Republic of Mauritius- NWEC holds business meeting to improve women entrepreneurs networking

The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Outer Islands, Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo was present at the event.

In her address, Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo stated that access to finance is a major constraint that affects the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) adding that entrepreneurs encounter difficulties in raising finance at the start-up stage and during the development of their businesses. She recalled the several measures that have been put in place by the Government to contribute to the economic emancipation of women as well as encouraging them in the development and growth of their businesses.

Government, she said, is determined to providing a conducive environment for the sustainable development of the SME sector and respond to the changing needs of SMEs in a proactive manner. One of the latest scheme, she indicated, pertains to the grant of financial assistance by the Development Bank of Mauritius by way of no guarantee loans up to a ceiling of Rs 500 000 at a fixed interest rate of 3% to assist women in starting businesses.

The Vice-Prime Minister lauded women entrepreneurs for their contribution to the SME sector and urged more women to develop their creative potential and to avail themselves of the different schemes and incentives put in place for start-ups and for business facilitation.  

Business to Business Meeting

The key challenge of women entrepreneurs is to market and sell their products.  The event helped to increase visibility of women-owned businesses, better showcase quality of locally made products, and enabled women entrepreneurs to contract orders, increase sales and grow their business.

A wide variety of high quality locally made products/services was equally exhibited from different sectors, namely: Agro-industry (Food and Agriculture); Textile; Handicraft, and Services.