Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme

The Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme is run by the National SC-ST Hub. It supports Micro and Small Enterprises owned by Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs. The program covers a large part of the cost of joining Export Promotion Councils, making it easier for these businesses to access global markets and trade networks. Eligible companies can get back up to 80% of their membership fee, capped at ₹20,000 per financial year. This includes annual subscriptions, one-time entry fees, or similar charges. The scheme does not take any equity or require repayment — it is a pure subsidy. Applications are accepted all year round.

• Reimburses 80% of EPC membership fee, up to ₹20,000 per year.
• Open exclusively for SC/ST-owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
• Applies to both new membership fees and annual renewal fees.
• No equity dilution — funding is 100% subsidy.
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis with no deadline.
• Aims to boost export participation among SC/ST entrepreneurs.

Only Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) with a valid Udyam Registration can apply. The business must have at least 51% ownership held collectively by one or more SC/ST entrepreneurs, shown through a partnership deed or shareholding documents. The enterprise must also hold a valid Import & Export Code (IEC) and a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from a recognized Export Promotion Council in India. There is no restriction on industry sector, state, or legal entity type beyond the MSE definition. The reimbursement covers fees paid toward EPC membership. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and private limited companies can apply as long as they meet the ownership and registration criteria.

Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

• Up to ₹20,000 reimbursement per financial year.
• Reimbursement covers 80% of the EPC membership fee (whichever is lower).
• Includes annual membership subscription fees, one-time membership charges, or entry fees.
• GST and other taxes are excluded from the reimbursement amount.
• Funding is provided as a cash subsidy — no equity dilution or interest.
• The program facilitates market access by making it affordable for SC/ST entrepreneurs to join Export Promotion Councils and network with international buyers.

Documents Required: Reimbursement claims must be supported by: self-certified copies of Udyam Registration, GST registration (if applicable), PAN card, caste certificate of proprietor/partners/directors; details of shareholding proving SC/ST ownership >51%; attested copies of the IEC and RCMC; original/attested payment receipt and GST invoice for the membership fee; and a cancelled cheque of the enterprise's current account.

Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme is offered by National SC-ST Hub, a government body. As a government-backed subsidy, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme, 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.

Export Promotion Council Membership Reimbursement Scheme is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹20,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.