Stand Up India Scheme Empowering SC/ST,Women Entrepreneurs

Stand up India Scheme

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India’s entrepreneurial spirit is high, and the government is actively nurturing this growth. One of the most impactful initiatives is the Stand Up India Scheme. Launched in 2016, this scheme aims to empower Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women entrepreneurs by providing them with easy access to business loans.
If you’re looking to start a new venture and belong to any of these categories, the Stand Up India Scheme could be the perfect opportunity to help you succeed!

What is the Stand Up India Scheme?

The Stand Up India Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, designed to promote entrepreneurship among SC, ST, and women. The scheme helps you access bank loans ranging from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore, with each bank branch offering loans to at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower to set up a greenfield enterprise in areas like manufacturing, services, trading, or allied agricultural activities.

Objectives of the Stand Up India Loan

The Stand Up India Loan is here to help you:

  • Create jobs and bring economic empowerment to the grassroots level, so everyone can benefit.
  • Support first-time entrepreneurs from under-represented sections to get their businesses off the ground.
  • Promote inclusive growth, ensuring that no one is left behind, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Key Features of the Stand Up India Scheme

Feature

Details

Loan Amount

Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore

Loan Coverage

Coverage Up to 75% of project cost (except when borrower's contribution + convergence support exceeds 25%)

Type of Loan

Composite loan which includes both term loan and working capital

Purpose

Only for greenfield projects, i.e., new ventures in manufacturing, services, trading, or allied agriculture activities.

Repayment

Up to 7 years, with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months

Interest Rate

As per the bank’s policy, generally competitive (not to exceed MCLR + 3% + tenor premium)

Margin Money

Minimum of 10% of the project cost as their own contribution

Collateral

Loans are typically secured by collateral, but can also be covered by the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand-Up India Loans (CGFSIL).

Digital Access

Stand Up India loan application can be done online via the portal

Eligibility Criteria for Stand Up India Yojana

To apply for a Stand Up India yojna, you must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility

  • You must be over 18 years old.
  • You should be an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
  • The loan is for first-time ventures in areas like manufacturing, services, trading, or allied agriculture.
  • If your enterprise is non-individual, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake should be held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.

Non-Eligibility

  • If you need less than ₹10 lakh or more than ₹1 crore, this scheme isn’t for you.
  • If your business idea doesn’t fall under manufacturing, trading, services, or activities allied to agriculture, you can’t apply.

Documents Required for Stand Up India Loan

When you apply for the Stand Up India loan scheme, keep these documents ready:

  • Aadhaar card
  • PAN card
  • Voter ID or Passport
  • Utility bills
  • Caste Certificate for SC/ST applicants
  • Proof of business location
  • Margin money proof (minimum 10% contribution)
  • Educational or technical qualification documents (if required)
  • Business Plan or Project Report (if required)
  • Bank Statements
  • Passport-sized photos of the applicant
  • Other documents as specified by the lending bank

How to Apply for a Stand Up India Loan Online?

Applying for the Stand Up India Yojana is easy and fully digital. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Go to the Stand Up India portal.
Step 2: Click on Applicant Registration to start your application process.
Step 3: Fill in your personal, business, and financial details.
Step 4: Upload the required documents as part of the application.
Step 5: You can select a ‘Handholding Agency’ to guide you with training, project report preparation, and the loan application.
Step 6: Submit your application. It will then be forwarded to the selected bank branch for further processing and sanctioning.

Note: If you prefer, you can also visit the nearest bank branch to apply in person.

Benefits of the Stand Up India Business Loan

  • Financial Inclusion
    This scheme is designed to empower marginalized communities and women like you to start your own business, giving you the financial support to succeed.
  • Professional Support
    With the help of handholding agencies, you’ll get training, guidance, and mentorship to set you up for success and help you navigate the business world.
  • Flexible Repayment
    The loan gives you up to 7 years to repay, with a moratorium period. This will help you to manage your finances and focus on growing your business.
  • Digital Convenience
    You can apply for the loan online and track your application status. This process is quick and hassle-free.
  • Collateral Support
    Loans are backed by the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme. It reduces the need for collateral and gives you the chance to grow without extra financial pressure.

Real-World Examples of Stand Up India Scheme

  • Papad Manufacturing Unit
  • Food Processing Business
  • E-rickshaw Purchase and Self-employment
  • Printer Cartridge Recycling Startup
  • Vending Machine Supply Business
  • Women-led Small Enterprises

Scheme Name

How It Links with Stand Up India Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

You can use Mudra loans for working capital or business expansion after availing of Stand Up India’s term loan for setting up your enterprise.

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

PMEGP supports new micro-enterprises, and Stand Up India provides additional funding for women and SC/ST entrepreneurs to scale up.

Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)

Offers credit guarantee for loans under Stand Up India, making it easier to get collateral-free funding.

Skill India Mission (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana)

Offers skill development to help you qualify for entrepreneurship and benefit from Stand Up India funding.

Final Word

The Stand Up India Scheme is a powerful tool for aspiring entrepreneurs from SC, ST, and women communities. By providing easy access to business loans, professional support, and digital convenience, the scheme is helping to build a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this opportunity and apply for a Stand Up India loan. Take the first step towards your entrepreneurial dream today!

Reference:
https://dtnbwed.cbwe.gov.in/images/upload/AnnualReport/Facts_For_You-January_2023_378.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the limit of the Stand Up India loan?

The Stand Up India loan ranges from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore per borrower for setting up a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services, trading, or allied agriculture sectors.


2. Who is eligible for the Stand Up India greenfield project?

Eligibility is for SC/ST and/or women entrepreneurs above 18 years, starting their first business (greenfield project) in manufacturing, services, trading, or allied agriculture. For non-individual entities, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake must be held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.


3. Who cannot register under the Stand Up India scheme?

Individuals who are not SC/ST or women, are under 18 years old, want to fund an existing business, or have defaulted on previous loans cannot register under the Stand Up India scheme. For non-individual enterprises, at least 51% ownership must be with an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.


4. Which bank gives Stand Up India loans?

All branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks across India provide Stand-Up India loans.