Stand-Up India Scheme
Government-backed loans of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs to set up greenfield enterprises.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L – ₹1Cr (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Government of India (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Stand-Up India Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Finance, aims to promote entrepreneurship among women and Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) by facilitating bank loans for setting up new, greenfield projects. The scheme mandates that each bank branch finance at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower for a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services, trading, or agriculture-allied activities. For non-individual enterprises, at least 51% shareholding and controlling stake must be held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur. The loan amount ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore, and there is no specified deadline for applications.
Highlights
- Loan range of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for greenfield enterprises.
- Targets SC/ST and women entrepreneurs – one from each category per bank branch.
- Covers manufacturing, services, trading, and agriculture-allied activities.
- At least 51% shareholding and control must be with SC/ST or woman for non-individual entities.
- No application deadline specified – ongoing scheme.
- Apply online via the Stand-Up Mitra portal.
Who can apply
The scheme is open to women entrepreneurs and individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes. For non-individual enterprises (e.g., partnerships, companies), at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake must be held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur. The business must be a greenfield project (new venture) in manufacturing, services, trading, or activities allied to agriculture.
Stand-Up India Scheme is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Stand-Up India 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.
What the funding covers
The scheme provides bank loans of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for setting up greenfield enterprises. The loan covers the capital requirements for starting a new business in eligible sectors. No equity is taken; it is a debt facility facilitated through bank branches.
About the provider
Stand-Up India Scheme is offered by Government of India, a government body. As a government-backed grant, 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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted online through the Stand-Up Mitra portal. The application requires details about the business, financial needs, and entrepreneur background. The processing and approval are handled by the bank branch based on standard lending criteria and scheme guidelines.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Stand-Up India 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.
Who this is best for
Stand-Up India Scheme is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L – ₹1Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is available under the Stand-Up India Scheme?
The scheme facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore for eligible entrepreneurs.
What is the application deadline?
No specific deadline has been specified; the scheme is ongoing.
Who is eligible to apply?
Women entrepreneurs and individuals from Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) are eligible. For non-individual enterprises, at least 51% shareholding and controlling stake must be held by an SC/ST or woman.
Which sectors are covered?
The scheme covers greenfield projects in manufacturing, services, trading, and activities allied to agriculture.
Does the scheme require DPIIT or MSME registration?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not mentioned as a requirement.
Does the scheme take equity in the business?
No, this is a loan facility – no equity is taken. It is a debt-based funding.
What documents are typically needed?
The application requires information about the business, its financial needs, and the entrepreneur's background. Specific documents may include identity proof, caste certificate (if applicable), business plan, and financial projections.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the Stand-Up Mitra portal at www.standupmitra.in.
What is a 'greenfield' enterprise?
A greenfield enterprise means a new business venture set up from scratch, as opposed to buying an existing business.
Who offers Stand-Up India Scheme?
Stand-Up India Scheme is offered by Government of India, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Government of India
Government of India runs 3 other programs listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
Alternatives to Stand-Up India Scheme
Not sure Stand-Up India Scheme is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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