Capital

Startup funding in India: grants, loans and eligibility

The long-running Indian schemes, loans and grants worth knowing, with who each fits, what you get in rupees and how to apply. Start with your situation, not the biggest number.

Choose Indian funding by the milestone it needs to finance: a technical experiment, equipment, working capital or a business launch. A grant, a loan and equity each come with different costs and conditions. The guide below helps you select the route before you spend time on an application.

Illustrative founder decision

Choose the route from the business model

A founder building a proprietary medical device and an entrepreneur opening a distribution business may need the same amount of money. They need different shortlists. The device team should identify its technical milestone and relevant incubator or innovation route. The distributor should start with the cost of stock, the collection cycle and affordable loan repayment.

A funding brief you can use

Write a one-page funding brief: legal entity and registrations; current revenue; what the money will buy; the milestone it should reach; and the amount you can contribute. Put product development, equipment and working capital on separate lines. A programme that funds one does not automatically fund the others.

The next conversation

If the route needs recognition, a host institution or a lender, identify that decision-maker before preparing a long application. For an ongoing loan, ask for the repayment schedule and application checklist. For a grant call, save the live notification and the eligible-cost rules.

Find your starting point

Scroll across to compare every column.

Your situation Look at first
Starting a small business or going self-employed Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana; CGTMSE-backed bank loans
DPIIT-recognised startup proving a product Check current incubator calls; Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups for eligible repayable debt
Woman entrepreneur SBI Asmita; Union Nari Shakti; MUDRA
Biotech, medtech or life science Check current BIRAC E-YUVA and BIRAC-PATH calls; BIG has no confirmed open call
Commercialising a technology Technology Development Board
Artisan, craftsperson or street vendor PM Vishwakarma; PM SVANidhi
Established MSME needing working capital or machinery SIDBI products (GST Sahay, SWIFT, STEP, EXPRESS)

Government schemes and guarantees

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

Type
Grant, Convertible debt
Support
Up to ₹20 lakh as a grant for proof of concept, prototype or product trials, and up to ₹50 lakh as convertible debentures or debt-linked instruments for market entry and scaling.
Who it fits
DPIIT-recognised startups at an early stage that need money to prove and launch a product.
Key requirements
DPIIT recognition; incorporated not more than two years before applying; a business idea with market fit and scope to scale; Indian promoters holding at least 51%.
How to apply
Apply on the Seed Fund portal to up to three approved incubators. The incubator selects startups and releases funds in milestones.
Availability
Closed to new startup applications under the final published notice
Timing
Final startup deadline: 31 May 2026. Incubators were to complete startup selection by 30 June 2026. The official portal checked on 17 October 2026 still shows this notice; no reopening is confirmed.
Cost or condition to plan for
Money flows through the incubator, which may have its own terms for services or equity. Check them before accepting.
Official sources
seedfund.startupindia.gov.in
Last checked
17 October 2026

Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana

Type
Loan
Support
Shishu ≤ ₹50,000; Kishore > ₹50,000– ₹5 lakh; Tarun > ₹5–10 lakh; Tarun Plus > ₹10–20 lakh.
Who it fits
Eligible income-generating microenterprises, including specified agriculture-allied activities.
Key requirements
Lender credit/applicant checks. Tarun Plus is specifically for entrepreneurs who previously took and successfully repaid a Tarun-category loan.
How to apply
Participating banks, NBFCs, MFIs and other member lending institutions.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing member-lender application/appraisal; no nationwide competitive closing date.
Cost or condition to plan for
Repayable credit, not a subsidy or startup grant. The ₹20 lakh ceiling is not a first-time borrower entitlement.
Official sources
financialservices.gov.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

CGTMSE credit guarantee

Type
Loan guarantee
Support
Credit guarantee framework ceiling increased to ₹10 crore.
Who it fits
Eligible micro/small enterprises seeking lender finance.
Key requirements
Eligible MSE and credit facility through a member lender; lender appraisal, guarantee coverage, exclusions and fees require current checks.
How to apply
Ask the lending institution about CGTMSE coverage; founders do not receive a direct grant from the trust.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing member-lender credit and guarantee workflow; no competitive grant deadline.
Cost or condition to plan for
A guarantee protects the lender under its terms; the business still owes repayment. Do not equate the ceiling with automatic loan sanction.
Official sources
cgtmse.in · pib.gov.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

