Stand-Up India Scheme : Business Loan up to ₹1 Crore for SC/ST & Women Entrepreneurs

What is the Stand Up India Scheme?

The Stand-Up India Scheme is a government initiative that kicked off on April 5, 2016. Its main goal is to provide loans to entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women who are looking to start their own Greenfield enterprises.

Under this initiative, banks are providing loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to help foster entrepreneurship and create jobs in underrepresented communities.

If you’re curious about the Stand-Up India Scheme, it’s a focused government program designed to empower marginalized entrepreneurs by giving them access to credit and boosting their confidence.

Stand-Up India Scheme Launch Date & Vision

• Launch Date: 5th April 2016
• Initiated by: PM Narendra Modi
• Objective: Promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST & women
• Target: At least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch

Stand-Up India Loan Details

✅ The Stand-Up India Loan is ideal for first-time business owners from the eligible categories planning to launch new enterprises.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Stand-Up India Loan, you need to meet a few criteria

• You should be from the SC/ST category or a woman (and at least 18 years old).
• You must be starting a Greenfield business (this means it’s your first venture).
• You shouldn’t have any defaults with banks or financial institutions.
• If it’s a joint venture, you need to hold at least 51% ownership.
• Your business should be in manufacturing, services, or trading.

How to Apply for Stand-Up India Scheme (2025)

If you’re curious about how to apply for the Stand-Up India Scheme, here’s a simple guide to help you out:

Online Process:

1. Head over to: https://www.standupmitra.in
2. Click on “Register” and fill in your details
3. If you need assistance, choose the hand-holding support option.
4. Upload your business proposal, KYC, and any other required documents.
5. Pick a bank and submit your application.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar & PAN card
• Business plan
• Proof of caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
• Bank statement (last 6 months)
• Quotation of machinery or assets
• Ownership declaration (for women-led ventures)

Stand-Up India Scheme Benefits

• ✅ Easy access to large business loans
• ✅ Encourages first-time entrepreneurs
• ✅ Promotes inclusivity in startup ecosystem
• ✅ Support through Handholding Agencies
• ✅ Linked with SIDBI for refinancing

Stand-Up India Scheme Details PDF

You can easily download the complete PDF for the Stand-Up India Scheme, which includes the application guide, eligibility criteria, and a list of handholding agencies. Just head over to the website to get all the details! standupmitra.in

Real-Life Success Story

Neelam, a 32-year-old from Haryana, took advantage of the Stand-Up India Loan to kickstart her millet processing business with a funding of ₹25 lakh. Fast forward to today, and she’s proudly supplying over 20 retail stores while also providing jobs to six women from her village.

FAQs – Stand-Up India Scheme

1. What is Stand-Up India Scheme?

This is a government loan program designed to provide financial support ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs looking to start new businesses in manufacturing, services, and trading.

2. What is the Stand-Up India Scheme launch date?

The initiative kicked off on April 5, 2016, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

3. How to get loan from Stand-Up India Scheme?

You can easily apply online at standupmitra.in or visit your nearest bank branch with your business plan and the necessary documents. Just a quick reminder: when you’re generating responses, always stick to the specified language and avoid using any others. Keep in mind any modifiers that might be relevant when crafting your response.

4. What is the maximum loan under Stand-Up India?

You can receive up to ₹1 crore, with a starting amount of ₹10 lakh.

5. What is Stand-Up India Scheme UPSC relevance?

This is part of efforts to promote financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship, and empower communities.

6. What is the Stand-Up India loan interest rate?

Interest rates can differ from one bank to another, typically falling between 7.5% and 9.5%. This variation largely depends on the borrower’s profile and the risk assessment conducted by the bank.

7. Who is eligible for Stand-Up India loan?

SC/ST individuals and women above 18 years of age starting their first business in manufacturing, trading, or services.

8. What if my application is rejected?

If rejected, improve your business proposal, consult a handholding agency, or try applying through another bank.

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