As discussions around the Union Budget 2026 gather momentum, voices from the food and beverage industry are highlighting the need for inclusive and growth-oriented policies. Sharing her perspective, Ms. Meenakshi Kumarr, Chef & Founder of Anahata Cafe (Formerly Roots Cafe), outlines key expectations from the Budget, particularly for women entrepreneurs operating within the F&B and FMCG sectors.

She emphasises that women-led enterprises play a vital role beyond income generation, contributing to employment creation and broader economic and social change. However, she also points out that women founders continue to face challenges related to access to finance, mentorship, and scalable growth opportunities.

Speaking on her expectations, Ms. Meenakshi Kumarr said:

"The Union Budget can be a turning point in a definitive manner for women entrepreneurship in India. When women build businesses, their accomplishments extend far beyond just the generation of income, as their endeavors result in employment and economic change at a broader social and cultural front in India. Yet, despite their growing participation, women founders continue to face systemic challenges, particularly in accessing timely finance, structured mentorship, and scalable growth opportunities.

I would like to see the Budget introduce stronger and more accessible support mechanisms for women-led enterprises, especially through collateral-free credit, interest subvention, and simplified compliance and formalisation processes. Many women-led ventures, particularly in food, hospitality, and community-driven businesses, are operating at the grassroots level and require flexible funding models that recognise their realities rather than traditional balance sheets.

Equally critical is investing in the broader ecosystem, skill development, digital enablement, food safety and sustainability training, and easier access to organised markets. With the right tools and guidance, women can scale responsibly from micro-enterprises to resilient and growth-oriented businesses.

The women entrepreneurs in tier 2 and tier 3 cities are full of ambition and creativity. This potential can be unleashed with proper intervention in policy and help them become a part of the development story of the economy of India in a more integrated manner. Empowerment of women entrepreneurs is not just about 'inclusion; it is about constructing a better economy for the future."

Through her views, Ms. Kumarr underscores the importance of policy-led support that recognises the realities of grassroots entrepreneurship. Her expectations reflect a broader industry sentiment that empowering women-led businesses can play a meaningful role in shaping a resilient and inclusive economic future for India.