Stand-Up India Scheme: Empowering Women and SC/ST Entrepreneurs in 2026
Explore the Stand-Up India loan scheme offering ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. Learn about eligibility, documents, and how to apply in
The Stand-Up India scheme remains a cornerstone of India's mission to foster grassroots entrepreneurship. Launched by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, this initiative specifically targets underserved communities—Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women entrepreneurs—to help them set up greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, agri-allied activities, or the trading sector.
What is this scheme?
Stand-Up India is a credit-linked scheme that facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one SC or ST borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch of all scheduled commercial banks. The scheme is designed to address the challenges faced by these categories in accessing institutional credit and provides integrated support including handholding and credit guarantee.
Who is eligible?
- SC/ST and/or women entrepreneurs, above 18 years of age.
- Loans under the scheme are available for only greenfield projects (first-time venture of the beneficiary).
- In case of non-individual enterprises, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake should be held by either an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
- Borrower should not be in default to any bank or financial institution.
How much money?
The loan amount covers composite loans (inclusive of term loan and working capital) between ₹10 lakh and up to ₹100 lakh (₹1 crore). As per latest notification, the loan is expected to cover up to 85% of the project cost, though the borrower's contribution requirement may vary based on convergence with other schemes.
Documents needed
- Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Passport)
- Proof of Residence
- Business Address Proof
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST category)
- Project Report (Detailed Business Plan)
- Balance Sheet of the last three years (if applicable)
- Lease Deed or Property Documents for business premises
- Passport size photographs
How to apply (step by step)
- Visit the official Stand-Up Mitra portal (standupmitra.in) or go directly to a Scheduled Commercial Bank branch.
- Register as a 'New Entrepreneur' and fill in the basic details to assess 'handholding' requirements.
- Select the type of assistance required: Trainee Borrower (needs support) or Ready Borrower (needs loan only).
- Upload the required KYC and business documents as prompted by the portal.
- Choose the preferred bank branch for processing the application.
- Track the application status through the portal; the bank will contact you for further formalities and site inspection.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Extension Date | Extended up to the year 2025-26 as per latest cabinet notification. |
| Application Deadline | Rolling applications; verify current cycle on official portal. |
Conclusion
The Stand-Up India scheme is a transformative tool for social justice and economic empowerment. By providing substantial financial backing and reducing the hurdles to institutional credit, it enables women and SC/ST individuals to transition from job seekers to job creators. Prospective entrepreneurs should ensure their business plans are robust and their credit history is clean before applying through the Stand-Up Mitra portal.
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