Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain has announced that the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) will roll out interest-free loan schemes for women entrepreneurs and skilled artisans within the next two months. The initiative targets graduates of Women Business Incubation Centers and aims to provide financial support to help them start or expand their businesses.
Under the program, eligible applicants can receive interest-free loans of up to Rs500,000. The minister said the scheme is designed to remove financial barriers and strengthen women’s participation in business, particularly in smaller cities where access to capital is often limited.
The announcement was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Gujrat at PSIC House. Both sides discussed ways to enhance economic opportunities for women and ensure that the government’s policies support entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Shafay Hussain emphasized that sustainable economic growth requires active participation of women in industry and commerce. He assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed on a priority basis and highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive business environment.
In addition to the loan scheme, the minister announced plans to establish a Business Facilitation Centre and a Women Business Incubation Centre in Gujrat. The incubation center will provide technical and entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and support to women entrepreneurs.
The initiative will also allocate space for a dedicated WCCI Gujrat office, aimed at strengthening institutional support and networking opportunities for women in business. Officials said these measures are expected to boost entrepreneurship, create jobs, and empower women economically across Punjab.
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