Stand Up India Scheme – Business Loan for Women and SC/ST, Benefits & How to Apply
A New Business, A New Beginning – Government Support for First-Time Entrepreneurs
Starting a business is a dream for many Indians. But lack of funds and support often stop people from moving forward—especially women and people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST). To help them take the first step towards financial independence, the Government of India launched the Stand Up India Scheme.
Since its launch in 2016, this scheme has supported thousands of first-time entrepreneurs. In Budget 2025, the government announced the extension of the scheme till 2028 with improved loan processing and easier repayment terms.
The aim is simple – to give a fair chance to those who have been left behind, and make them stand up on their own feet.
What is Stand Up India Scheme?
Stand Up India is a government loan scheme under the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. It is specially designed to help:
- Women entrepreneurs
- SC/ST entrepreneurs
The scheme provides bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to start a new business. This can be used to set up manufacturing, services, or trading enterprises.
The scheme ensures every bank branch gives at least:
- 1 loan to a woman
- 1 loan to an SC/ST borrower
This support helps first-generation entrepreneurs become job creators instead of job seekers.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to eligible individuals and partnerships.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be SC/ST or a woman
- Must be above 18 years of age
- Planning to start a new business (not an existing one)
- Must be the owner of at least 51% of the business
- Should not have taken any previous loan for the same project
- Enterprise must be in manufacturing, services, or trading sector
Even partnership firms are allowed, but the majority ownership must be with SC/ST or women.
What Benefits Will You Get?
Stand Up India offers financial support, hand-holding, and guidance to new entrepreneurs.
Key Benefits:
- Loan between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore
- Low interest rate compared to regular loans
- Repayment period up to 7 years
- 1 year moratorium period (no EMI for first year)
- Composite loan – includes both working capital and term loan
- Support for business setup, marketing, and compliance
This scheme gives you not only money but also mentoring and hand-holding through designated banks and facilitators.
What is the Process or Last Date?
There is no last date for the scheme. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Application Process:
- Visit your nearest bank branch or apply online
- Choose your business idea and prepare a basic project report
- Submit documents like:
- Aadhaar card
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST)
- PAN card
- Business plan
- Passport size photo
- Bank account details
- Bank will verify and approve your loan request
- After approval, loan will be disbursed in your account
You can also take support from the Stand-Up Mitra portal which helps you connect with banks and training centers.
Real Impact and Government Data
As per the official Stand Up India portal (standupmitra.in):
“As of March 2025, over 1.6 lakh loans worth ₹40,500 crore have been sanctioned under Stand Up India.”
The scheme has created success stories in every state of India – from tribal villages in Jharkhand to towns in Maharashtra.
🗣️ “I started my small garment manufacturing unit with a ₹25 lakh loan under Stand Up India. Today I employ 12 women,” says Kavita from Nagpur.
The scheme is also praised by MSME Ministry and NITI Aayog for promoting inclusive entrepreneurship.
How to Apply + Helpful Link
You can apply through two simple ways:
Online Method:
- Visit official portal:
👉 https://www.standupmitra.in - Click on “Register”
- Fill your personal, business, and loan details
- Upload documents
- Submit and track your application
Offline Method:
Visit any bank branch, especially public sector banks, and ask for Stand Up India loan form. Bank officials will help you complete the process.
You can also contact SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) for help.
Looking for smaller business loans without collateral? Read about PM Mudra Yojana – Business Loan for Micro Units
Key Highlights of Stand Up India Scheme:
- Scheme Name: Stand Up India / स्टैंड अप इंडिया योजना
- Launched: April 2016
- Run By: Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India
- Loan Amount: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
- Eligible Applicants: SC/ST and women entrepreneurs
- Purpose: To start new business (manufacturing, trading or services)
- Loan Repayment: Up to 7 years + 1 year moratorium
- Apply at: https://www.standupmitra.in
Closing Note – Start Something of Your Own
This scheme is not just about getting a loan. It’s about getting a new chance to grow.
For every woman who wants to start a boutique, every SC/ST youth dreaming of opening a repair shop, every person waiting for the right support – this is your time.
Don’t wait. The government is ready to support you.
👉 Stand up today. Become an entrepreneur tomorrow.
Because India grows when you grow. Because your dream matters.