Stand-Up India funds SC/ST and women entrepreneurs setting up their first greenfield enterprise — with bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore. Every bank branch is expected to fund at least one SC/ST and one woman borrower, making this one of the most accessible large-ticket schemes for first-time founders.
Key facts
| Loan amount | ₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore (composite: term loan + working capital) |
| Who | SC/ST individuals and/or women, aged 18+ |
| Project type | Greenfield (first venture) in manufacturing, services, trading or allied agriculture |
| Coverage | Loan covers up to 85% of project cost |
| Repayment | Up to 7 years with up to 18 months moratorium |
| Portal | standupmitra.in |
Eligibility
- SC/ST and/or woman entrepreneur, above 18 years
- The venture must be greenfield — your first foray into business
- For non-individual enterprises (partnerships/companies), 51%+ shareholding must be with an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur
- Borrower must not be in default to any bank or financial institution
What the loan covers
- Composite loan: machinery/equipment (term loan) plus working capital
- Margin money: you bring 15%+ of project cost — which can partly come from other government subsidy schemes
- RuPay debit card issued for working-capital withdrawal
- Interest at the bank’s lowest applicable commercial rate for the category
How to apply
- Register on standupmitra.in — answer a short questionnaire about your project
- The portal classifies you as trainee or ready borrower and connects you to handholding agencies (for DPR help, skilling, margin money schemes)
- Choose your preferred banks; the application is forwarded to the selected branch
- Or apply directly at any bank branch or through your Lead District Manager
- Track the application on the portal; banks must decision applications within set timelines
Handholding support and bank connections are free on the official portal.
Frequently asked questions
Is collateral required?
Banks can secure the loan with the project assets and/or the CGFSIL credit guarantee instead of demanding third-party collateral — ask your branch about the guarantee route.
Can I use it to buy an existing business?
No — only greenfield (new) enterprises qualify. For expansion/second ventures, look at Mudra or regular MSME loans.
My project is ₹8 lakh. Do I qualify?
Stand-Up India starts at ₹10 lakh. Below that, Mudra (up to ₹20 lakh under Tarun Plus) is the right scheme.
Related schemes
Disclaimer: PMYojnaUpdates.com is an independent information portal, not affiliated with any government department. Always verify details on the official site standupmitra.in before applying.