Type
Loan guarantee
Support
Debt eligible for cover up to ₹20 crore net of collateral; transaction guarantee 85% of default for loans up to ₹10 crore, 75% above ₹10 crore.
Who it fits
Eligible recognised startups seeking debt through member institutions.
Key requirements
Check current DPIIT recognition, member-institution credit eligibility, default/NPA conditions and the guarantee agreement; the lender must approve the facility.
How to apply
Approach a participating lender/member institution, not a grant consultant.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing member-institution application and credit appraisal; no national grant cutoff.
Cost or condition to plan for
Coverage percentages and guarantee fees depend on the revised rules and facility; not a ₹20 crore government grant.
Official sources
ncgtc.in · bankofbaroda.bank.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

PM Vishwakarma

Type
Loan, Toolkit incentive
Support
Enterprise-development loans up to ₹3 lakh in two tranches; toolkit e-voucher up to ₹15,000.
Who it fits
Already registered PM Vishwakarma artisans/craftspeople in covered trades seeking eligible credit stages.
Key requirements
Registered qualifying artisan age 18+ in one of eighteen traditional trades; training, family/government-employment, prior-credit and repayment/tranche rules apply. Bank approves credit after required verification.
How to apply
Official PM Vishwakarma portal / authorised CSC registration and verification.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Continuing staged credit route for eligible registered beneficiaries through scheme period 2027–28; no universal competitive cutoff.
Cost or condition to plan for
Two credit tranches ₹1 lakh / ₹2 lakh at 5% beneficiary rate; training, repayment and tranche conditions apply. Toolkit voucher and training stipend are separate benefits. One eligible family member; current prior-credit and government-employee-family exclusions apply. Official portal says the 30 lakh registration target was achieved in September 2025; fresh enrolment availability is not asserted.
Official sources
pmvishwakarma.gov.in · sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

PM SVANidhi — restructured street-vendor loans

Type
Loan, Interest subsidy
Support
Progressive tranches up to ₹15,000 / ₹25,000 / ₹50,000; repayment 12 / 18 / 36 months.
Who it fits
Eligible street vendors in notified urban/census-town and phased expansion areas.
Key requirements
Valid Certificate of Vending or Letter of Recommendation, applicable ULB/state eligibility and verification. Later tranches require successful repayment of prior tranche. Notified-state rules and bank appraisal apply.
How to apply
Current PM SVANidhi portal/mobile app or ULB assistance; live LoR-cum-loan and enhanced tranche applications.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing applications; Cabinet-extended lending period through 31 March 2030. No national competitive grant cutoff.
Cost or condition to plan for
Collateral-free repayable credit with interest subsidy for timely repayment. Portal updated 13 October 2026 explicitly says enhanced-loan application routes are live.
Last checked
16 October 2026

Research and innovation grants

BIRAC Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG)

Type
Grant
Support
Up to ₹50 lakh grant-in-aid over up to 18 months, released in milestone-linked tranches.
Who it fits
Early biotech, medtech and life-science founders taking an idea to proof of concept.
Key requirements
Company or LLP incorporated within five years of the call, with a functional in-house R&D facility, or individuals as the call allows. Previous BIG recipients are not eligible.
How to apply
Apply to a BIG call through BIRAC; applications are handled with BIG Partner incubators.
Availability
No current open BIG call confirmed
Timing
The official BIRAC current-call list checked on 17 October 2026 does not list BIG. The previous BIG call shown there closed on 30 November 2025. A usual annual calendar is not confirmation of a new call.
Cost or condition to plan for
A proof-of-concept grant, not scale-up money. Plan the next funding step before the grant ends.
Official sources
birac.nic.in · BIRAC current calls
Last checked
17 October 2026

BIRAC E-YUVA / Innovation Fellowships

Type
Fellowship, Research grant
Support
Fellowship plus research support; amount varies by fellowship category.
Who it fits
Entrepreneurial translation of biotech-related research by eligible students/graduates.
Key requirements
Undergraduates: team of 3–5 Indian students with mentor. Innovation Fellow categories: eligible science masters/PhD holders, degree-recency rules/exemptions; full-time EYC work. Current PG/PhD enrolment is excluded for Innovation Fellows.
How to apply
Use the official 2026 call and BIRAC online application.
Availability
Open now; recurs regularly
Timing
2026-10-31 17:30; the call does not explicitly label its time zone—confirm with BIRAC.
Cost or condition to plan for
Category-specific research fellowship, not unrestricted business working capital. Read the residency, mentor and degree requirements.
Official sources
birac.nic.in · birac.nic.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

