The Indian government has launched several schemes and grants to support and grow the startup ecosystem. These initiatives provide financial assistance, mentorship, and other resources to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most prominent ones.
| Scheme Name | Loan Amount | Purpose | Key Features & Eligibility |
| Stand-Up India Scheme | ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore | To set up a new enterprise | – For women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.<br>- Covers manufacturing, trading, and services.<br>- The enterprise must be “greenfield” (first-time venture). |
| Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme | Up to ₹10 lakh | To establish or expand small-scale businesses | – Offered by SIDBI.<br>- For new ventures or for upgrading and modernizing existing ones.<br>- Flexible repayment period of up to 10 years. |
| Annapurna Scheme | Up to ₹50,000 | For food catering businesses | – Specifically for women in the food catering industry.<br>- Loan can be used to buy equipment, utensils, etc.<br>- Flexible repayment period of up to 36 months. |
| Cent Kalyani Scheme | Up to ₹100 lakh | For working capital and equipment | – Offered by Central Bank of India.<br>- No collateral security required.<br>- Covers a wide range of sectors including retail, small businesses, and professional services. |
| Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) | Up to ₹10 lakh | For micro and small enterprises | – Collateral-free loans categorized as Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh), and Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh).<br>- A significant portion of the beneficiaries are women.<br>- Loans for non-farm, non-agriculture businesses. |
| Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD) | Government grant up to 30% of project cost | For women from economically weaker sections | – The scheme provides financial assistance and skill development to women entrepreneurs.<br>- Aims to empower women in non-farm activities.<br>- Implemented through NGOs and other institutions. |
| Mahila Coir Yojana | N/A | To promote coir industry among women | – This scheme provides training and financial assistance to women artisans in the coir sector.<br>- Focuses on skill development and providing micro-credit. |
