Stand Up India — ₹10L to ₹1Cr Loans for SC/ST/Women

What is Stand Up India?

Stand Up India is a Government of India scheme that facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise (a brand new business).

The scheme is implemented through all Scheduled Commercial Banks and promoted by SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India).

Key features:

• Loan amount: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
• For SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs
• For new businesses only (greenfield projects) — in manufacturing, services, or trading
• Composite loan (includes working capital + term loan)
• 7-year repayment period
• At least one loan per bank branch to SC/ST, and one to a woman (mandatory for banks)

Who is Eligible?

• Must be SC / ST (for SC/ST category) — OR — Woman (any caste/community)
• Age: 18 years and above
• Must be a first-time entrepreneur (no existing business)
• Business must be a greenfield enterprise in:
  • Manufacturing
  • Services sector
  • Trading

Not eligible:

• Existing businesses (only new businesses qualify)
• Individuals with defaults to any bank or financial institution

Loan Details

How to Apply — Step by Step

Method 1: Online via standupmitra.in

1. Go to standupmitra.in
2. Click "Connect with Bank" or "Apply for Loan"
3. Register with mobile number
4. Fill in:
   • Applicant details (SC/ST/Women category)
   • Business idea / project summary
   • Financial requirements
5. Choose a bank branch near you
6. The portal connects you to the bank branch's Stand Up India officer
7. Bank evaluates your application and processes the loan

Method 2: Directly at Bank Branch

1. Visit any scheduled commercial bank branch (SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, HDFC, ICICI, Canara Bank, etc.)
2. Ask for the Stand Up India loan
3. The Loan Officer at every branch is mandated to have at least 1 SC/ST and 1 woman Stand Up India loan — banks are actively looking for eligible borrowers
4. Submit your business proposal / project report
5. Bank processes the loan after assessment

Documents Required

1. Identity proof — Aadhaar, PAN
2. Caste certificate — SC/ST certificate from competent authority (for SC/ST applicants)
3. Business plan / project report — describing the business, investment, and expected revenue
4. Address proof — Aadhaar/voter ID/utility bill
5. Education and qualification certificates
6. Bank statement (6 months of any existing account)
7. Property documents (if any collateral is being offered)
8. Photographs

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is crucial. Banks assess your loan based on the quality of the business plan. SIDBI and handholding agencies can help you prepare one — contact via standupmitra.in.

Handholding Support

Stand Up India provides free mentorship through empanelled handholding agencies:

• Help with business plan preparation
• Guidance on technology, market linkages
• Post-loan support for business growth
• Contact handholding agencies via standupmitra.in

Credit Guarantee

• Loans are covered under CGFSIL (Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Stand Up India Loans) — this reduces the need for collateral
• SIDBI manages this guarantee fund

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a woman from General category (not SC/ST). Am I eligible?

Yes — the woman quota is separate from the SC/ST quota. Any woman (regardless of caste) can apply under the women's component of Stand Up India.

Can I start a home-based business?

Yes — manufacturing, service, or trading from home is allowed if it constitutes a genuine greenfield business. Examples: food processing, tailoring unit, beauty salon.

What if my loan application is rejected by the bank?

You can apply to another bank branch. Banks have a mandatory target to give at least 1 SC/ST loan and 1 women's loan per branch. If you believe your application was unfairly rejected, escalate through standupmitra.in's grievance section.

Is there a subsidy on the interest rate?

The scheme does not offer a direct interest subsidy, but the rate is capped at Base Rate + 3%. Some states have additional subsidy schemes that can be combined with Stand Up India.

Can I use the loan for an e-commerce or online business?

Yes — service sector businesses including online retail, e-commerce, digital services are eligible under the "services" category.

I have a small MSME already. Can I apply?

Stand Up India is specifically for greenfield (new) businesses. If you have an existing business, consider MUDRA loans under Kishore or Tarun category instead.

Official Links

• Apply: standupmitra.in
• SIDBI: sidbi.in
• Handholding support: Via standupmitra.in → "Handholding Support"
• Helpline: 1800-180-1111 (SIDBI) or contact your bank's Stand Up India officer