadership, and economic self-reliance among women at the community level.

What Exactly Is the SHE Marts Scheme 2026?

The SHE Marts Scheme (Self-Help Entrepreneur Marts) is a government initiative to establish community-owned retail outlets that provide more than just a marketplace. They are platforms where women entrepreneurs can sell and promote their products directly to consumers. These are not typical shops; they belong to cluster-level federations of self-help groups (SHGs), supported with innovative financing and operational assistance. In simpler terms, the scheme aims to help women progress from livelihood activities supported by credit to becoming actual business owners with a presence in the market. 

Why Was SHE Marts Introduced?

Traditionally, many women, especially in rural India, have participated in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that assist with savings, accessing credit, and income-generating activities. While these initiatives helped many earn a modest living, women often faced challenges in scaling up: - Limited access to organized markets - Unstable demand for products - Heavy reliance on informal credit - Low visibility and branding. The SHE Marts Scheme addresses these issues by providing structured retail access, strengthening networks, and improving growth channels for rural women entrepreneurs.

Top Benefits of SHE Marts Scheme 2026

Here are the main advantages that make this scheme a game-changer for women: 

1. Direct Market Access- Women gain a retail platform where they can sell their products directly, without middlemen, which improves profits and brand visibility.

 2. Economic Empowerment & Independence- By turning SHG members into business owners, the scheme promotes financial independence and long-term sustainability.

 3. Enhanced Financing Support-The government plans to offer innovative financing tools, making it easier for women-owned businesses to secure loans, working capital, and investments without heavy collateral.

 4. Strengthening Local Economies- SHE Marts help local products and traditional goods reach broader markets, boosting the economies of villages and districts. 

5. Complementary Government Schemes- The rollout is part of a broader effort to support women, including girls’ hostels in every district, to aid education and other financial inclusion initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply? 

While detailed operational guidelines are still being refined, the broad eligibility framework includes: 

1. Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)- Women who are active members of registered SHGs and linked with programs like the Lakhpati Didi scheme are the primary focus.

 2. Income Thresholds & Business Potential- Those with a record of income-generating activity and the growth potential—particularly those already earning at least ₹1 lakh annually under Lakhpati Didi—are strong candidates. 

3. Commitment to Enterprise Growth- Applicants should show readiness to run a business, from product creation to sales and scaling. This includes emerging entrepreneurs in agriculture, handicrafts, food processing, textiles, and services. 

Business Opportunities Under SHE Marts

 SHE Marts create many entrepreneurship opportunities. Here are some promising ones: 

1. Agro & Allied Products- Women in agriculture can sell processed foods, organic products, spices, pickles, and more through retail locations with consistent customer traffic. 

2. Handlooms & Handicrafts- Traditional crafts, from textiles to pottery, gain visibility in organized retail spaces, helping preserve cultural art and achieve commercial success.

3. Food & Beverages- Homemade snacks, regional delicacies, or packaged foods can be marketed under a brand and sold through SHE Marts.

 4. Services & Consultations- Women can provide services like tailoring, beauty care, event planning, and nutritional consulting, using the Mart as both a community center and a business showcase. 

5. Digital & Innovative Products- With support from financing options, women can also explore online sales, including selling through e-commerce platforms linked to SHE Marts. 

How Boot & Boost Supports Women Startups Under the SHE Marts Scheme 2026

Government schemes like the SHE Marts Scheme 2026 open valuable doors for women entrepreneurs. However, the real challenge starts after the opportunity is presented. Many women have skills, ideas, and motivation, but struggle with starting, structuring a business, and growing sustainably. This is where Boot & Boost, a startup support company, comes into play. 

What Is Boot & Boost?

Boot & Boost is a support company focused on startups. It works closely with women-led businesses and early-stage startups, helping them move from idea to execution and growth. Under schemes like SHE Marts, Boot & Boost acts as a bridge between government support and actual business success.

How Boot & Boost Helps Women Startups Step-by-Step

1. Business Idea Validation & Planning

Many women entrepreneurs under SHE Marts have skills in areas like food processing, handicrafts, or services, but they may not know if their idea is ready for the market. 

Boot & Boost assists by: - Identifying profitable business ideas that fit with SHE Marts - Validating demand and pricing strategies - Creating a simple, practical business plan - Helping women transition from SHG activities to structured enterprises. This approach ensures startups begin with clear objectives rather than confusion.

2. Legal Registration & Startup Setup Support

One of the biggest hurdles for first-time women entrepreneurs is business registration and compliance. 

Boot & Boost assists startups with: - Business registration (Proprietorship, LLP, Pvt Ltd as appropriate) - GST registration and basic compliance guidance - Udyam/MSME registration - Documentation required for schemes like SHE Marts. This preparation makes women-led startups ready for the scheme and the market. 

3. Branding, Packaging & Market Positioning

Selling products through SHE Marts requires more than production; it also needs branding and trust. Boot & Boost supports women entrepreneurs with: - Creating brand names and identities - Offering packaging suggestions - Providing labeling and pricing guidance - Focusing on customer-centered product presentation. This support helps women compete confidently with established brands inside and outside SHE Marts.

4. Digital Presence & Online Growth Support

In today’s market, visibility is key. Boot & Boost ensures women startups are not restricted to offline sales.

Support includes: - Guidance on creating a website or landing page - Social media marketing strategies (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp Business) - Setting up digital catalogs and online orders - Basic training on digital tools. This enables women entrepreneurs under SHE Marts to reach larger markets and grow more quickly.

5. Sales Strategy & Business Growth

Once the business is running, planning for growth becomes crucial.

Boot & Boost provides: - Sales and customer acquisition strategies - Guidance on safely scaling production - Mentorship for revenue growth - Assistance in exploring exhibitions, fairs, and institutional buyers 

6. Financial Awareness & Funding Readiness

Many women hesitate to expand due to concerns about finances and loans. 

Boot & Boost helps by: - Explaining funding options available under government schemes - Preparing startups for loans and working capital - Teaching basic financial planning and cash flow management - Empowering women to be confident decision-makers in their own businesses.

7. PR & Scalability of Business

Many women entrepreneurs struggle to gain visibility and scale their businesses due to limited exposure, networks, and growth strategies. Boot & Boost supports them by:

• Building strong brand presence through strategic PR and visibility planning
• Helping entrepreneurs communicate their business story effectively to the right audience
• Guiding startups on scalable business models and sustainable growth strategies
• Supporting expansion through digital platforms, partnerships, and market access
• Enabling women to confidently position their businesses for long-term growth and impact

This approach ensures women-led enterprises are not only started but also successfully scaled with credibility and recognition.