The Stand-Up India Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Women entrepreneurs. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can avail bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore to set up greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading, or activities allied to agriculture.
The scheme ensures that each bank branch supports at least one SC/ST entrepreneur and one woman entrepreneur by providing easy access to institutional credit.
Objective of Stand-Up India Scheme
The main objectives of the Stand-Up India Scheme are:
- To promote entrepreneurship among SC, ST, and women
- To encourage new (greenfield) business ventures
- To provide collateral-backed institutional loans
- To offer mentoring and hand-holding support to first-time entrepreneurs
Nature and Size of Loan
- Loan Amount: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
- Type of Loan: Composite loan (Term Loan + Working Capital)
- Purpose: Setting up a new greenfield enterprise
- Debit Card: RuPay debit card issued for operational convenience
Sectors Covered Under the Scheme
Loans are provided for greenfield enterprises in:
- Manufacturing sector
- Services sector
- Trading activities
- Activities allied to agriculture (excluding crop cultivation)
Eligibility Criteria for Stand-Up India Scheme
An applicant must fulfill the following conditions:
- Applicant must be a Woman entrepreneur or belong to SC/ST category
- If the applicant is male, he must be from SC or ST
- Applicant must be 18 years or older
- Applicant must not be a bank or financial institution defaulter
- For non-individual enterprises, at least 51% ownership and control must be held by an SC/ST or Woman entrepreneur
- The enterprise must be a greenfield project (first-time venture)
Interest Rate and Repayment
- Interest rate is as per bank’s MCLR + applicable spread
- Repayment period is decided by the bank, generally up to 7 years
- Moratorium period may be provided as per bank norms
Hand-Holding Support under Stand-Up India
The Stand-Up India portal, managed by SIDBI, provides extensive hand-holding support through partner agencies, including:
- Entrepreneurship training
- Skill development programs
- Business mentoring
- Project report preparation
- Application filling assistance
- Guidance on subsidies and government schemes
- Support for work shed and utilities
Application Process for Stand-Up India Scheme (Online & Offline)
Applicants can apply through any of the following modes:
Online via Portal
- Visit the official website: www.standupmitra.in
- Register and enter business location details
- Select category (SC / ST / Woman) and ownership stake (51% or more)
- Choose nature of business and required loan amount
- Provide details of premises and prior experience
- Select whether hand-holding support is required
- Enter personal and enterprise details
- Submit the registration form
After registration, banks or financial institutions will contact the applicant to complete loan formalities.
Offline Mode
- Approach the nearest bank branch
- Apply through the Lead District Manager (LDM) of your district
Documents Required for Stand-Up India Loan
Basic Documents
- Proof of Identity (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID / Driving License)
- Proof of Residence
- Proof of Business Address
- SC/ST Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of non-default status with banks
Business Documents
- Partnership Deed / Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
- SSI / MSME Registration (if applicable)
- Rent Agreement or property ownership documents
- Pollution Control Clearance (if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Project Report
- Projected Balance Sheets & Profit/Loss Statements
- Assets & Liabilities Statement
- Income Tax Returns of promoters
- Details of machinery, suppliers, raw materials, buyers, and competitors
(Additional documents required for loans above ₹25 lakh)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the loan under Stand-Up India Scheme?
The loan is provided to establish new greenfield businesses in manufacturing, services, trading, or agriculture-allied activities.
What is the interest rate under Stand-Up India?
Interest rate is based on bank’s MCLR plus applicable margin, which varies by bank.
Who are the eligible lending institutions?
All scheduled commercial banks are eligible to provide loans under this scheme.
What is Hand-Holding Support?
It is end-to-end assistance provided to entrepreneurs, including training, mentoring, and business setup support.
What activities are considered allied to agriculture?
Activities like dairy, poultry, fisheries, food processing, agri-logistics, and agri-based services (excluding farming).
What is the difference between Stand-Up India and Start-Up India Scheme?
| Stand-Up India | Start-Up India |
|---|---|
| Loan-based scheme | Policy & tax incentive scheme |
| For SC/ST & Women | For all eligible startups |
| Bank loans ₹10L–₹1Cr | Focus on innovation & funding |
| Greenfield enterprises | Startup ecosystem support |