Women entrepreneurs in Mauritius have access to a growing ecosystem of grants and support programs designed to help them start, grow, and scale businesses. From government-funded loan schemes to international trade networks, the options available in 2026 are more extensive than at any point in the island's history. Knowing which programs exist, who qualifies, and how to apply is the difference between securing funding and missing out.
This guide maps out the full landscape of grants and support available to Mauritian women entrepreneurs. We cover the major funding programs, the training and mentorship resources, the trade and export support, and the recognition opportunities that can raise your profile. For a deeper explore funding options, see our [complete grants guide](/en/blog/women-entrepreneur-grants-mauritius-2026).
Government Funding Programs
The Mauritian government has significantly expanded funding for women-owned businesses in recent years. The centerpiece is the Women Entrepreneur Loan Scheme run by the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM). Under the SheLeads initiative, the loan ceiling was raised to Rs 1.2 million with an 18-month grace period. This makes it one of the most generous programs of its kind in the Indian Ocean region.
The loan application process at DBM is designed to be accessible. You visit a branch or apply online, submit your business plan along with your BRC and identification documents, and receive a decision within two to four weeks. The bank assigns a relationship manager to guide you through the process and answer questions about terms, repayment schedules, and documentation requirements. This personal touch makes the process less intimidating for first-time borrowers who may never have applied for business financing before.
SME Mauritius also offers grants covering equipment, market development, technology adoption, and capacity building. These grants do not require repayment and can be combined with the DBM loan to create a comprehensive funding package. The key is to apply to multiple programs rather than relying on a single source.
- DBM Women Entrepreneur Loan Scheme: Up to Rs 1.2 million
- SME Equipment and Machinery Grant: Up to Rs 500,000
- SME Market Development Grant: Trade fair and export costs
- SME Technology Adoption Grant: Digital tools and platforms
- NWEC Capacity Building Programme: Free training and mentorship
The DBM loan scheme is particularly attractive because of its flexibility. Unlike some funding programs that restrict how money can be used, the Women Entrepreneur Loan Scheme covers a broad range of business needs. Whether you need to buy raw materials, invest in equipment, rent retail space, or fund a marketing campaign, the loan can be structured to match your specific requirements. The 18-month grace period is a significant advantage because it gives you time to build revenue before repayments start, reducing the pressure on your cash flow during the critical early months.
Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and timeline. Our [tax guide](/en/blog/vat-registration-mauritius-guide) explains how grant funding interacts with your tax obligations, which is important to understand before you receive the money.
SheTrades Mauritius Hub
The SheTrades Mauritius Hub, hosted by the Economic Development Board (EDB), connects 250 women-led businesses with international buyers, mentors, and investors. Membership is free and provides access to training workshops, buyer-seller meetings, trade missions, and market intelligence.
In 2026, the Hub organized a collaboration mission to Rwanda where 18 Mauritian women-led enterprises explored opportunities across manufacturing, ICT, healthcare, tourism, and agro-processing under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AfCFTA opens a market of 1.4 billion people across 54 African countries, and the Hub helps women navigate tariffs, rules of origin, and logistics for cross-border trade.
For women selling handmade crafts, natural beauty products, or food items, the Hub provides practical support including product packaging advice, shelf-life testing, and connections to distributors in target markets. If you need a [bank account](/en/blog/business-bank-account-mauritius) to receive international payments, the Hub can guide you through that process.
NWEC and Training Programs
The National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) runs year-round programs covering financial literacy, marketing, business planning, compliance, and digital skills. The programs are free and open to women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
The Hub also runs regular workshops on topics like product pricing, international shipping logistics, customs documentation, and digital marketing for export markets. These practical skills complement the funding programs and help women entrepreneurs make the most of the opportunities available to them. Many Hub members have reported that the training programs were as valuable as the funding itself because they built the knowledge and confidence needed to compete in international markets.
The NWEC programs also include specific modules on digital marketing, which is increasingly important as more business moves online. Women learn how to use social media effectively, build an online presence, and reach customers through digital channels. This training complements the funding programs by ensuring that the businesses receiving grants and loans have the skills to use the money effectively and grow sustainably.
