The Economic Development Board (EDB), host agency of the ITC SheTrades Mauritius Hub, organised a workshop on “New Budgetary Measures & Financial Solutions for Women-Led Businesses” on 8 October 2026 at the EDB Head Office in Ebene.
The workshop brought together women entrepreneurs and representatives from key public institutions to provide practical information on the budgetary measures, tax provisions, customs-related measures and financial support mechanisms available to businesses, with a particular focus on women-led enterprises.
In her welcome address, Mrs Nirmala Jeetah, Director, Healthcare & Life Sciences & ITC SheTrades, EDB, highlighted the importance of ensuring that women entrepreneurs are not only aware of the support measures available to them, but are also equipped with the knowledge to access and effectively utilise these opportunities.
She noted that Government’s budgetary measures and financing instruments play an important role in creating an enabling business environment for women-led businesses. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on entrepreneurs’ understanding of the available opportunities and their ability to translate them into practical actions for business growth.
The first session focused on new budgetary and tax measures relevant to businesses. Mr Bandish Bundhoo, Team Leader, Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), provided insights into key measures affecting SMEs and women-led businesses, including tax and other business-related provisions, incentives and support measures aimed at facilitating business growth, investment and expansion. The session also provided entrepreneurs with an opportunity to better understand the practical implications of the new measures and how these could be taken into consideration in their financial planning and business decision-making.
The workshop further benefited from an intervention by Mr Sam Rammaya, Team Leader from the Customs Department at the Mauritius Revenue Authority, who provided information on customs-related measures and procedures, including aspects relevant to businesses involved in importing and exporting as well as the tax incentives on freeport operations. His intervention helped participants better understand the customs requirements, applicable duties and exemptions, and other considerations that businesses need to take into account when engaging in international trade.
The second session focused on financial solutions and support available to women entrepreneurs, delivered by Ms Anju Rambaruth, Project Manager, Business Development (SME), National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Ms Rambaruth presented the various financing opportunities available to entrepreneurs, including loans, guarantees and other financial support mechanisms. Particular attention was given to schemes relevant to women-led businesses, including the LadyBIZ scheme, with participants gaining a better understanding of the available financing options and how these could support business establishment, expansion, investment and development.
The presentations were followed by an interactive Question &Answer session, during which women entrepreneurs had the opportunity to seek clarification on the measures, eligibility requirements, financing options and procedures presented during the workshop.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Nirmala Jeetah reiterated the commitment of the ITC SheTrades Mauritius Hub to supporting women-led businesses beyond capacity building, by facilitating access to knowledge, finance, markets and business networks. She emphasised that access to relevant information and appropriate financial instruments can contribute significantly to strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of women-led businesses, while enabling them to explore new markets, invest in their operations and pursue sustainable growth. She extended her deepest appreciation to the Mauritius Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Corporation for their valuable contribution and continued support towards strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowering women entrepreneurs in Mauritius.
The workshop forms part of the Hub’s ongoing efforts to equip women-led businesses with the knowledge, tools and connections required to navigate the business environment with greater confidence and pursue sustainable and inclusive growth.
