📈 WCIC Welcomes Budget 2026 Focus on Women & SMEs

• The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) views the 2026 Budget as a positive step for women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the strong focus on SME growth and specific allocations for women entrepreneurs. • Key Positive Measures Welcomed: • Strengthening of the start-up ecosystem. • Making QR code payments under Rs. 5,000 free of charge, benefiting SMEs. • Consolidation of NEDA and SMED under the Industrial Development Board (IDB) for efficient industry service. • Challenges & Concerns: • Success depends on effective program reach and addressing structural barriers like access to finance and childcare. • The lowered VAT threshold may pose challenges for small businesses with thin margins. • Proposed minimum wage increase could create additional financial pressure for SME employers. • WCIC is committed to ensuring support measures effectively benefit women entrepreneurs nationwide.