Schemes for Startups

Government Schemes For Startups

List of Government Schemes for Startsup  (Ministry Wise)

Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
1. North East Entrepreneurs Development (NEED)

Eligibility:
First-generation entrepreneurs, existing entrepreneurs, proprietary & partnership concerns and companies. Technical qualification of the promoter in the relevant field is a pre-requisite.

Sector:
North East

Benefit:
For Incubation group Rs 3 lakhs commercialization grant for 120 startups, additional Rs.7 lakhs for top 20 performers. For Pre-incubation group Rs 1 lakh prototype grant for 150 startups, additional Rs.4 lakhs for top 25 performers.

Benefit Type:
Credit Benefit Schemes


2. North-East Handloom Handicrafts (NEHH)

Eligibility:

  1. The North-East Handloom Handicrafts (NEHH) initiative is open to individuals, artisans, handloom weavers, and handicraft producers in the North Eastern Region of India.

  2. Applicants should be interested in promoting and enhancing their handloom and handicrafts businesses.

  3. Specific eligibility requirements may vary based on the programs and opportunities offered under NEHH.

Sector:
Technology

Benefit:
NSDF has released Rs. 5029.63 crores to NSDC towards skill development programs including National Skill Certification and Monetary Reward Scheme (STAR) and UDAAN Scheme (J&K oriented).

Benefit Type:
Credit Benefit Schemes


3. Equipment Finance (Northeastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd Schemes)

Eligibility:
Corporates with minimum 3 years of profitable operations for NEDFi assisted units, in case of other units the unit should have minimum 5 years of operations.

Sector:

Benefit:
Minimum: Rs.25 lakh, Maximum: Rs.10 Crores financial assistance.


4. Women Enterprise Development (WED)

Eligibility:
Skilled woman entrepreneurs in the age group of 18-50 years; the applicant must be engaged in any viable income-generating activity including small business trade, etc.

Benefit:
Financial Assistance of Maximum Rs. 100 Lacs.


5. Micro Finance (NEDFi Scheme)

Eligibility:

  1. Any Indian Citizen with 40% or more disability.

  2. Age above 18 years.

  3. The borrowers already covered under any other scheme of financing sponsored by Central or State Government or financing institutions and having outstanding loans against their names shall not be eligible.

  4. The borrowers should preferably be regular members of Thrift and Credit Group (Self Help Group).

  5. Relevant educational/technical/vocational qualification, experience, and background.

Sector:
Sector Agnostic

Benefit:
Rs.10.0 lakh (Rupees Ten Lakh only).


6. Equity Fund Scheme (NEDFi)

Eligibility:
Individual entrepreneurs or groups of entrepreneurs; The applicant should have a viable business plan which offers above-average profitability leading to attractive returns on investment.

Sector:
Sector Agnostic

Benefit:
Investment in a single project would range from Rs.50-300 lakhs. Assistance will be available for financing terms normally included in the cost of a project, startup working capital, and selectively for core current assets during commercial operation.


7. North-East Venture Fund (NEVF)

Eligibility:

  1. Entrepreneurial person with innovative vision and implementation power.

  2. Strong management team and commitment.

  3. Viable business model with sustainable growth.

  4. Large scaling opportunities.

  5. Market-fit product with good traction.

  6. Realistic exit potential.

Benefit:
Corpus of Fund equal to Rs 100 crore. The investment under this scheme ranges from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs.10 crore per venture, which is long term in nature with an investment horizon of 4-5 years.

Benefit Type:
Funding

1. The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

Eligibility:
Potential women entrepreneurs, in collaboration with partner organizations can apply for the scheme.

Sector:
Women Entrepreneurship

Benefit:
WEP enables key partnerships to bring crucial content, workshops, campaigns and other avenues of learning and growth to its users from trailblazers in the industry.

Benefit Type:
Acceleration


Central Bank of India
2. Cent Kalyani Scheme

Eligibility:

  1. New as well as Existing Women entrepreneurs for her Micro/Small enterprise (as defined under MSME Act-2006), i.e., engaged in manufacturing and service activity, e.g. Handloom weaving, Handicraft, Food-Processing, Garment making, etc.

  2. Professionals & Self-employed women – Doctors, Chartered Accountants, Engineers or trained in Art or Craft, etc.

  3. Health/Beauty/Clinics/Dieticians/Fashion Designing/Beauty Parlors.

  4. Small Business – Small/lunch/canteen, mobile restaurant, circulating/library/tailoring/day creche for children, Tailoring/Typing/STD/Xerox booth, etc.

  5. Transport Operators – Three wheelers/Four wheelers.
    (Retail Trade/Education and Training Institute/Self Help Group not eligible.)

Sector:
Women Entrepreneurship

Benefit:
Term Loan Fund Based Working capital Facility – Overdraft/Cash/Credit Non-Fund Based Working Capital – Letter of Credit/ Letter Of Guarantee etc.

