Assuring all the support to transpersons in their business ventures, Tamil Nadu MSME Minister P. Mathan Raja appealed to all the stakeholders to help achieve the 1.5 trillion USD goal set for the State by 2036 here on Friday.
Speaking at the Transpreneur Summit 2026 organised by the StartUp TN and Transgender Resource Centre, Madurai, he commended the transpersons for their bold ventures started across different parts of the State.
“The government is aware of the challenges faced by the transgender community. “Despite limitations, donning the role of an entrepreneur reflected your grit and the fire to achieve the goal...” he said.
The Transpreneur Summit, a first of its kind in the country held in the ancient city of Madurai, also gave a fillip to the entire community. The investors and the industry should motivate the transpersons, who had ventured into manufacturing and services, Mr. Mathan Raja said.
The summit was organised with the theme - empower, connect, collaborate and elevate. Many transwomen from across Tamil Nadu spoke about the problems faced by them in setting up their companies and difficulties encountered in the society.
Transgender Resource Centre Managing Trustee Priya Babu thanked the Minister for giving an assurance towards development of the transpersons. The government should direct the banks to give credits/advances to the eligible transpersons without much conditions, when the project reports were viable. This would motivate more persons to become entrepreneurs.
An MoU was signed between the Transgender Resource Centre and TSOM Incubation Association and Solaimalai Foundation for Startup Incubation.
Under the Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme, loan was given to a transwoman. A coffee vending machine on subsidy scheme was presented to the beneficiaries.
As many as 22 products/services were on display at the expo and transgender persons, including Sheema, Swetha, Illavanchi and Maaran, shared their experiences.
Madurai North MLA Kallanai inaugurated the summit in the forenoon.
District Collector Nishanth Krishna, Corporation Commissioner Gaurav Kumar accompanied the Minister and went around the exhibits.
District Industries Centre General Manager Ganesan spoke on the government funding and the schemes. StartUp TN Associate vice-president Sridevi and others participated. Project Lead StartUp TN Saktivel Kaliappan welcomed.
