A guide to the Stand Up India scheme — bank loans of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for SC, ST and women entrepreneurs setting up a greenfield enterprise, with eligibility and how to apply.
For aspiring entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and women backgrounds, access to a first business loan can be transformative. The Stand Up India scheme, launched in April 2016, facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to help these entrepreneurs set up a new enterprise. Here's a complete guide.
Stand Up India requires every bank branch to facilitate loans to at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower for setting up a greenfield (first-time) enterprise in manufacturing, services, trading or the agri-allied sector. Read the structured summary on our Stand Up India scheme page.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore (composite loan) |
| Coverage | Up to 85% of project cost |
| Loan type | Term loan + working capital |
| Support | Hand-holding, RuPay debit card for working capital |
A greenfield enterprise is a brand-new business being set up for the first time by the borrower. Buying into or expanding an existing business does not qualify — the scheme is specifically about first-time entrepreneurship.
If your funding need is below ₹10 lakh, a collateral-free MUDRA loan may suit you better. Innovative, scalable ventures should also register under Startup India for tax and compliance benefits. Stand Up India is ideal when you need a larger, project-based loan to launch a first enterprise.
SC/ST and women entrepreneurs above 18 setting up a first-time (greenfield) enterprise can apply for loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore.
It is a composite loan covering both term loan and working capital, financing up to 85% of the project cost.
Yes, for non-individual enterprises, provided at least 51% of the shareholding is held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
Stand Up India lowers the biggest barrier to entrepreneurship — access to a substantial first loan — for groups that have historically been under-served. With a solid project report and a clean credit record, it can fund the launch of a serious enterprise. Apply through standupmitra.in.
Disclaimer: SchemeSphere is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with any government body. Please verify all details on the official portal before applying.
Written by
SchemeSphere Editorial Team
The SchemeSphere editorial team researches and simplifies government schemes so every citizen can understand their rights and benefits. We link to official sources and update our guides as rules change.
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