Benefit Type:
Credit Benefit


3. CENT Stand-Up India

Eligibility:
SC/ST and/or Woman Entrepreneurs, above 18 years of age. In case of non-individual enterprises, 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake should be held by either SC/ST and/or Women Entrepreneur. Not applicable for Existing Unit or Expansion.

Sector:
Manufacturing

Benefit:
The initiative offers financial support and guidance to eligible SC and ST individuals and businesses for starting or expanding their ventures. Participants gain access to funding, mentorship, and resources to help them succeed in entrepreneurship.

Benefit Type:
CC cum TL – composite loan


4. Women Entrepreneur Cell

Eligibility:
Women Entrepreneurs are eligible for this scheme. Women Entrepreneurs at all levels of Economic activity with emphasis on MSME, Agriculture, and Retail in sync with Govt. priorities.

Sector:
Agriculture, Retail

Benefit:
Cater to women entrepreneurs across all levels of economic activity, with a focus on MSMEs, agriculture, and retail sectors in alignment with government priorities. Participants gain access to funding, expert guidance, and a supportive community of women entrepreneurs.

Benefit Type:
Funding

1. Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Startups and MSMEs (PRISM)

Eligibility:

  1. The scheme runs in two phases.

  2. For PRISM I, any Indian citizen including student innovators can apply.

  3. For PRISM II, PRISM innovators or innovators who have successfully demonstrated proof of concept with the support of government institution/agency, PRISM-R&D proposals and public-funded – R&D institutes/autonomous institutions/laboratories/academic institutes, etc. are eligible.

Sector:
Science and Technology


2. Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE) 2.0

Eligibility:
Organisation of higher learning and R&D organizations across India, having incubation facilities and established links with large companies, industry bodies, and industry clusters are eligible for the scheme.

Sector:
Technology

Benefit:

  1. Co-Working and Infrastructure Facilities (Labs).

  2. Workshop Facilities and Utilities.

  3. Funding and Further Opportunities for Investment.

  4. Technical and Business Mentoring.

  5. Business Support and Networking.

Benefit Type:
Funding


3. NIDHI Programme

Eligibility:
All the NIDHI-Startup Funds will be disbursed to eligible startups only through eligible NSTEDB linked incubators across India.

Benefit:
Guidance from experienced, innovative and highly successful entrepreneurs on the business concept, strategy or venture, and insight into specific industries or markets. Best practices for starting a business and broadening the professional network. Co-working spaces for developing the idea into a marketable product.

Benefit Type:
Funding


4. DST National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (DST NM-ICPS)

Eligibility:
Focus on developing innovative CPS solutions with potential for commercialization.
Strong team with relevant expertise in technology, business, and marketing.
Incorporation as a registered company in India.
Commitment to collaborate with academic institutions and research labs.
Interest in adopting and deploying CPS technologies for their products and services.
Willingness to invest in R&D and innovation activities.

Sector:
Technology

Benefit:

  1. For Start-ups and Entrepreneurs: Seed funding and incubation support, access to market and expertise.

  2. For Industry Partners: Early access to cutting-edge technologies, reduced R&D costs.

Benefit Type:
Funding

1. Raw Material Assistance Scheme

Eligibility:
The Entrepreneurs are required to apply for Raw Material Assistance only on the prescribed application forms. The application forms downloaded from the link given below may be filled and can be submitted to the nearest Branch Office. The blank forms are also available free of charge from the Branch offices.

Sector:
Raw Material

Benefit:

  1. Facilitating procurement of Raw Material with credit support up to 180 days.

  2. SMEs helped to avail economics of purchases like bulk purchase, cash discount, etc.


2. Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD) Scheme for Women

Eligibility:

Sector:
Trade

Benefit:
This scheme envisages economic empowerment of women by providing credit (through NGOs), training, development and counseling extension activities related to trades, products, services, etc.

Benefit Type:
Credit Benefit


3. Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP) Scheme

Eligibility:
The scheme is applicable for all aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.

Sector:

Benefit:
The scheme aims to expand the base of entrepreneurship to different sections of the society through skill development, achievement, and providing motivation for self-employment and entrepreneurial skill.

Benefit Type:
Skill Development

 

 

1. AGNIi (Accelerating Growth of New India’s Innovations)

Eligibility:

  1. Indian universities, research institutions, or innovative startups.

  2. Strong research and development infrastructure and capabilities.

  3. Proven track record in innovation and technology development.

Sector:
Technology

Benefit:
Grants and Funding Flexibility.

Benefit Type:
Funding


2. Niryat Bandhu Scheme

Eligibility:
Any person can take this course.

Sector:
Export

Benefit:

  1. Know-how about Import and Export and a Certificate that can be shared with prospective employers and your professional network.

