Towards promoting gender equality and fostering women's entrepreneurship, women-led Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India secured a substantial Rs 430 crore in loans during the financial year 2022-23. This remarkable allocation constitutes 24% of the total loans disbursed, reflecting the growing influence of women in the MSME sector.
The unveiling of the NeoGrowth Impact Report 2023 shed light on this encouraging trend. The report revealed that a noteworthy Rs 1,900 crore in loans were distributed to various MSMEs, reaffirming the pivotal role of this sector in the Indian business landscape.
Conducted through an extensive survey involving over 250 NeoGrowth customers across seven cities, the report illuminated some noteworthy insights. Notably, 84% of the respondents identified as first-generation business owners, highlighting the accessibility and relevance of loans in propelling entrepreneurial aspirations. Following the acquisition of loans from NeoGrowth, these visionary entrepreneurs reported an impressive 18% increase in female employees. This tangible impact on employment underscores the company's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment.
The report further emphasized the inclusivity of the loan support, particularly for emerging small businesses with an operational history of five years or less. Additionally, the distribution of loans across Tier-2 cities, accounting for 26%, aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Social Development Goals (UNSDGs), underpinning NeoGrowth's holistic approach toward community development.
A striking revelation from the report is that a notable 17% of the disbursed loans directly translated into generating employment opportunities, thereby stimulating economic growth at the grassroots level.
The NeoGrowth Impact Report's findings not only illuminate the financial advancements in the MSME sector but also underscore the significance of gender-inclusive strategies. By fostering an environment where women-led businesses can flourish, these loans not only contribute to the expansion of individual enterprises but also drive broader socio-economic progress. NeoGrowth's unwavering commitment to enabling the aspirations of entrepreneurs, especially women, marks a promising step towards a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape in India.
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