Ministry of Finance, Government of India (implemented through SIDBI and Scheduled Commercial Banks)
Stand Up India Scheme 2026 — Loans ₹10 Lakh to ₹1 Crore for SC/ST and Women Entrepreneurs
Objective
Facilitate bank loans to SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs for setting up greenfield enterprises (first-time businesses) in manufacturing, services, trading, or agriculture-allied sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must belong to SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe) category — OR be a woman
- Age: 18 years and above (no upper age limit)
- First-time enterprise only — 'greenfield' means a new business venture you are starting for the first time
- In partnership or company: at least 51% controlling stake must be held by SC/ST or woman
- Must not be in default with any bank or financial institution
- The enterprise should be in manufacturing, services, trading, or agri-allied sectors
Benefits & Features
- 1Composite loan from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore (covering 75% of project cost including term loan and working capital)
- 2At least one loan per bank branch to one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower
- 3Repayment period up to 7 years with an 18-month moratorium
- 4Margin money: Borrower contributes minimum 10% of project cost
- 5Loans available through all Scheduled Commercial Banks across India
- 6SIDBI's Stand Up India portal (standupmitra.in) provides hand-holding support, training resources, and digital tools for first-time entrepreneurs
Required Documents
- Identity proof: Aadhaar card + SC/ST certificate (from competent authority) OR proof that applicant is a woman
- Address proof
- Business plan / project report
- Bank account details
- Passport-size photographs
- No-objection certificate from local authority if applicable
How to Apply
Official Portal & Helpline
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Stand Up India — Bank Loans Up to ₹1 Crore for SC/ST and Women First-Time Business Owners
If you are a woman, or belong to SC or ST category, and want to start your first business but don't have the capital — Stand Up India can get you a bank loan from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore without complicated equity or collateral requirements.
The scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi on April 5, 2016 with a simple philosophy: every bank branch in India must support at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower to set up a new enterprise.
What "Greenfield" Means (Important)
Stand Up India is specifically for greenfield enterprises — meaning this must be your first business venture. If you already run an existing business and want to expand it, this scheme is not for you. But if you are starting fresh, this is exactly what you need.
Loan Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Loan range | ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore |
| Coverage | Up to 75% of project cost |
| Borrower's contribution | Minimum 10% of project cost |
| Loan type | Composite (term loan + working capital) |
| Repayment period | Up to 7 years |
| Moratorium | 18 months (no repayment required for first 18 months) |
| Sectors | Manufacturing, services, trading, agri-allied |
Who Is Eligible
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Category | Must be SC/ST OR a woman (any caste/religion) |
| Age | 18 years or above |
| Business type | First-time (greenfield) enterprise only |
| Stake in business | 51% controlling ownership by SC/ST or woman |
| Credit history | No default with any bank |
How to Apply
Online via Stand Up Mitra Portal:
- Visit standupmitra.in
- Create an applicant profile — fill in your personal details, business idea, loan requirement
- Browse participating banks and select your preferred bank
- Submit preliminary application
- Bank branch contacts you for further verification and documentation
Directly at a bank branch: Walk into any Scheduled Commercial Bank (SBI, PNB, BOI, Canara, Axis, HDFC, ICICI, etc.) and ask specifically for the Stand Up India loan. Every branch is mandated to handle this.
Via Lead District Manager (LDM): Your district's LDM coordinates with banks to facilitate Stand Up India loans. Contact your district's NABARD or SIDBI office if you face difficulty at the bank branch level.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card
- SC/ST certificate issued by competent authority (for SC/ST applicants)
- Business plan / detailed project report
- Address proof of business location
- Bank account statements (last 6 months)
- 2 passport-size photographs
Quick Links
- Official Portal: standupmitra.in
- Helpline: 1800-180-1111