BIRAC-PATH — patent facilitation co-funding

Type
Patent co-funding, Conditional grant
Support
For eligible businesses/private research institutions: BIRAC bears up to 70% and applicant at least 30% of approved patent costs. Eligible government institutes/universities: 100% grant-in-aid. Benefit sharing applies; no flat rupee grant cap advertised here.
Who it fits
Eligible biotech/life-sciences entities with a protectable invention and patent filing deadlines in the next 4–6 months.
Key requirements
Prior BIRAC-funded startups/companies/MSMEs/institutes/universities; or non-BIRAC-funded biotech/life-sciences startups/MSMEs incubated at BIRAC-supported BioNEST centres. Individuals/fellows, background IP and the same technology already receiving government/incubator/IPFC/TTFC patent support are excluded. Submit an Invention Disclosure Form, technical data, commercialisation plan, incorporation/shareholding/MoA and applicable DPIIT/Udyam evidence. Non-BIRAC applicants also need BioNEST endorsement and incubation agreement; all declare no duplicate patent support.
How to apply
Open the current BIRAC-PATH call and submit the online Invention Disclosure Form during its stated window. Existing BIRAC users use their account; new applicants register through the official route.
Availability
Open now; recurs regularly
Timing
Call opened 1 October 2026; closes 21 October 2026 at 17:30. The notice does not print a timezone; plan around BIRAC’s Indian local time (IST) and submit early. Requested filing deadlines must fall in the next 4–6 months from the call announcement.
Cost or condition to plan for
Cost-linked patent support through empanelled firms, not unrestricted working capital. Applicant retains IP, but licensing/transfer needs prior BIRAC permission. Standard benefit share is 5% of annual net sales until support recovered; 7% applies where the same IP already has a BIRAC royalty obligation. Licensing/sale/assignment entails 1.5 times support; read sections 1.8–1.9 for interest/default and at least 10-year monitoring/reporting duties. Patent support ends at grant or territorial commercialisation, whichever comes first.
Official sources
birac.nic.in · birac.nic.in · birac.nic.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

Technology Development Board commercialisation finance

Type
Loan, Equity, Exceptional grant
Support
Normally loan up to 50% of project cost at 5% simple annual interest; equity up to 25%. Qualifying DPIIT startups with project cost up to ₹5 crore can seek up to 70%.
Who it fits
Commercial application of indigenous technology or substantial adaptation of imported technology.
Key requirements
Eligible Indian commercial/technology entity; technology rights, commercialisation evidence, remaining finance and project due diligence. Generic consultancy or basic research is not the target.
How to apply
TDB’s online proposal process; published FAQ says applications throughout the year.
Availability
Rolling applications
Timing
Year-round applications; no fixed annual closing date.
Cost or condition to plan for
Royalty on product sales, security/guarantees and 1% earnest deposit apply under current FAQ. Deposit may be forfeited if applicant does not sign after LOI. Normally repayment starts one year after project completion, in nine half-yearly instalments over 4.5 years. Grants are exceptional, not the standard route.
Official sources
tdb.gov.in · tdb.gov.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

Karnataka ELEVATE NxT 2026

Type
State grant
Support
Up to ₹1 crore, milestone-based.
Who it fits
Deep-tech ventures with substantial technical complexity, IP potential and TRL 3–8.
Key requirements
Accepted company/LLP/registered-partnership/cooperative; within 20 years; ≥ 2 core/founding team; turnover ceiling ₹300 crore; no ELEVATE grant in preceding 3 years. Pan-India entry, with Karnataka registered-office relocation within 4 months after winning for outsiders.
How to apply
Official ELEVATE portal; use NxT-specific requirements and templates.
Availability
Open now; recurs regularly
Timing
2026-11-13 17:00 IST; opened 2026-10-13.
Cost or condition to plan for
A separate Minorities call has different conditions. Page uses both “not exceed” and “less than” for turnover: confirm borderline cases. Do not reuse old generic ELEVATE eligibility.
Last checked
16 October 2026

Bank loans for startups and women entrepreneurs

SBI Finance to Start-ups — MSME UDAAN

Type
Loan
Support
Term/working-capital finance up to ₹50 crore; bank appraisal and tier-specific rules.
Who it fits
Recognised MSME startups with demonstrated proof of concept and institutional support.
Key requirements
Udyam and DPIIT recognition; qualifying company/registered partnership/LLP, age at most ten years, turnover at most ₹100 crore in any year under published product rules, no reconstruction. Incubator/accelerator/investor support and fully tied-up equity. Above ₹50 lakh AIF investment compulsory.
How to apply
Designated SBI startup branch / official business-loan enquiry route.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing designated-branch application route; no fixed public closing date.
Cost or condition to plan for
Primary asset/IP charges and promoter personal guarantees apply. Guarantee cover or at least 25% tangible collateral if unavailable; up to ten-year term. Public fee sections conflict: obtain written current fee schedule instead of assuming zero fees.
Official sources
sbi.bank.in · sbi.bank.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

