The SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has launched a new financing scheme dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, opening applications nationwide to support female-led ventures across the Maldives.

The initiative offers loans of up to MVR 250,000, with a minimum amount of MVR 25,000, and a repayment period of up to seven years, including a 12-month grace period. With an interest rate of 9.5 per cent, the scheme aims to improve financial accessibility for women in business, enabling them to expand or establish sustainable enterprises.

According to SDFC’s Chief Executive Officer Badhurudheen Hassan, the programme reflects the corporation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing financial inclusion for women and bridging long-standing gaps in access to capital. He noted that the facility is structured to meet the needs of both existing and aspiring female entrepreneurs, offering flexible financing options tailored to diverse sectors, including retail, services, and production.

Applications can be submitted through the SDFC online portal and detailed application guidance has been published on the corporation’s official channels.