Goa to Prioritize Women Entrepreneurs; 30% Small Individual Plots to be Reserved for them

By: WE staff | Thursday, 6 March 2025

• Industry Minister Mauvin Godinho announced priority for women applicants seeking small industrial plots
• The initiative aims to boost women’s participation in Goa’s MSME sector
• The move focuses on promoting gender equality within micro, small, and medium enterprises in the state

Goa Industry Minister Mauvin Godinho announced that women applicants seeking small industrial plots will be given priority over other entrepreneurs. This initiative is aimed at boosting women’s participation in Goa’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. At the national MSME workshop organized by ASSOCHAM, Mauvin stated that increasing the inclusion of women in industry would drive economic growth and entrepreneurship in the state.

 "The focus is on bringing women to the forefront and encouraging more women entrepreneurs," he said. "In the Goa Industrial Development Corporation, we recently passed a resolution in the last board meeting that 30 percent of smaller plots will be reserved for women entrepreneurs, giving them priority."

He mentioned that the new policy, combined with a strong commitment to promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship, has the potential to drive the state’s economy forward. Mauvin also instructed industry officials to ramp up their outreach efforts in order to support small entrepreneurs and SHGs at the grassroots level.

"The minister stated, 'In my recent meeting with the industry secretary and the director of industries, I directed them to refine our approach. We need to double our presence among small entrepreneurs and SHGs to ensure they receive the necessary support.'

"Women entrepreneurs will be prioritized in all future industrial plot allocations," said the minister. He highlighted the expanding role of the MSME sector in Goa’s growing economy and mentioned that new policies aim to simplify business processes, increase transparency, and support sustainable development.

He emphasized the need for financial and technological support to strengthen the MSME sector. He urged agencies like NABARD and SIDBI to help provide access to microfinance, research and development, and digital tools. "A lack of awareness and knowledge is preventing our youth, entrepreneurs, and women from tapping into business opportunities," he said.