  2. Certification: On finishing every module, earn a Certificate after taking the online tests and payment of Examination/Certification fees (Rs 2000).

Benefit Type:
Mentorship


3. Participation in International Fairs and Exhibitions with Tea Board

Eligibility:
Only exporters submitting regular monthly export returns will be eligible for participation. The exporter must be dealing in only 100% Indian teas.

Sector:
Export

Benefit:
Provides a platform for the exporters to showcase their products in international events for promotion and facilitate the generation of trade opportunities through interaction between buyers and sellers during the exhibition.

Benefit Type:
Regulatory

1. Technology Development Fund

Eligibility:
Private industry registered in India, especially MSMEs and Startups.
The industry must be a public limited company, private limited company, partnership firm, LLP, OPC, or sole proprietorship registered as per Indian laws.
Industry to be owned and controlled by a Resident Indian Citizen with at least 51% shareholding.

Sector:
Defence

Benefit:
Financial Support and expertise to upgrade existing products/systems.


2. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Eligibility:

  1. Start-ups, as defined and recognized by DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

  2. Any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily an MSME.

  3. Individual innovators are also encouraged to apply (research & academic institutions can use this category).

Sector:
Defence

Benefit:
The objective of the scheme is to provide financial support to nearly 300 Startups, MSMEs, individual innovators and about 20 Partner incubators through Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

Benefit Type:
Cash Benefit Schemes

1. Samridhi Fund

Eligibility:

  1. Be economically viable.

  2. Provide access to markets for the poor.

  3. Be socially relevant and impact the poor as customers, producers, or employees.

  4. The enterprises must have plans to expand operations in any or all the following states – Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan.

  5. Focus on Environment, Social and Governance matters.

Sector:
Social Enterprises

Benefit:
₹430 crore social venture capital fund.


2. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

Eligibility:
Any Indian Citizen who has a business plan for a non-farm income generating activity such as manufacturing, processing, trading or service sector whose credit need is up to 10 lakh can approach a Bank, MFI or NBFC for availing of MUDRA loans.

Sector:
Non-Farm, Non-Corporate

Benefit:
Loans up to ₹10 Lakhs to the non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.


3. Stand-Up India

Eligibility:
SC/ST and/or women entrepreneurs above 18 years of age.
Loans under the scheme are available for only greenfield projects (first-time ventures).
In non-individual enterprises, 51% of shareholding and controlling stakes should be held by either SC/ST and/or Women Entrepreneur.

Benefit:
Loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore.

1. Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities (CEFPPC) Scheme

Sector:
Food Processing Sector

Benefit:
Financial assistance to food processing units in the form of grant-in-aid (maximum ₹5 crore).
35% of the eligible project cost in General Areas.
50% in NE States, hilly areas, and tribal regions.
50% for projects promoted by SC/ST entrepreneurs.

Benefit Type:
Cash Benefit Schemes


2. PM FME Scheme

Eligibility:

  1. Existing Micro Food Processing Unit with less than 10 workers.

  2. Preference for One District One Product (ODOP) policy.

  3. Proprietary or Partner Firm, applicant at least Class 8 passed.

  4. One person per family eligible.

  5. Applicant must contribute 10% of cost; rest via bank loan.

Sector:
Food Processing Sector

Benefit:
Credit-linked capital subsidy @35% of the project cost (max ₹10 lakh).
Seed capital @₹40,000 per SHG member.
Support for marketing, branding, infrastructure, training, and capacity building.

Benefit Type:
Cash Benefit Schemes

1. PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components

Eligibility:
Refer to PLI Scheme Guidelines

Sector:
Automobile

Benefit:
The PLI scheme incentivizes high-value Advanced Automotive Technology vehicles and products, encouraging fresh investments and deep localization.

Benefit Type:
Cash Benefit Schemes

1. National Handloom Development Programme

Eligibility:
Eligibility varies for each component (refer to NHDP document).

Sector:
Handloom

Benefit:
Financial support, awareness, marketing assistance, and concessional credit to handloom weavers. Up to ₹2 crore per project.

Benefit Type:
Acceleration

 


2. Raw Material Supply Scheme

Eligibility:
Individual weavers, SHGs, JLGs, Cooperative Societies, and Handloom Producer Companies involved in weaving activities.

Sector:
Handloom

Benefit:

  1. Transport Subsidy: Yarn at mill gate price.

  2. Price Subsidy: Yarn at subsidized rates to help compete with the mill sector.

Benefit Type:
Infrastructure


3. National Handicrafts Development Program

Eligibility:
Different components have separate eligibility (refer to NHDP document).

Sector:
Handicrafts

Benefit:
Marketing support, skill development, Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana, artisan welfare, infrastructure, technology, and R&D support for craftspeople.

