What is the scheme?
Stand-Up India is a government scheme launched by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in collaboration with scheduled commercial banks, aimed at facilitating bank loans for women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to set up green-field enterprises in manufacturing, services or trading sectors.
In 2025, the scheme’s duration has been extended and a revised version is planned with increased loan limits. Startup ICAI+1
Key features & benefits
- Loan amount between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore for eligible applicants. HDFC Bank+1
- The loan is a composite loan (term loan + working capital) covering up to ~85% of the project cost (subject to conditions). HDFC Bank+1
- Intended only for green-field projects (i.e., first-time venture by the beneficiary) in manufacturing, services, or agri-allied/trading sectors. The Financial Express+1
- Priority access: each bank branch should finance at least one woman borrower and one SC/ST borrower under the scheme. The Financial Express+1
- Credit guarantee support is available via the Government’s guarantee fund so that collateral requirements are relaxed. Wishfin+1
- In the revised version (to be launched/rolled out by September 2025), the upper limit could rise to ₹2 crore for women, SC/ST entrepreneurs. The Financial Express
Eligibility criteria
To apply under Stand-Up India, you must meet the following main eligibility conditions:
- The applicant must be a woman or belong to SC/ST category.
- Applicant must be over 18 years of age.
- The enterprise must be a green-field project — new business venture (i.e., not an existing business). The Financial Express+1
- If the enterprise is a non-individual entity (company/firm), then at least 51% shareholding and controlling stake must be held by SC/ST and/or woman entrepreneur.
- Applicant should not be a defaulter of any bank or financial institution.
Documents required
Some of the typical supporting documents you will need to submit:
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN etc)
- Proof of residence/address
- Caste certificate (if SC/ST)
- Business address proof / rent agreement (if applicable)
- Project report/business plan (cost, working capital, feasibility)
- Financial statements or income tax returns of promoters (for non-individual entities)
- MSME/SSI registration (if available/applicable)
How to apply — Step by step
Here’s how you can apply under the scheme:
- Visit the official portal: Go to the portal Stand‑Up Mitra Portal (www.standupmitra.in) to register and check details. PM Yojana+1
- Register: Click on “Register” and fill in basic details such as your name, category (women / SC / ST), business type, location, whether you require handholding/training etc. PM Yojana+1
- Dashboard & application: Once registered, you will get access to a dashboard where you can apply for the loan by selecting your bank-branch preference, entering business details, project cost, etc. Startup ICAI
- Select bank/branch or visit a branch: You may choose a scheduled commercial bank branch that participates in the scheme, or visit your nearest branch and indicate your interest in the scheme. The bank will guide you further. The Financial Express+1
- Submit documents & project report: Provide the required documents and a project/business plan. The bank will assess and process your application.
- Approval and disbursement: After scrutiny, if approved, the loan is sanctioned and disbursed. You will begin your enterprise.
- Handholding support: If needed, you can avail handholding/training from agencies connected via the portal to strengthen your business plan and capabilities.
Key tips / things to know
- Ensure your business is truly green-field — i.e., first time venture under your name or company.
- Prepare a solid business plan with clear cost, revenue, repayment projections — this helps in faster approval.
- Choose your bank branch wisely (one that is accustomed to processing scheme loans) for smoother process.
- Even though collateral requirements are relaxed, banks may still review your credit history/financial capacity carefully.
- Keep all documents updated, especially caste certificate (if applicable), business registration, bank account details etc.
- Keep track of scheme updates: The revised version (2025) may bring higher loan limits (up to ₹2 crore) and more support.