Tamil Nadu Minister Pledges Support to Transgender Entrepreneurs at Madurai Summit

Tamil Nadu MSME Minister P. Mathan Raja has assured transgender entrepreneurs of the government's backing for their business ventures, appealing to investors and industry to encourage a community that has moved into both manufacturing and services.

Speaking at the Transpreneur Summit 2026 in Madurai on Friday, the Minister pointed to the State's target of a 1.5 trillion USD economy by 2036 and asked all stakeholders to contribute to that goal. He praised the transgender persons who had launched enterprises in different parts of Tamil Nadu, describing their decision to take on the role of entrepreneurs as evidence of determination despite the obstacles they face.

"The government is aware of the challenges faced by the transgender community," he said, adding that their ventures reflected grit and the drive to succeed.

The summit, organised by StartUp TN and the Transgender Resource Centre, Madurai, was held under the theme "empower, connect, collaborate and elevate" and is described as the first such gathering in the country. Transwomen from across Tamil Nadu recounted the difficulties they encountered while setting up their companies and the social hurdles they continue to face.

Transgender Resource Centre Managing Trustee Priya Babu thanked the Minister for his assurance and urged the government to direct banks to extend credit to eligible transgender applicants without excessive conditions when project reports are viable, saying such a step would draw more people into entrepreneurship.

At the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Transgender Resource Centre, TSOM Incubation Association and the Solaimalai Foundation for Startup Incubation. A loan was disbursed to a transwoman under the Prime Minister's Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme, and a coffee vending machine was handed over to beneficiaries under a subsidy scheme.

An expo at the summit featured 22 products and services, with transgender participants including Sheema, Swetha, Illavanchi and Maaran sharing their experiences.

Madurai North MLA Kallanai inaugurated the summit in the forenoon. District Collector Nishanth Krishna and Corporation Commissioner Gaurav Kumar accompanied the Minister around the exhibits. District Industries Centre General Manager Ganesan spoke about government funding and schemes, while StartUp TN Associate Vice-President Sridevi and others took part. Project Lead at StartUp TN Saktivel Kaliappan welcomed the gathering.