Market Development Assistance to MSMEs — ₹5L Gujarat Exhibition Subsidy — Frequently Asked Questions

The amount depends on the exhibition. For state-level participation the assistance goes up to ₹50,000, while an international exhibition held outside India can attract up to ₹5,00,000. The reimbursement rate is 75% of eligible expenditure for state and national exhibitions and 60% for international exhibitions outside India. Separately, literature and display material costs at international exhibitions outside India are reimbursed subject to a limit of ₹50,000. As this is a government subsidy rather than an investment, no equity is taken in the business.

Stall rent is the main expense covered. The scheme also reimburses the cost of product literature and display material prepared for the exhibition. For international exhibitions held outside India, the literature and display material component carries its own limit of up to ₹50,000.

Only MSME units engaged in the manufacturing sector and located in Gujarat are eligible, and the unit must be in production during the scheme's operative period. Participation at state, national and international levels is covered, subject to the relevant approvals.

The scheme is rolling — applications are accepted through the year rather than against a single cut-off date. The important timeline is the claim window: an MSME must apply within six months of its exhibition participation.

For state, national and international exhibitions held inside India, an MSME can avail the benefit a maximum of 5 times. For international exhibitions held outside India, the limit is 3 times.

Yes. International level exhibitions require approval from a designated central government agency. The agencies named for this purpose include the Ministry of MSME, ITPO, EEPC and FIEO.

DPIIT recognition is not among the conditions set out for this scheme. What the scheme requires is that the applicant is an MSME unit in the manufacturing sector, located in Gujarat, and in production during the operative period. Applicants should be ready to establish their manufacturing status and Gujarat location when filing the claim.

Yes. An MSME may avail benefits from Central Government Schemes for components that the State Government Scheme does not cover, provided that the total assistance received does not exceed the actual expenditure incurred.

Applications are made online on the Investor Facilitation Portal at ifp.gujarat.gov.in/DIGIGOV/. Register as a new investor, verify your email through the link sent to your inbox, log in with your email address and password, then fill in the required business details and upload the mandatory documents. Make sure the application is filed within six months of your exhibition participation. The scheme's Government Resolution is available on the Industries and Mines Department site for reference.

No. Market Development Assistance to MSMEs — ₹5L Gujarat Exhibition Subsidy is subsidy and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.

Market Development Assistance to MSMEs — ₹5L Gujarat Exhibition Subsidy is offered by Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.