What is the TWEES Scheme?
Tamil Nadu Women Employment and Entrepreneurship Scheme
What is the TWEES Scheme?
The TWEES Scheme (Tamil Nadu Women Employment and Entrepreneurship Scheme) is a flagship initiative by the Tamil Nadu Government to financially empower women and transgender entrepreneurs.
By offering collateral-free loans, substantial government subsidies, and comprehensive support, this scheme enables women to start or expand their businesses without the burden of traditional banking requirements.
The scheme focuses on promoting self-employment, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable livelihoods across manufacturing, service, and trading sectors in Tamil Nadu.
Did you know? The TWEES Scheme prioritizes SC/ST, BPL families, widows, and differently-abled applicants, making it one of the most inclusive entrepreneurship programs in India.
Financial Support
Loans up to ₹10 lakhs for women entrepreneurs
Government Subsidy
25% subsidy capped at ₹2 lakhs
No Collateral
Collateral-free loans for asset-free entrepreneurs
Inclusive Access
Special provisions for priority categories
✅ TWEES empowers women and transgender entrepreneurs to become financially independent through accessible funding and government support.
Eligibility Criteria for TWEES Scheme
To apply for the TWEES Scheme, applicants need to meet specific eligibility criteria. The scheme is designed for women and transgender entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses.
Eligibility Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender | Women & Transgender individuals |
| Age Limit | 18-55 years |
| Domicile | Resident of Tamil Nadu |
| Business Type | Manufacturing, Service, or Trading enterprises |
| Project Cost | Varies by sector (up to ₹10 lakhs loan) |
| Promoter Contribution | Minimum 5% of project cost |
Priority Categories
The scheme provides special benefits and faster processing for the following categories:
- Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families
- Widows and single mothers
- Differently-abled women entrepreneurs
- Transgender individuals
Focus Sectors Supported by TWEES Scheme
The TWEES Scheme supports various types of businesses and ventures across manufacturing, service, and trading sectors. The scheme encourages projects that create local employment and sustainable livelihoods.
Manufacturing
Tailoring, food processing, handicrafts, packaging, and small production units.
Service Enterprises
Beauty salons, IT services, training centers, and repair services.
Trading Businesses
Retail shops, wholesale units, and e-commerce platforms.
Exclusions
Large agricultural projects (e.g., crop cultivation, large-scale farming) and existing business expansions are not eligible for this scheme.
Is your startup focusing on trading, services, or manufacturing?
Benefits of the TWEES Scheme
The TWEES Scheme offers a comprehensive array of financial and non-financial benefits for eligible women and transgender entrepreneurs to start and sustain their businesses.
Loan Assistance
Up to ₹10L loanLoans up to ₹10 lakhs for manufacturing, service, and trading businesses.
Government Subsidy
Up to ₹2L subsidy25% subsidy on total project cost, maximum ₹2 lakhs to reduce financial burden.
No Collateral
100% collateral-freeCollateral-free loans to encourage entrepreneurs with limited assets to start businesses.
Priority Support
Priority processingFaster processing and additional benefits for SC/ST, widows, and differently-abled applicants.
Flexible Repayment
5 years + grace periodExtended repayment period with initial moratorium for easy management.
Business Guidance
Free training providedAccess to entrepreneurship development programs and mentorship.
Looking for financial support to scale your startup? Apply today!
Documents Required for TWEES Scheme Application
To apply for the TWEES Scheme, you must submit a comprehensive set of documents to prove your eligibility and business plan. All documents should be self-attested.
Required Documentation
Aadhaar Card
Proof of identity and address
MandatoryRation Card
Proof of Tamil Nadu domicile
MandatoryPAN Card
Permanent Account Number for tax purposes
MandatoryBank Passbook
Bank account details for fund disbursement
MandatoryProject Report
Detailed business plan with cost breakdown
MandatoryEducational Certificates
Proof of educational qualification
OptionalCommunity Certificate
SC/ST, BC, MBC certificate (if applicable)
OptionalPriority Category Certificate
BPL/Widow/Disability certificate (if applicable)
OptionalPassport Photographs
Recent passport-size photographs
MandatoryReady to submit your application? Get expert help today!
How to Apply for the TWEES Scheme
Applying for the TWEES Scheme is a straightforward process that involves document preparation, submission, and verification. Here's the complete step-by-step guide.
Project Planning
2-4 weeksPrepare a detailed business plan and project report with realistic financial projections.
Document Collection
1-2 weeksGather all required documents including identity proofs, address proofs, and project details.
Bank Application
1 daySubmit application through designated Tamil Nadu government-empanelled banks with all documents.
Document Verification
1-2 weeksBank officials verify eligibility criteria and document authenticity.
Project Evaluation
2-4 weeksBusiness plan evaluation by bank committee and technical experts.
Loan Sanction
1-2 weeksLoan approval and subsidy allocation once project is approved.
Fund Disbursement
3-7 daysFunds transferred to beneficiary's account for business setup and operations.
Want to accelerate your tech startup? Apply now!
The entire application process from submission to fund disbursement typically takes 2-3 months, depending on document verification and project evaluation.
Success Stories: TWEES Beneficiaries
Real women entrepreneurs who have successfully transformed their lives through the TWEES Scheme, creating jobs and building sustainable businesses.
Priya S.
Handloom Weaving Center • Kanchipuram
From being unemployed to running a successful handloom business, Priya received ₹8 lakhs loan and ₹2 lakhs subsidy, creating employment for 12 women artisans.
Kavita R.
Organic Food Processing • Coimbatore
Kavita started her organic food processing unit with TWEES funding, now supplying to 50+ retail outlets and employing 8 women workers.
Lakshmi M.
Beauty & Wellness Center • Chennai
As a single mother, Lakshmi used TWEES loan to start her beauty business, now running 3 successful centers with 12 staff members.
Anitha K.
Handicraft Export Business • Tiruchirappalli
Anitha leveraged TWEES scheme to establish her handicraft export business, now exporting to 5 countries and employing 15 skilled artisans.
Make sure you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Apply now!
Ready to Start Your TWEES Journey?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – TWEES Scheme
What is the TWEES Scheme?
The TWEES Scheme is a Tamil Nadu government initiative providing loans and subsidies to women and transgender entrepreneurs to start and expand their businesses.
What is the maximum loan amount under TWEES?
Applicants can receive loans up to ₹10 Lakhs for manufacturing, service, and trading businesses.
How much subsidy is available?
The scheme offers a 25% subsidy on total project cost, capped at ₹2 Lakhs maximum.
Is collateral required?
No, the TWEES Scheme does not require any collateral security, making it accessible to asset-free entrepreneurs.
Who is eligible for the TWEES Scheme?
Women and transgender residents of Tamil Nadu aged between 18 and 55 years are eligible to apply.
Can I apply for a trading business?
Yes, manufacturing, service, and trading businesses are all eligible under the TWEES Scheme.
Is a project report mandatory?
Yes, a detailed project report with financial projections is compulsory for loan approval.
What documents are required?
Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, PAN Card, Bank Passbook, Project Report, and community certificates if applicable.
How long does the application process take?
The entire process from application to fund disbursement typically takes 2-3 months.
Are there any priority categories?
Yes, SC/ST applicants, women from BPL families, widows, and differently-abled individuals get priority processing.
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