Goa Share Capital Scheme 2008 — Interest-Free Loan for Entrepreneurs — Frequently Asked Questions

The amount depended on who was applying. A single individual could receive up to ₹2,00,000, while a professionally qualified individual could go up to ₹3,00,000. A group of applicants could avail a maximum of ₹10,00,000. In every case the assistance equalled 50% of the total project cost.

It was a share capital contribution structured as an interest-free loan. No interest was charged, and the scheme did not take any ownership stake in the venture — the amount simply had to be repaid in instalments over the agreed tenure.

Individuals and groups of individuals who had lived in Goa for at least 15 years. Applicants needed to be below 40 years of age, have passed at least the 8th standard (relaxable), and have a combined annual family income — applicant plus spouse — of no more than ₹80,000. Women, disabled applicants and those from SC, ST and OBC communities got a 5-year age relaxation.

No. Anyone who had availed more than 15% subsidy under any other scheme was ineligible. Applicants already covered under the Kamdhenu Scheme were also excluded, except in the case of dairy and dhilling units.

The capital contribution had to be returned in equal monthly instalments within 10 years. A moratorium period of up to one year was allowed, giving the venture breathing room before repayments started.

A special insurance cover was built into the scheme. In the event of death or permanent disability, the beneficiary was absolved of outstanding dues. The premium was ₹200 for every ₹1,00,000 or part thereof, and it had to be paid before the loan was disbursed.

Yes. Preference went to women entrepreneurs, self-help groups of women, disabled persons, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Beyond that, 30% of the budgeted outlay was reserved for women entrepreneurs.

The application form was purchased for ₹25 from the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce at Udyog Bhavan, Panaji. Applicants filled in all mandatory fields and attached self-attested copies of the required documents, along with a non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 and its receipt. The completed and signed form was then submitted to the same Directorate in Panaji.

A Task Force Committee scrutinised each application for feasibility, reviewing the documents and the proposed income-generating activity before recommending eligible applicants for disbursement. The Director of Industries, Trade and Commerce could also relax certain scheme provisions with prior government approval.

The scheme remained operational until 31 March 2011. No application deadline is listed for it now, so founders looking for current Goa state support should confirm the position with the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce.

Goa Share Capital Scheme 2008 — Interest-Free Loan for Entrepreneurs runs on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline — applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Check the official site to confirm the window is currently open.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Goa Share Capital Scheme 2008 — Interest-Free Loan for Entrepreneurs, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Goa Share Capital Scheme 2008 — Interest-Free Loan for Entrepreneurs is offered by Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Government of Goa, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.