The Stand-Up India Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Finance, is a revolutionary initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among underserved groups like Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women across all sections of society. The scheme facilitates bank loans ranging from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore for setting up greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading sectors, and activities allied to agriculture. It provides a significant boost to economic empowerment and job creation at the grassroots level.
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What is Stand-Up Mitra?
The Stand-Up Mitra initiative is part of the larger Stand-Up India campaign launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on August 15, 2015. It aims to promote entrepreneurship among underserved sections of society, including SCs, STs, and women, enabling them to participate in the nation’s economic growth. The scheme leverages the institutional credit structure to provide financial assistance and hand-holding support to these entrepreneurs.
Benefits of the Stand-Up Mitra Loan
- Composite loans (term loans and working capital) between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore.
- Borrowers receive a Rupay debit card for seamless financial transactions.
- Support for training, project report preparation, and access to subsidy schemes via the SIDBI portal.
- Encourages entrepreneurial participation from underserved communities, fostering economic self-reliance.
Key Objectives of the Stand-Up India Scheme
- To facilitate bank loans between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore for greenfield enterprises.
- To encourage participation from SC/ST and women entrepreneurs in economic growth.
- To promote new businesses in manufacturing, services, trading, and allied agricultural activities.
- To provide hand-holding support, including training, skill development, mentoring, and assistance with project report preparation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Male applicants should belong to SC/ST categories.
- The applicant should not have defaulted on any bank or financial institution loans.
- The enterprise must be a greenfield project (newly established venture).
- For non-individual enterprises, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake should be held by an SC/ST or a woman entrepreneur.
Stand Up Mitra Scheme Required Documents
- Identity Proof: Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, Passport or signature identification from present bankers.
- Residence Proof: Recent telephone bill, electricity bill, property tax receipt, Passport, or Voter ID.
- Business Address Proof.
- Non-Defaulter Proof: Certification that the applicant is not a defaulter in any bank or financial institution.
- SC/ST Proof: Documents to establish the applicant’s caste if applicable.
- Company Documents: Memorandum and Articles of Association, Partnership Deed, or Certificate of Incorporation from ROC.
Stand-Up Mitra Scheme Application Process
Offline Application
- Visit the nearest bank branch to initiate the loan application process.
- Alternatively, approach the Lead District Manager (LDM) for assistance.
Online Application
- Visit the official Stand-Up India portal at www.standupmitra.in.
- Register by providing details such as business location, category (SC, ST, or woman), proposed business nature, loan amount, and personal details.
- Indicate whether hand-holding support is required.
- Submit the registration to begin the loan application process.
- The financial institution will contact you for completing the formalities.
Quick Link
| Online Apply | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Eligible Projects Under the Scheme
Projects in the following sectors are covered:
- Manufacturing, Services, and Trading: Any greenfield enterprise in these sectors.
- Agri-Allied Activities: Pisciculture, beekeeping, poultry, livestock, dairy, fishery, agri-clinics, agri-business centers, food and agro-processing.
Note: Loans for crop production, land improvement, and irrigation projects like canals and wells are excluded.
Stand-Up Mitra Loan Repayment Period
The repayment period for the composite loan is determined based on the nature of the activity and the useful life of the purchased assets. However, it should not exceed 7 years, with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months.
The Stand-Up India Scheme is a transformative initiative designed to uplift marginalized communities and encourage entrepreneurship. By offering financial assistance, training, and mentoring, the scheme enables SC/ST and women entrepreneurs to establish sustainable businesses, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and creating employment opportunities. Aspiring entrepreneurs can take advantage of this comprehensive support system to turn their dreams into reality.