Government grants and schemes for startups.

• Idea grant: individuals can apply; incorporation (Pvt Ltd, LLP or OPC) and a KSUM Unique ID are needed before money is released.
• Productisation, market acceleration and scale-up grants need a registered startup with a KSUM Unique ID.
• Women/transgender productisation grant needs at least 51% shareholding by women or transgender founders.
• Grants work as a ladder: later grants pay the remaining balance after earlier ones.

How to apply: Apply on the KSUM innovation grant portal; shortlisted startups pitch to an expert committee.

KSUM Unique IDGrant ladderStages: Idea, Prototype / MVP, Early revenue, Growth

• Startup as defined by the Government of India, registered on StartinUP.
• Sustenance allowance is for startups up to the prototype stage, through recognised incubators.
• Startups approved under the 2020 policy stay under it; pending cases get a one-time option to move to the 2026 policy.

How to apply: Register on the StartinUP portal and apply through a recognised incubator; the Startup Review Committee of Experts recommends grants.

StartinUP registrationVia incubatorExtra for women and deep techStages: Idea, Prototype / MVP, Early revenue

• Startup incorporated in Karnataka (private limited, LLP or partnership).
• Up to 10 years old, with turnover not above ₹100 crore in any year.
• Working on an innovative product, service or process. Separate tracks exist for women-led, SC/ST and minority founders.

How to apply: Apply through the Karnataka Startup Cell portal when a call opens (the 2026 call opened on 25 May 2026).

Karnataka-incorporatedNo equityAnnual callStages: Idea, Prototype / MVP, Early revenue

• Startups based in Maharashtra; most support is for DPIIT-recognised startups.
• Pilot work orders go to startups selected at Maharashtra Startup Week.
• Reimbursement caps and percentages are set in MSInS scheme guidelines; check the current notice.

How to apply: Watch MSInS for Maharashtra Startup Week and reimbursement scheme calls, and apply on its portal.

Maharashtra startupsPilot ordersReimbursementsStages: Prototype / MVP, Early revenue

• Startups do not apply to SIDBI. You raise from a venture fund (Category I or II AIF) that has taken FFS money.
• Those funds must invest at least twice the FFS contribution in DPIIT-recognised startups.
• FoF 2.0 focuses on deep tech, early-stage, innovative manufacturing and technology-driven startups.

How to apply: Get DPIIT recognition, then pitch SIDBI-backed venture funds directly. SIDBI publishes the funds it has backed.

DPIIT recognition neededEquity via VC fundsNo direct applicationStages: Prototype / MVP, Early revenue, Growth

• DPIIT-recognised startup.
• Not in default to any lender or investor and not classed as an NPA.
• Covers venture debt, working capital, subordinated debt, debentures and similar facilities from member institutions.

How to apply: Apply for the loan with a member bank, NBFC or venture debt fund (or through the Jan Samarth portal). The lender seeks the guarantee from NCGTC; you do not apply for the guarantee yourself.

DPIIT recognition neededVenture debt and working capitalCollateral-lightStages: Early revenue, Growth

• Micro or small enterprise (Udyam registration) borrowing from a member lending institution.
• No collateral security or third-party guarantee is taken for the covered amount.
• Higher cover percentages apply for women, SC/ST entrepreneurs and some regions; the lender pays an annual guarantee fee.

How to apply: Ask your bank or NBFC for a loan "under CGTMSE cover". The lender applies for the guarantee.

Udyam (MSME) registrationNo collateralBank loansStages: Early revenue, Growth

• Non-farm income-generating micro or small enterprise (manufacturing, trading, services, allied agriculture).
• Suits very early or very small ventures.

How to apply: Apply at any bank, RRB, small finance bank, MFI or NBFC branch with a business plan, KYC and quotations. No collateral is required; the loan is covered by the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units.

Micro businessesNo collateralStages: Idea, Prototype / MVP

• Non-farm income-generating micro or small enterprise.
• Usually for businesses past the start-up phase that need money to stabilise or grow.

How to apply: Apply at any bank, RRB, small finance bank, MFI or NBFC branch with a business plan, KYC and quotations. No collateral is required; the loan is covered by the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units.

Micro businessesNo collateralStages: Prototype / MVP, Early revenue

• Non-farm income-generating micro or small enterprise.
• For established units ready to expand.

How to apply: Apply at any bank, RRB, small finance bank, MFI or NBFC branch with a business plan, KYC and quotations. No collateral is required; the loan is covered by the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units.

Micro businessesNo collateralStages: Early revenue, Growth

• Only for entrepreneurs who took a Tarun loan and repaid it successfully.
• Non-farm income-generating micro or small enterprise.

How to apply: Apply at any bank, RRB, small finance bank, MFI or NBFC branch with a business plan, KYC and quotations. No collateral is required; the loan is covered by the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units.

Repeat borrowersNo collateralStages: Growth

• DPIIT-recognised startup, incorporated not more than 2 years before applying.
• Technology used in the core product, service, business model or distribution.
• Has not received more than ₹10 lakh of monetary support under other central or state schemes (prize money, subsidised workspace and founder allowances excluded).
• At least 51% Indian promoter shareholding when applying.

How to apply: Apply on the Seed Fund portal to up to three incubators of your choice; the incubator’s committee selects and disburses in milestones.

DPIIT recognition neededVia incubatorGrant + debtStages: Idea, Prototype / MVP, Early revenue

• Individuals over 18; no income ceiling. Also SHGs, societies and trusts.
• New projects only. 8th pass needed for projects above ₹10 lakh (manufacturing) or ₹5 lakh (services).
• Subsidy: general category 15% urban / 25% rural; special categories (SC/ST/OBC, minorities, women, ex-servicemen, PwD, NER, hill and border areas) 25% urban / 35% rural.
• Units that already received a government subsidy under another scheme are not eligible.

How to apply: Apply online on the KVIC PMEGP e-portal; the application goes to the district agency and then to your chosen bank.

New micro unitsHigher subsidy for women, SC/ST, ruralStages: Idea, Prototype / MVP

• SC or ST entrepreneur, or a woman entrepreneur, aged 18 or above.
• For companies or firms, at least 51% shareholding and control with SC/ST and/or women.
• Greenfield: your first venture in manufacturing, services, trading or agri-allied activities.
• Not in default to any bank. You bring margin money (about 15% of project cost).

How to apply: Apply at a bank branch, through the Lead District Manager, or online on the Stand-Up Mitra portal.

SC/ST and womenFirst venture onlyStages: Idea, Prototype / MVP