Top 5 Government Schemes for Startups in India

The Indian government has launched several schemes to support and encourage startups and entrepreneurs in the country. These schemes aim to provide various benefits such as funding, tax exemptions, mentoring, and ease of doing business. Here are the top 5 government schemes for startups in India:

Startup India

Startup India is a flagship initiative of the government that was launched in 2016. It is a comprehensive action plan that covers 19 points to promote and facilitate startups in India. Some of the key features of this scheme are:

• A single window clearance system for startups to register and operate easily
• A fund of funds with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore to provide financial assistance to startups
• A tax exemption for three years and a 10-year tax exemption for startups in certain sectors
• A fast-track patent application process and a rebate of 80% on patent fees
• A network of incubators, accelerators, mentors, and investors to provide support and guidance to startups

Standup India

Standup India is a scheme that was launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities. It aims to provide bank loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore to at least one woman and one SC/ST borrower per bank branch. Some of the key features of this scheme are:

• A credit guarantee cover of up to 75% of the loan amount
• A margin money subsidy of up to 25% of the project cost
• A web portal to facilitate online application and tracking of loans
• A handholding support through Standup India facilitation centers

Atal Innovation Mission

Atal Innovation Mission is a scheme that was launched in 2016 to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. It is an umbrella initiative that comprises various programs and institutions such as:

• Atal Tinkering Labs: These are innovation labs set up in schools to provide students with access to tools and technologies to create innovative solutions
• Atal Incubation Centers: These are incubators set up in universities, research institutes, or private sector to provide infrastructure, mentoring, and funding support to startups
• Atal New India Challenges: These are challenges that invite innovators and entrepreneurs to solve specific problems in various sectors such as agriculture, health, education, etc.
• Atal Community Innovation Centers: These are centers set up in rural and semi-urban areas to provide innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities to the local communities

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana is a scheme that was launched in 2015 to provide loans up to Rs 10 lakh to micro and small enterprises. It aims to facilitate the growth and development of the non-corporate and informal sector. Some of the key features of this scheme are:

• A three-tier loan structure: Shishu (up to Rs 50,000), Kishor (Rs 50,000-Rs 5 lakh), and Tarun (Rs 5 lakh-Rs 10 lakh)
• A collateral-free loan with no processing fee or guarantee fee
• A Mudra card that acts as a debit card and provides access to working capital
• A refinance facility through Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA)

Make in India

Make in India is a scheme that was launched in 2014 to boost the manufacturing sector in the country. It aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by attracting domestic and foreign investment, enhancing skill development, improving infrastructure, and easing regulations. Some of the key features of this scheme are:

• A focus on 25 sectors such as automobiles, biotechnology, defense, electronics, renewable energy, etc.
• A dedicated web portal that provides information on policies, incentives, opportunities, and queries related to manufacturing in India
• A Make in India center that showcases the achievements and potential of the manufacturing sector in India
• A Make in India week that organizes events, exhibitions, seminars, and workshops to showcase the opportunities and innovations in the manufacturing sector