Union Start-Up finance

Type
Loan
Support
Startup term/working-capital finance; sanction amount and product limits confirmed by bank.
Who it fits
DPIIT-recognised innovative/scalable startups seeking repayable capital.
Key requirements
Startup certified by competent authority/DPIIT; bank project, repayment and credit assessment. Current product FAQ specifies 20% margin for working capital and term loan.
How to apply
Current Union Start-Up Apply Now / designated startup bank branch.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published bank application route; no fixed competitive closing date.
Cost or condition to plan for
Public FAQ incorrectly labels quantum/security questions as Equipment Finance. Do not rely on those copied headings for a startup cap, collateral waiver or tenor; obtain startup-specific written terms.
Official sources
unionbankofindia.bank.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

PNB Finance to Start-ups

Type
Loan
Support
Published product ₹1 crore– ₹50 crore; minimum 25% margin.
Who it fits
Recognised startups in MSME, agriculture and allied sectors.
Key requirements
Private limited company, registered partnership or LLP; DPIIT/state recognition, age one–ten years, turnover at most ₹100 crore under product rules; promoter equity at least 51%, no reconstruction, innovative/scalable business. Equity fully tied up before funding.
How to apply
Current PNB MSME catalogue → startup guidelines and MSME loan application forms / branch.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published bank application route; no fixed competitive closing date.
Cost or condition to plan for
Published security includes asset charge and promoter-share pledge 10–28%, plus collateral/personal guarantee where applicable. Linked brochure has stale government-guarantee ceilings; use current CGTMSE/CGSS rules and bank confirmation. Fees waived as listed except out-of-pocket expenses; confirm offer.
Official sources
pnb.bank.in · pnbindia.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SBI Asmita — women-entrepreneur MSME loan

Type
Loan
Support
Brownfield above ₹10 lakh– ₹5 crore; greenfield above ₹1 crore– ₹5 crore.
Who it fits
Women-led manufacturing, trading or service MSMEs.
Key requirements
Enterprise run/managed by women; company/partnership women ownership more than 50%; valid Udyam/Udyam Assist identification. Bank credit assessment and applicable current MSME definition.
How to apply
Current official product listing → SBI branch for detailed application/rules.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing branch application route; no fixed public closing date.
Cost or condition to plan for
No collateral under published scheme, but promoter personal guarantees and borrower-paid CGTMSE fee apply. Term/dropline loan up to seven years including six-month moratorium; cash credit repayable on demand/annual renewal. No prepayment penalty.
Official sources
sbi.bank.in · sbi.bank.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

Union Nari Shakti

Type
Loan
Support
From ₹2 lakh; current public page states no maximum ceiling. Final amount subject to appraisal.
Who it fits
Women-owned and managed MSMEs, including qualifying SHGs.
Key requirements
Valid Udyam registration; women own and manage enterprise. Partnership/company at least 51% women shareholding; eligible Udyam-registered SHGs also qualify. Minimum margin 5% up to ₹10 lakh, 15% above.
How to apply
Union Bank official product Apply Now / branch credit application.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published bank application route; no fixed closing date.
Cost or condition to plan for
Term/working-capital facility according to eligible business need. Price, security, guarantees and repayment must be confirmed in bank offer; no unrestricted grant or automatic loan entitlement.
Official sources
unionbankofindia.bank.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI loans for MSMEs

SIDBI Venture Debt Financing to MSMEs

Type
Loan
Support
Rupee term loan normally ₹10 crore, potentially up to ₹15 crore; three-year tenure including moratorium.
Who it fits
VC/AIF-backed growth startups with operating revenue and positive unit economics.
Key requirements
MSME/startup under ten years, ₹10 crore equity with VC/AIF backing; published brochure requires ₹10 crore operating income in the last two years, positive unit economics, debt/equity at most 2:1 and net worth at least proposed loan. Confirm the income-period calculation with SIDBI.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Repayable venture debt with guarantee/risk-sharing coverage where eligible. Current brochure describes non-dilutive funding; no automatic sanction from investor backing.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI GST Sahay — existing customers

Type
Loan
Support
Invoice credit limit up to ₹50 lakh; purchases up to 100% of invoice, eligible credit sales up to 90%.
Who it fits
Existing SIDBI micro/small enterprise customers with invoice cash-flow gaps.
Key requirements
Existing SIDBI customer, Udyam and GST registrations, at least two years operating and cash accruals in last audited year. KYC, credit approval, digital documents and mandate required.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
On-tap invoice finance under approved limit. Purchase proceeds paid to supplier; borrower repays principal and interest. No collateral under published product, subject to approved terms.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI EXPRESS machinery finance

