Babasaheb Ambedkar Investment Fund — Debt & Equity for SC/ST in Maharashtra — Frequently Asked Questions

The fund does not publish a fixed ticket size — the amount varies according to the proposal. Funding is provided as a mix of debt and equity, using instruments such as equity shares, convertible instruments and debentures, and it can cover both immediate operational needs and long-term growth.

Yes. This is an equity participation programme as well as a debt provider, but the fund's stake is limited to a maximum of 49%. That leaves the SC/ST promoters in majority control, and after the investment goes through, their shareholding must not fall below 51%.

The business must be 100% owned and controlled by Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs, and both the entrepreneur and the business operations have to be domiciled in Maharashtra. The company must also qualify as a Start-up under the Government of India's Startup Initiative or as an MSME under the MSMED Act, 2006, and it must hold valid Caste and Caste Validity Certificates.

Your company needs to fall under at least one of the two definitions — a Start-up as per the Government of India's Startup Initiative, or an MSME as per the MSMED Act, 2006. If you clear either test, you meet this particular eligibility condition.

No. Domicile in Maharashtra is a core requirement. Both the entrepreneur and all business operations must be located within the state, so an enterprise operating elsewhere would not qualify.

There is no closing date. The fund operates on a rolling, always-open basis, so proposals can be submitted at any time and are evaluated as they come in.

At least 20% of the total capital employed in the business must be contributed by existing shareholders or promoters, or by another investor. This co-financing requirement demonstrates commitment and shared risk.

You will need a valid Caste Certificate together with a Caste Validity Certificate issued by the competent authority, documentary proof of the 20% capital contribution by promoters or shareholders, all required annexures, and a detailed business proposal.

Applications are made online. You complete the fund's application form, which is hosted on a Google Forms link, and attach your supporting documentary proofs and business proposal through the same channel as instructed. After submission, the competent authorities review the application and shortlisted applicants are contacted for further information, presentations or interviews.

The fund stays away from alcohol and tobacco, the gold and diamond trade, real estate, generic trading, and NBFCs other than Micro Finance Institutions. Everything else — manufacturing under the MSMED Act, 2006 plus service sectors such as healthcare, clean technology, food processing and IT — is open for consideration.

Babasaheb Ambedkar Investment Fund — Debt & Equity for SC/ST in Maharashtra is offered by IDBI Capital. It is provided as an investment.