Standup India Scheme - 2026 : Business Loans for SC/ST & Women Entrepreneurs – How to Apply

Standup India Scheme: Process, Eligibility Criteria, and How to Apply

Standup India is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, launched to empower women and SC/ST entrepreneurs by facilitating bank loans between ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for setting up greenfield enterprises. The scheme aims to promote financial inclusion and foster entrepreneurship among underrepresented communities.

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, here’s everything you need to know about the Standup India Scheme, including the application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits.

What is the Standup India Scheme?

The Standup India Scheme was launched on April 5, 2016, by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance. It aims to provide bank loans to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services, or trading sectors.

Key Objectives of Standup India

·Encourage entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities

·Facilitate institutional credit for business ventures

·Promote inclusive economic growth

·Generate employment opportunities

Eligibility Criteria for Standup India

To apply for a loan under the Standup India Scheme, you must meet the following eligibility conditions:

·  The applicant must be either a woman entrepreneur or belong to the SC/ST category.

·  The age of the applicant should be at least 18 years.

·  The business to be funded must be a greenfield project, meaning it should be the first-time venture of the beneficiary.

·  The borrower should not be a defaulter in any bank or financial institution.

·  The enterprise must be in the manufacturing, trading, or services sector.

Loan Details under Standup India

·Loan Amount: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore

· Composite Loan: Inclusive of term loan and working capital

· Repayment Tenure: Maximum of 7 years with a moratorium period of up to 18 months

·  Interest Rate: As per bank norms but generally not exceeding MCLR + 3%

·  Collateral: May be required or covered under Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme

How to Apply for Standup India Loan

You can apply for a Standup India loan through the following steps:

1. Visit the Standup India Portal

Go to the official website: www.standupindia.gov.in

2. Register and Login

·Create a new user profile

·Fill in the applicant details, social category, and nature of the proposed business

3. Project Plan Submission

·Upload your business plan and personal details

·Select your preferred bank and branch

4. Handholding Support

The portal provides handholding agencies for guidance in project preparation, training, and support

5. Loan Approval

· Once the application is reviewed, the bank conducts due diligence

·If approved, the loan is disbursed directly into the applicant’s account

Documents Required

·         Identity Proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card)

·         Address Proof

·         Caste Certificate (for SC/ST applicants)

·         Business Plan

·         Bank Statements

·         Proof of business location

·         Other financial documents as required by the bank

Benefits of Standup India Scheme

·         Financial support to first-time entrepreneurs

·         Encourages women-led startups

·         Access to low-cost institutional loans

·         Backed by a credit guarantee for risk mitigation

·         Promotes socio-economic empowerment

Conclusion

The Standup India scheme is a significant step toward inclusive entrepreneurship in India. By providing accessible business loans to women and SC/ST entrepreneurs, the government is paving the way for a more equitable economy. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don't hesitate to leverage this scheme and bring your business dreams to life.

For the latest updates and to start your application, visit the official Standup India website.