Most women starting a business in Mauritius do not know that the government runs a council just for them. The National Women Entrepreneur Council, or NWEC, gives free business advice, training, marketing help, and access to grants. If you are a woman thinking about starting a business, joining NWEC should be one of your first moves.
This guide explains what NWEC offers, who can join, how to register, and what you get once you are a member. The council has been around since 1999, but many women still miss out because they do not know it exists or think it is complicated to join. It is not.
What NWEC Actually Does
NWEC is a government body under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. Its job is simple: help women start, grow, and keep their businesses running. Unlike many government offices that only handle one thing, NWEC covers almost everything a new business owner needs.
- Free business advice on registration, planning, and growth
- Training in digital marketing, finance, ICT, and leadership
- Marketing help including trade fairs and exhibitions
- Networking events and business-to-business meetings
- Access to grants and loan schemes through partner banks
- Mentorship from women who have already built successful businesses
The free advice alone is worth joining. NWEC advisors walk you through the whole process of setting up a business, from choosing a structure to registering with the MRA to opening a bank account. They know the system and can save you weeks of confusion.
Who Can Join
Any woman entrepreneur in Mauritius can join. You do not need to have a registered business yet. If you are still in the idea stage, you can join and get help turning that idea into a plan. If you already run a business, you can join to access training, grants, and networking.
- Women planning to start a business
- Women with a registered business (sole trader, partnership, or company)
- Women running informal businesses who want to go formal
- Women in any sector: retail, services, food, tech, crafts, agriculture
How to Register as a Member
The process is straightforward. You can apply in person at the NWEC office or through their website. You need your National Identity Card and, if you have one, your Business Registration Card. The annual fee is small and gives you access to everything NWEC provides.
- Visit nwec.govmu.org or go to the NWEC office at the National Women Development Centre in Phoenix
- Fill out the membership form
- Submit your National ID and BRC (if you have one)
- Pay the annual membership fee
- Receive your NWEC membership card within a few days
- Book your first free advice session
Your membership card is valid for one year and needs to be renewed each year. Keep it with you because you will need it to attend training, apply for grants, and go to NWEC events.
Training That Actually Helps
NWEC runs regular training sessions on topics that matter to real business owners. These are not boring lectures. They cover practical skills like how to use social media to get customers, how to manage your money, how to write a business plan, and how to pitch to investors.
Recent programmes have covered digital marketing, business management, quality control, ICT skills, leadership, and finance. The sessions are usually free or very cheap for members. They happen throughout the year at different places around the island.
Trade Fairs and Getting Your Products Seen
One of the best things NWEC does is organise trade fairs and sales exhibitions. These events bring together women entrepreneurs from all over Mauritius to show and sell their products. For many small business owners, these fairs are the first time they get in front of a large crowd of buyers.
NWEC also sets up business-to-business meetings where you can meet corporate buyers, government agencies, and other organisations looking for suppliers. This kind of access is hard to get on your own, especially when you are just starting out.
Connecting to Grants and Funding
NWEC works closely with the Development Bank of Mauritius, SME Mauritius, and other funding bodies. As a member, you get help figuring out which grants and loans you qualify for and support with your application. Our [complete grants guide](/en/blog/women-entrepreneur-grants-mauritius-2026) covers the main funding programmes available in 2026.
The DBM Women Entrepreneur Loan Scheme, for example, offers loans up to Rs 1.2 million with an 18-month grace period. NWEC advisors can help you put together a strong application and avoid the mistakes that lead to rejection.
Why This Matters
The government has made it clear that supporting women entrepreneurs is a priority. At the NWEC Awards ceremony in May 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister talked about the need for women to think beyond borders and look at international markets. NWEC is the part that turns those words into action.
If you are a woman in Mauritius thinking about starting a business, do not do it alone. NWEC exists to help you. The membership fee is small, the services are free, and the connections you make could be the difference between struggling by yourself and growing with support.
Ready to join? [Contact us](/en/contact) and we will help you get started with NWEC and connect you to the right support for your business.