Stand-Up India Scheme: Central and state governments are currently running various schemes for farmers, the nation’s daughters, the underprivileged, and women. While the Modi government launched the PM Kisan Yojana to provide financial assistance to farmers, it is simultaneously implementing several schemes to make women self-reliant. If you are a woman wishing to start your own business, this news is particularly relevant for you.

Through this scheme, the government offers financial support ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore. It specifically benefits women from SC and ST communities, enabling them to start small businesses to support their families and care for their children.

We are referring to the Stand-Up India Scheme, which the government launched and will run until March 31, 2025. In the 2025-2026 budget, the government announced a new scheme for women and individuals from SC and ST communities who are starting a business for the first time. The scheme provides term loans of up to ₹2 crore over five years. If you intend to apply, here are the details you should know.

What is Stand-Up India?

The Stand-Up India Scheme was launched on April 5, 2016. The government’s primary objective behind this initiative was to facilitate bank-based financial assistance for women and individuals from SC and ST communities to start their own businesses. Simply put, the scheme provides bank loan facilities to eligible individuals for starting new businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, services, trading, and agriculture-related activities.

How much loan is available under the scheme?

Under the Stand-Up India scheme, the government provides loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore. The composite loan facility covers both term loans and working capital, tailored to the business’s specific needs. The repayment tenure for loans under this scheme is seven years. It also includes an 18-month moratorium period.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

The benefits of the Stand-Up India scheme are primarily extended to individuals belonging to SC and ST categories, as well as women. A key requirement is that the applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

Which businesses are eligible for the loan?

Loans under the Stand-Up India scheme are available for starting specific types of businesses. These include sectors such as manufacturing, services, trading, and agriculture. Loans are also available for agriculture-allied activities like dairy farming, beekeeping, food processing, and fisheries.

Understanding ‘Greenfield Projects’

A ‘Greenfield Project’ refers to a new business venture—one being started for the first time. Consequently, an individual seeking a loan to expand an existing business would not be eligible under the rules of this scheme.

Personal contribution required

The government has clarified that the scheme includes a provision for ‘margin money.’ This margin money is set at up to 15% and can be supplemented by eligible Central or State government schemes; however, the applicant must invest at least 10% of the project cost from their own funds.

Documents required for the scheme

To avail the benefits of the Stand-Up India scheme, applicants must possess specific documents. These include an Aadhaar card, PAN card, proof of address, caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants), passport-sized photographs, bank statements, a business plan, and business-related documents.

How ​​to apply online

First, visit the official Stand-Up India website.

Next, provide details regarding your eligibility and the proposed business.

Keep your information and necessary documents ready.

Submit the loan application form.

The bank will then verify the application and the submitted documents.

Following verification, the credit processing will begin, and the loan will be sanctioned. Conclusion

‘Stand-Up India’ is one of the Government of India’s welfare schemes. This scheme was launched specifically to enable women and individuals from SC and ST communities to start new businesses. Under this scheme, the government provides financial assistance ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore, covering a wide variety of businesses.