WCIC welcomes Budget 2026’s SME focus

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) said Budget 2026, presented on November 7, sends a positive signal for women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while cautioning that the impact would depend on effective implementation and inclusivity.

“Budget 2026, presented on November 7, offers a positive signal for women‐owned SMEs — especially through its SME focus and explicit mention of women entrepreneur allocations,” the WCIC said in a statement. 

“However, realising the opportunity will depend significantly on how well the programmes reach the women entrepreneurs, address structural gender‐barriers (finance, formalisation, childcare/family demands, market access) and how effectively women business stakeholders engage to ensure the design works for them.”

The WCIC welcomed the government’s decision to enable funds to accelerate the start-up ecosystem and to make QR code payments below Rs.5,000 free of charge, calling it a positive step for the SMEs. 

It also said the consolidation of the National Enterprise Development Authority and Small and Medium Enterprise Development, under the Industrial Development Board, would help deliver “an efficient service under one roof for industries with a better focus”.

The WCIC noted that while lowering the value-added tax threshold would help broaden the tax base, it could pose challenges for small businesses already operating on thin margins. The proposed increase in the minimum wage, it added, though beneficial for the employees, may place additional financial pressure on employers, particularly within the SME sector.

“As the national chamber for women in business, we are committed to explore the opportunities for our members as well as the women entrepreneurs and women in business across the country,” the WCIC said.