India's women entrepreneurs leverage gold loans and diverse sectors for growth

Women entrepreneurs in India are increasingly shaping the nation's economic landscape by launching businesses in sectors such as technology, healthcare, wellness, and sustainable fashion. Notable examples include Dr. Riddhi Artwani, founder of Devs Physyoga, which integrates physiotherapy and nutrition, and Devyani Kaur, founder of the vegan handbag brand Hipshipp.

To overcome traditional financial barriers and rigid banking bureaucracy, many women are utilizing gold loans as a vital source of seed capital. By leveraging household jewelry as collateral, entrepreneurs can bypass the extensive documentation and credit history requirements typically associated with formal business loans.

Supporting this trend, the Reserve Bank of India has updated its framework, effective April 2026, to increase the Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit to 85% for loans up to ₹2.5 lakh. This adjustment is designed to simplify fund access for micro-enterprises, as detailed credit assessments are not mandated for these smaller amounts.