Stand-Up India Scheme for SC, ST & Women

The Stand-Up India Scheme is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, operated through the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and all Scheduled Commercial Banks. The scheme is designed to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and economic empowerment by providing bank loans ranging from ₹10 Lakh to ₹1 Crore to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Women entrepreneurs to establish new 'greenfield' business enterprises.

Every commercial bank branch in India is mandated to extend at least two Stand-Up India loans: at least one loan to an SC or ST borrower, and at least one loan to a woman borrower. The loan is composite in nature, covering both term loans (for machinery, equipment, building, and tools) and working capital. The program operates through the dedicated Stand-Up Mitra portal (standupmitra.in), which connects aspiring entrepreneurs with specialized handholding agencies, project mentors, financial institutions, and district support managers.

Key features of the financing package under Stand-Up India include: 1. Composite Financing: The bank sanctions both term loans (up to 75% of project cost) and working capital (via cash credit or overdraft) in a single integrated credit window. 2. Low Margin Money: The borrower needs to bring only 10% to 15% of the total project cost as own contribution (can be combined with eligible central/state subsidies). 3. Competitive Interest Rates: Loans are priced at the bank's lowest applicable rate for the category (typically Base Rate / MCLR + 3% + tenor premium). 4. RuPay Debit Card for Working Capital: Working capital limits up to ₹10 Lakh are disbursed through a dedicated RuPay debit card for instant withdrawal and hassle-free supplier payments. 5. Handholding and Mentorship Ecosystem: Access to over 8,000+ empaneled handholding agencies for DPR preparation, financial literacy training, skill development, and market linkages via standupmitra.in.

To be eligible for a Stand-Up India loan, applicants must satisfy these rules: • Target Group: The applicant must be either a Woman entrepreneur (of any caste/community) OR an individual belonging to the SC or ST category. • Age Requirement: Must be 18 years of age or older. • Greenfield Enterprise Only: The loan must be for setting up a brand-new first-time commercial venture in manufacturing, services, trading, or agri-allied sector. • Non-Individual Enterprises: In case of partnerships, private limited companies, or LLPs, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling management stake must be held by either an SC/ST individual or a woman. • Clean Credit Record: The applicant should not be in default to any bank or financial institution.

Keep these documents ready for registration on standupmitra.in: 1. Identity & Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport. 2. Caste Certificate: Valid SC/ST Certificate issued by competent revenue authority (not required for General/OBC women applicants). 3. Detailed Project Report (DPR): Comprehensive business plan outlining project costs, machinery quotations, revenue projections, and operational break-even analysis. 4. Business Entity Documents: UDYAM Registration Certificate, Partnership Deed, or MOA/AOA and Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable). 5. Financial Records: Last 6 months bank statement, IT Returns / Form 16 (if available), and Net Worth statement. 6. Premise Proof: Registered lease agreement, rent agreement, or title deed of proposed factory/office location.

• Aadhaar Card and PAN Card of the applicant
• SC / ST Caste Certificate (for SC/ST applicants) or Proof of Identity as Woman Entrepreneur
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) with cost of machinery, equipment & working capital
• Proof of Business Address and Premise (Lease/Rent agreement or ownership paper)
• Bank Account Statement of the applicant for the past 6 months
• Passport-size Photographs & Partnership Deed / MOA & AOA (if company/firm)
• Pollution / Municipal NOC & Industry Registrations (UDYAM Registration)

You can apply for Stand-Up India in 4 streamlined steps: Step 1 — Register on the Stand-Up Mitra Portal: Visit standupmitra.in and click 'Register / Apply Online'. Select whether you are a 'Trainee Borrower' (needing handholding/DPR support) or a 'Ready Borrower' (ready with a complete project report). Step 2 — Select Preferred Bank & Fill Form: Fill in your personal information, chosen business sector, proposed project cost (between ₹10 Lakh and ₹1 Crore), and select your preferred commercial bank branch. Step 3 — Upload Project Report & KYC: Upload your DPR, PAN, Aadhaar, caste certificate (if SC/ST), and machinery quotations. Submit the online application. Step 4 — Bank Appraisal & Sanction: Your file is directly routed to the chosen bank branch and the Lead District Manager (LDM). The bank appraises technical and financial viability, conducts site inspection, sanctions the composite loan, and issues the sanction letter.

The Stand-Up India scheme is operational nationwide through 2026. Bank branches process applications continuously throughout each financial quarter.

• Applying for existing business expansion (Stand-Up India is strictly for 'Greenfield' / brand-new businesses; for expanding existing units, apply under PMEGP 2nd Loan or MUDRA Tarun). • In multi-partner firms, failing to ensure 51%+ majority equity ownership is held by the woman or SC/ST promoter. • Submitting a vague project plan without genuine manufacturer quotations for plant and machinery. • Ignoring credit score (CIBIL score should ideally be 650+ with no history of loan defaults).

Use the handholding feature on standupmitra.in to connect with SIDBI-certified project consultants who can help you prepare a solid, bankable Detailed Project Report (DPR). Engage with your local Lead District Manager (LDM) for faster branch coordination.