The Bangladesh government has unveiled a comprehensive three-year initiative aimed at revitalizing the cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprises (CMSME) sector, with a special focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. Announced by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed during the 2025-26 budget speech, the plan seeks to nurture entrepreneurship, enhance skills, and improve market access nationwide.

Key objectives and initiatives

Entrepreneur development 

The government aims to cultivate 15,000 new entrepreneurs by 2028 and provide training to 25,000 existing and aspiring SME entrepreneurs. This includes establishing product display and sales centres in all divisional cities and organizing regional SME product fairs at the district level to create vital opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods.

Financial support and inclusive growth

A total of Tk 10 billion will be allocated as loans to 10,000 entrepreneurs from marginalized groups within the CMSME sector. Low-interest loans under the credit wholesale programme will prioritize these entrepreneurs, with a minimum of 23% of funds specifically earmarked for women-led businesses. Lending institutions are instructed to allocate at least 15% of their SME loan portfolios to women entrepreneurs, accompanied by a 1% incentive for timely repayment.

Empowerment

To facilitate market entry and expansion, 3,000 women entrepreneurs will be connected directly with corporate buyers through digital platforms. This digital linkage aims to enhance market access and strengthen sustainable growth for women-led enterprises.

Economic significance

Highlighting the importance of the CMSME sector, Dr. Ahmed noted that it contributes approximately 11.89% to Bangladesh’s GDP according to FY2023-24 estimates. This ambitious plan underscores the government’s commitment to making CMSMEs a vital engine of economic development, job creation, and women’s economic empowerment.