Goa State Export Market Development Scheme, 2008 — ₹5L Interest-Free Loan — Frequently Asked Questions

It was an export promotion scheme run by the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce under the Government of Goa. It gave Goan units interest-free loans so they could attend international exhibitions and trade shows and go on overseas market study tours, with the aim of growing exports, economic activity and employment in the state. The scheme ran from 2008 until 31 March 2011.

No. The scheme stayed in force only until 31 March 2011, so it is closed to new applicants. The details on this page are a record of the terms that applied while it was operational.

An eligible unit could borrow up to ₹5,00,000 as an interest-free loan. There was no cost of borrowing, and the amount was released by the Directorate once the application was approved.

Two purposes only — participating in international exhibitions and trade shows, and carrying out market study tours abroad. Both were aimed at giving Goan businesses direct exposure to overseas buyers and export opportunities.

The unit had to be set up in Goa and permanently registered or acknowledged by the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce. It also needed at least three years of operations, a valid import/export code issued by the Reserve Bank of India, the Government of India or another competent authority, and a total turnover across the last three financial years that did not exceed ₹10,00,00,000. On top of that, the facility was a one-time benefit — a unit could use it only once in its lifetime — and a sold or transferred unit was barred if the original unit had already received benefits under the scheme.

No. The support was structured as a loan that had to be repaid, so the government did not take any stake in the unit.

The loan was repayable over five years in equal half-yearly instalments. If a payment was delayed, penal interest of 14% per annum applied.

The prescribed proforma application form was available from the Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce and could also be downloaded from the Directorate's official website. Applicants had to print the form, complete every mandatory field, paste a passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of the required documents. The signed form and enclosures went to the Director, Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce. Applications had to reach the Directorate at least 30 days before the planned study tour or exhibition.

The Director of Industries, Trade and Commerce reviewed the application and intimated the decision within two weeks. If approved, the Directorate disbursed the loan. After returning from the tour or exhibition, the promoter had to submit a detailed report within 30 days of the return.

No. The facility could be availed only once per unit in its lifetime, and units that changed hands were ineligible where the original unit had already taken benefits under the scheme.

Goa State Export Market Development Scheme, 2008 — ₹5L Interest-Free Loan 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 State Export Market Development Scheme, 2008 — ₹5L Interest-Free Loan, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Goa State Export Market Development Scheme, 2008 — ₹5L Interest-Free Loan 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.