Bengal Business Accelerator Program Cohort 3.0

The Bengal Business Accelerator Program is a structured business acceleration initiative, collaboratively launched by the Government of West Bengal and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP). This program receives support from the World Bank-aided RAMP Scheme, underscoring its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth.

It is specifically designed to assist innovative MSMEs and startups operating within West Bengal. The program targets ventures that encounter challenges in scaling their operations, refining their business models, and securing necessary funding. Through a comprehensive approach, it aims to cultivate investable ventures.

Participants benefit from structured training, expert mentorship, and direct opportunities to engage with investors. By strengthening fundamental business aspects and enhancing funding readiness, the program plays a crucial role in promoting innovation-led economic growth, generating employment, and building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in West Bengal, enabling businesses to scale both domestically and internationally.

• A structured business acceleration program by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.
• Supported by the Government of West Bengal and the World Bank-aided RAMP Scheme.
• Targets innovative MSMEs and startups based in or intending to operate in West Bengal.
• Offers grant funding (amount varies) without taking equity.
• Provides structured training, expert mentorship, and investor exposure.
• Application deadline is January 31, 2026.

The Bengal Business Accelerator Program is open to innovative MSMEs or startups that are legally incorporated as a Private Limited Company or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) under Section 2(68) of the Companies Act, 2013.

Eligible enterprises must have been in operation for no more than five years. A key requirement is that the business must be based in West Bengal, or demonstrate a clear intention to establish its operations within the state.

Furthermore, the startup's core offering must address a clearly identified problem or market gap through an innovative solution. Entities formed by the splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business are not eligible to apply for this program.

Bengal Business Accelerator Program Cohort 3.0 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Bengal Business Accelerator Program Cohort 3.0 closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Recipients of the Bengal Business Accelerator Program receive grant funding, the amount of which varies per selected venture. As a grant-based program, no equity stake is taken from participating startups.

Beyond financial support, the program provides comprehensive benefits including structured training modules, expert mentorship from industry professionals, and valuable direct exposure to potential investors. These resources are designed to help innovative MSMEs and startups refine their business models and enhance their readiness for further investment.

Bengal Business Accelerator Program Cohort 3.0 is offered by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to Bengal Business Accelerator Program Cohort 3.0, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.