The biggest problem for women starting a business in Mauritius is not talent or ideas. It is money. More specifically, it is the lack of collateral that banks demand before they will lend to you. The government knows this. That is why the 2025-2026 National Budget introduced a new Equity Fund just for women and young people who cannot get traditional bank loans.
If you have been told you need property or assets to get a business loan, this changes things. The Equity Fund works differently. It looks at what your business can become, not what you already own.
What the Equity Fund Is
The Equity Fund is a government-backed programme that fills the gap banks leave. More than 45% of women in Mauritius do not have the collateral required for traditional loans. This means many good business ideas never happen because the owner does not have property or savings to pledge.
The fund provides equity-based financing instead of traditional debt. You do not take on monthly repayments with interest from day one. Instead, the fund takes a small stake in your business or provides funding based on milestones you hit. If your business grows, the fund benefits. If you struggle, you are not crushed by debt payments.
Who Can Apply
The fund is open to women entrepreneurs and young people aged 18 to 35. You do not need to have a registered business already. If you have a solid idea and a plan to make it work, you can apply. The fund looks at whether your idea can work, not your credit history or what you own.
- Women entrepreneurs at any stage (idea, startup, or growth)
- Young people aged 18-35 with a viable business idea
- Existing businesses that need capital to grow
- Any sector: retail, services, tech, agriculture, food, crafts
- Both sole traders and limited companies
How to Apply
The application process runs through SME Mauritius and the Economic Development Board. You can apply online through the government business support portal or visit the SME Mauritius office in Port Louis. The process is designed to be simple, not full of red tape.
- Register on the government business support portal
- Fill out the equity fund application form
- Write your business plan with financial projections
- Submit your BRC (if you have one) and National ID
- Attach proof of address and any relevant qualifications
- Submit and save your reference number
The business plan is the most important part. It does not need to be a 50-page document. It needs to clearly explain what you plan to sell, who will buy it, how much it costs to start, and when you expect to make money. Our [business registration guide](/en/blog/how-to-register-business-mauritius) covers the basics of planning a business in Mauritius.
What Happens After You Apply
The fund committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. If your application meets the basic requirements, you will be called for an interview. This is not an interrogation. It is a conversation about your business, your plans, and how the fund can help you succeed.
The assessment usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you are approved, the money comes in stages tied to specific milestones. For example, you might get an initial amount to cover registration and setup costs, a second amount once you start making revenue, and a third to fund growth.
Why This Is Different
Traditional loans require collateral, charge interest, and demand monthly repayments from the start. The Equity Fund works differently. It accepts that new businesses need time to make money before they can start paying back. The milestone approach means you get money when you need it, not all at once.
This matters especially for women starting their first business. You do not have a track record, you do not have property, and you may not have savings. The Equity Fund looks at what you can build, not what you already have.
Using It With Other Programmes
The Equity Fund works alongside other government programmes. You can combine it with NWEC training, SME Mauritius grants, and DBM loans. Our [complete grants guide](/en/blog/women-entrepreneur-grants-mauritius-2026) explains how these programmes fit together and which ones you might qualify for.
If you are a woman or young person in Mauritius with a business idea but no capital, the Equity Fund is your chance. Do not let the lack of collateral stop you. Apply, plan well, and build something real.
Need help with your application? [Contact us](/en/contact) for a free consultation and let us help you put together a solid business plan.