This initiative is designed to encourage women to enter the business sector by enabling easy access to financial assistance, empowering women entrepreneurs, increasing economic independence, and promoting women-owned businesses.
Corporate Maldives
SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has announced that its set to launch a new Financing Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs in November 2025.
This initiative is designed to encourage women to enter the business sector by enabling easy access to financial assistance, empowering women entrepreneurs, increasing economic independence, and promoting women-owned businesses. Through this scheme, SDFC will offer financing to women across various sectors.
In addition to the newly announced scheme, SDFC continues to provide financing under Fashaa Madhadhu Loan scheme, launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the Ministry of Social and Family Development. The scheme comprises a total allocation of MVR 100 million, phased out into five phases of MVR 20 million each, with 25 percent of every phase specifically reserved for persons with disabilities. Applications for 2 phases of Fashaa Madhadhu loan scheme have already been completed.
Success of Fashaa Madhadhu Loan Phase 1
The first phase launched in 2024, approved loans for 63 recipients, including 4 persons with disabilities. Loans were disbursed across 16 atolls including Male' area, supporting 13 different business types including wholesale, retail, food takeaway, food factory, tailoring, salon, photography/videography, handicraft, gym/fitness centers, fish processing, education, clinical/health services, and bakeries.
While 45 percent of the loans disbursed in this phase are currently operating businesses, the Corporation is closely monitoring and providing necessary assistance for the work being done to start other projects.Progress of Fashaa Madhadhu Loan Phase 2
From June 15 to August 31, 2025, the second phase received 205 applications. Of these, 47 are currently under processing, while 8 loans have already been approved and disbursements are in progress. With the MVR 20 million allocation fully utilized, 110 applications have been waitlisted.
This scheme opens a pathway for Maldivian women entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and capabilities. By providing financial assistance with easy and flexible repayment terms, it enables women to step into the business sector, establish their own ventures, and contribute to sustainable economic progress. Through this opportunity, many women are expected to achieve their business goals and attain their entrepreneurial goals
Applications for the new Financing Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs is set to open during the first week November 2025. Applications will be accepted via the SME Portal at www.sdfc.mv. Further details on the scheme will be shared in the coming days.
This scheme is a key initiative by SDFC to encourage and support women stepping into business, providing them with the financial resources to start, grow, and establish their role as key contributors to the nation’s economic development.