What distinguishes NWEC is the mentorship component. Participants are paired with experienced women entrepreneurs who share practical knowledge about supplier negotiations, pricing strategies, customer acquisition, and the daily realities of running a business. The networking events and trade fairs organized by NWEC create opportunities to meet potential customers and partners.
- Free workshops on financial literacy, marketing, and compliance
- One-on-one mentorship with experienced women entrepreneurs
- Trade fairs and networking events with potential buyers
- Business plan development with professional guidance
- Connections to DBM, SME, and other government funding programs
International Trade Support
Beyond local programs, Mauritian women entrepreneurs can access international trade support through the SheTrades network, the African Development Bank, and various bilateral trade agreements. Mauritius has preferential trade access to the EU under the Economic Partnership Agreement, to India under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement, and to multiple African countries through the AfCFTA.
Beyond the major programs, there are also smaller grants and incentives available through sector-specific agencies. The Mauritius Film Development Corporation offers grants for women in creative industries. The Small Enterprises and Handicraft Development Authority (SEHDA) provides support for women in craft and artisan sectors. The Tourism Authority runs programs for women operating in the tourism and hospitality space. Investigating these niche programs can uncover funding opportunities that are less competitive than the broader schemes because they target a narrower applicant pool.
These agreements reduce or eliminate tariffs on Mauritian exports, making it cheaper for women entrepreneurs to sell products abroad. The challenge is understanding the rules of origin, documentation requirements, and logistics involved in international shipping. The SheTrades Hub and SME Mauritius both provide training and support on these topics.
Recognition and Visibility
The Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) recognize outstanding women in business across categories like Most Innovative, Most Sustainable, Rising Star, and Community Impact. While not a funding source, winning or being nominated raises your profile significantly. Past winners have reported increased customer inquiries, partnership opportunities, and media coverage that attracted investor interest.
For women just starting out, the Rising Star category offers a platform to gain credibility and build a reputation in the market. The awards ceremony attracts attention from banks, corporate sponsors, and media outlets, creating networking opportunities that extend well beyond the event itself. European countries have shown that recognition programs are effective at encouraging more women to start businesses.
Building a Funding Strategy
The most successful women entrepreneurs in Mauritius do not rely on a single program. They build funding strategies that combine multiple sources to cover different needs at different stages of growth. An SME grant might fund equipment, a DBM loan covers working capital, and NWEC training builds the skills to manage it all effectively.
Start by mapping your business needs against the programs available. Identify which grants or loans fit your stage, your industry, and your growth plans. Then build a timeline that accounts for application deadlines, processing times, and fund disbursement schedules. Our [registration guide](/en/blog/how-to-register-business-mauritius) covers the prerequisites you need in place before applying for most programs.
- Map your business needs to available funding programs
- Apply to multiple programs rather than relying on one source
- Build a timeline accounting for deadlines and processing times
- Prepare a strong business plan before applying
- Track each application and follow up regularly
- Combine funding types: grants for equipment, loans for working capital, free training for skills
Getting Your Business Ready
Before applying for grants or loans, make sure your business foundations are solid. This means having a valid BRC, organized financial records, a written business plan, and a business bank account. Funders want to see that you are organized, professional, and capable of managing the funds responsibly.
If any of these foundations are missing, address them first. Our [business registration guide](/en/blog/how-to-register-business-mauritius) walks through the BRC process. Our [bank account guide](/en/blog/business-bank-account-mauritius) covers opening a business account. Getting these basics right before you apply dramatically improves your chances of success.
How Fam Antreprenan Helps
At Fam Antreprenan, we help women entrepreneurs navigate the full ecosystem of grants and support in Mauritius. We assess your eligibility, prepare your applications, set up the financial systems funders expect to see, and connect you with the programs that match your needs. Our goal is to make sure no woman misses out on available support because of paperwork or process.
Ready to explore what is available to you? [Book a free consultation](/en/contact) with our team to map out your funding strategy.