When women are starting a business in Bangladesh, it’s helpful to know the real names behind the support system, not just ‘government help‘ in general. Various government schemes for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh now offer funding, training and access to markets, each run by a different agency with its own rules.
1. The Joyeeta Foundation
Joyeeta Foundation is a women’s entrepreneurship development foundation of the Bangladesh government under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, established in November 2011 to provide financing and support to women entrepreneurs. It gives loans to women entrepreneurs at low interest rates. The foundation trains new entrepreneurs for about three months and works through associations in 64 districts.
- Loans at low interest for registered women entrepreneurs
- Free Training by the Department of Women’s Affairs
- Space to sell products at trade fairs like DITF and at Joyeeta Sales Centre.
- “e-joyeeta” is an online marketplace to market products locally and internationally
- Revolving Capital Support Fund for Women Entrepreneurs, which also provides vehicles such as scooters for women to travel safely for business
2. SME Foundation Women Entrepreneurship Programs
The Bangladesh SME Foundation conducts training, mentorship and capacity building programmes for women to help them enter sectors such as agro-processing, boutique and handicrafts, online retail and service-based businesses. The government has provided funding for the foundation to lend to women-owned SMEs, but demand is still higher than supply.
- Training in Documentation and Financial Literacy
- SME loans – support bank connectivity
- Mentorship programmes specific to the industry
3. Bangladesh Bank Small Enterprise Refinancing Scheme
The central bank’s scheme prioritises women entrepreneurs in pricing and provides loans up to Tk25 lakh on personal guarantee instead of conventional collateral. Not a scheme women apply to directly. Instead, it works behind the scenes, refinancing banks so they can give women cheaper loans.
- Lower interest rates than commercial lending
- Accept personal guarantee instead of land or property
- Offered through partner banks, rather than a separate office
4. Bank-Run Women Entrepreneur Loan Product
Apart from the central bank’s support, individual banks market their own named products for women:
- DBBL Women Loan (Unsecured)– No Processing Charge
- MTB Bhagyaboti – no guarantor required, unsecured loan up to Tk25 lakh
- SHAKTI (Union Capital) – up to Tk50 lakh, collateral-free up to Tk25 lakh IFIC Prantonari – for grassroots and rural women
Checklist: How to Access These Schemes
Register your business with a trade license wherever possible
- To know about Joyeeta Foundation membership, contact your nearest Department of Women Affairs.
- Reach out to the SME Foundation for complimentary training programs available in your area.
- Ask your bank directly if they have a women’s loan product under the Bangladesh Bank’s refinance scheme
- Keep a record of sales even from a Facebook shop as proof of income
- Open your own bKash or Nagad account for easy transactions
Local contexts
These schemes were not only for urban business owners but were meant for rural and grass root women. Many women coming into programmes like Joyeeta have known real hardship, being homeless, propertyless, divorced or widowed and the foundation has given them a platform to rebuild their income. This is important because it shows that these schemes are not just for women with a strong credit history or existing businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Joyeeta Foundation just for sellers of handicrafts?
No. Handicrafts and traditional products are common, but the foundation supports women in other small business sectors.
2. May I apply directly to Bangladesh Bank for a loan?
No. You go through a bank which in turn draws on cheaper funds from Bangladesh Bank’s refinance scheme to lend to you.
3. Do you have to have an existing business to participate in SME Foundation training?
No, many training programmes are open to early-stage entrepreneurs who are still planning their business.
4. Are these schemes not available outside Dhaka?
Yes, Joyeeta Foundation and SME Foundation work through district level offices and associations but access can vary by area.
Summary: From Joyeeta Foundation to Bangladesh Bank’s refinance scheme, several named government schemes for women entrepreneurs exist in Bangladesh. Here is what each one offers, who runs it, and how women can access support to start or grow a business.