Benefit Type:
Skill Development

Central Sector Scheme on Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants

Sector:
Healthcare

Benefit:

  1. Survey and in-situ conservation of medicinal plants.

  2. Ex-situ conservation via herbal gardens.

  3. Support to JFMCs, Panchayats, SHGs for value addition.

  4. R&D and awareness activities.

  5. Promotional nurseries.

Benefit Type:
Regulatory

 

 

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund for Agripreneurs

Eligibility:

  1. Post Harvest Management Projects.

  2. Projects on Hub and Spoke Model.

  3. Viable Projects for Community Farming Assets.

Sector:
Agriculture

Benefit:

  1. Interest subvention of 3% p.a. on loans up to ₹2 crore for 7 years.

  2. Credit guarantee under CGTMSE up to ₹2 crore.

  3. Moratorium period of 6 months–2 years.

Benefit Type:
Credit Benefit

1. SIDBI Make in India Soft Loan Fund for MSMEs (SMILE)

Eligibility:
New and expanding MSMEs in manufacturing and service sectors with modernization needs.

Sector:
MSME

Benefit:
Loan range ₹10–25 lakh, longer repayment periods, low promoter contribution, and faster processing for machinery finance.

Benefit Type:
Loan


2. Swarojgar Credit Card

Eligibility:
Small entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and small businesses in India.

Sector:
Micro-entrepreneurs

Benefit:
₹25,000 per borrower as composite loan. Simplified credit access for self-employment ventures.

Benefit Type:
Credit Benefit


3. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

Eligibility:
Individuals, Proprietary, Partnership, Private Ltd, or Public Company in manufacturing, trading, or services.

Sector:
MSME / Small Businesses

Benefit:
Shishu: Up to ₹50,000
Kishor: ₹50,001–₹5,00,000
Tarun: ₹5,00,001–₹10,00,000

Benefit Type:
Cash Benefit Schemes

Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects

Sector:
Energy

Benefit:
CFA up to ₹25 lakh per solar park for DPR.
CFA up to ₹20 lakh per MW or 30% of project cost (whichever lower) including grid connectivity.

Benefit Type:
Funding

1. NABVENTURES Fund

Eligibility:
Startups in Agtech, Food, Fintech, and Rural Enterprises with turnover ≥ ₹25 lakh or strong unit economics.

Sector:
Agritech, Food Processing, Fintech, Rural Development

Benefit:
Equity investments ₹5–20 crore, mentorship, networking, branding, and market access.

Benefit Type:
Financial Benefits


2. Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST)

Eligibility:
ST entrepreneurs with ≥51% shareholding, manufacturing/service/startup units, or tech-incubated ventures.

Sector:
Scheduled Tribes

Benefit:
Funding ₹10 lakh–₹5 crore; equity support up to ₹30 lakh; coupon 4% (3.75% for women/divyang); up to 10 years tenure.

Benefit Type:
Funding

1. Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC)

Eligibility:
SC entrepreneurs with ≥51% ownership and management control in manufacturing, services, or startups.

Sector:
Scheduled Castes

Benefit:
Funding ₹10 lakh–₹15 crore; coupon 4% (3.75% for women/divyang); up to 10 years tenure.

Benefit Type:
Funding


2. Venture Capital Fund for Backward Classes (VCF-BC)

Sector:
Backward Classes

Benefit:
Funding assistance to eligible entrepreneurs from backward classes for business setup and growth.


3. Senior Care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) Venture Fund

Sector:
Elderly Care Sector


4. Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission (ASIIM) under VCF-SC

Sector:
Scheduled Castes

1. Biotechnology Industry Partnership Program (BIPP)

Eligibility:
Companies/LLPs (≥51% Indian ownership) or consortia with academia/research partners.

Sector:
Agritech, Healthtech

Benefit:
Viability gap funding, R&D collaboration, IP ownership retention for funded companies.

Benefit Type:
Facilitation Support


2. BIRAC Incubators SEED Fund

Eligibility:
Startups with innovative ideas supported by recognized incubators.

Sector:
Biotechnology

Benefit:
Up to ₹200 lakh per incubator for equity/operational funding of startups.

Benefit Type:
Incubators


3. SPARSH (Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health)

Sector:
Maternal and Child Health, Ageing and Health, Food & Nutrition, Agri-tech, Waste to Value, Environmental Pollution

Benefit:
Funding support ₹100–200 crore annually for innovations; mentorship, networking, market access, and brand visibility.

Benefit Type:
Infrastructure


4. Industry Innovation Programme on Medical Electronics (IIPME)

Eligibility:
Startups <3 years old, LLPs, DSIR-recognized units.

Sector:
MedTech

Benefit:

  1. Seed Grants: Up to ₹50 lakh (18 months).

  2. Early Transition: Up to ₹100 lakh (24 months).

  3. Transition to Scale: Matching grants for large-scale commercialization (24–36 months).

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Scheme Form