Type
Loan
Support
Up to ₹3 crore; up to 100% financing with 25% fixed-deposit security.
Who it fits
Operating MSMEs buying machinery.
Key requirements
At least three years operating, mandatory Udyam and GST registrations, no bank/FI defaults. Digital assessment uses GST, tax returns, bank statements and credit score.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Repayment up to 60 months; processing fee 0.50% plus GST; MCLR-linked pricing. Immediate in-principle offer is not final disbursement.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI SWIFT overdraft

Type
Loan
Support
Working-capital overdraft up to ₹3 crore.
Who it fits
Established MSMEs needing an overdraft without an existing working-capital lender.
Key requirements
Existing enterprise operating at least three years; no working-capital/overdraft facility with another bank/FI; no bank/FI defaults. Digital credit appraisal.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Processing 0.25% at sanction and 0.10% annually at review/renewal; MCLR-linked pricing. Published product dispenses with monthly/quarterly stock/book-debt/QIS submissions.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI STEP working-capital term loan

Type
Loan
Support
Up to ₹3 crore existing SIDBI customers / ₹2 crore new customers.
Who it fits
Established firms augmenting net working capital or executing urgent confirmed orders.
Key requirements
Normally at least three years operating and operating profit in prior two years; existing SIDBI customers: two-year operations and one-year operating-profit conditions. No bank/FI defaults.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Repayment up to three years including up to six-month moratorium. A term loan with scheduled repayment, distinct from SWIFT overdraft.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI ARISE project finance

Type
Loan
Support
Up to ₹50 crore, at most 80% of project cost.
Who it fits
Existing businesses expanding, modernising or upgrading technology in the same business line.
Key requirements
At least two years operating with audited accounts, cash profit in last audited results and no bank/FI defaults. Eligible land/building, machinery and related fixed-asset project.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Repayment up to seven years with moratorium up to two years; MCLR-linked pricing. Promoter funds the balance.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI Ubharte Sitaare

Type
Loan
Support
Up to 80% of eligible project cost; project amount assessed by lender.
Who it fits
Export-oriented MSMEs with a strategic international market-entry/growth plan.
Key requirements
Fundamentally strong export-oriented small/mid-sized company, or eligible new unit whose promoters have relevant experience; no bank/FI defaults. Modernisation, product diversification, technology/R&D scope and export potential assessment.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Term/foreign-currency term loan; joint EXIM financing and technical/equity support may be considered separately. Up to 25 basis-point performance/milestone incentive; not an automatic flat concession.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI STHAPAN greenfield project finance

Type
Loan
Support
Up to ₹50 crore and at most 75% of project cost; promoter contribution at least 25%.
Who it fits
New/greenfield manufacturing and eligible enterprise projects.
Key requirements
New unit/greenfield project; promoter experience at least three years in same line for loans up to ₹20 crore, five years above ₹20 crore; no bank/FI defaults. Eligible fixed-asset project and lender due diligence.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Up to seven-year repayment including up to two-year moratorium; MCLR-linked interest. Does not imply unsecured lending.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI Green Finance Scheme (GFS)

Type
Loan
Support
Term loan up to ₹50 crore, capped at 75% of total project cost; repayment up to 10 years, including moratorium up to 18 months. MCLR-linked interest; final pricing and security follow appraisal.
Who it fits
Manufacturers, green service providers and MSMEs funding eligible energy, water, waste or mobility projects.
Key requirements
Eligible supply- or demand-side green projects/services: energy efficiency, renewable energy, compressed biogas, water/wastewater, solid waste and e-mobility. RESCOs, ESCOs, EPCs and vendors are included. Prepare registration/KYC, financials, bank records and a project cost/savings case; SIDBI assesses borrower and project eligibility.
How to apply
Use Apply Now on the official GFS page, then SIDBI’s OnlineApplication registration/login. Submit financial and identity documents only through the official process after checking the lender’s requirements.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing product application route; no fixed closing date published in the inspected official GFS page. Checked 16 October 2026. Apply subject to current lending policy and appraisal.
Cost or condition to plan for
Repayable finance, not a grant or automatic 25% subsidy. Arrange the project balance and loan servicing; do not assume collateral-free approval, a fixed rate or guaranteed energy savings. Guarantees/risk sharing may apply separately.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI CASH Defence

Type
Loan
Support
Up to ₹20 crore for established MSMEs / ₹5 crore new entities; up to 100% purchase-order finance.
Who it fits
MSMEs executing validated Indian defence orders.
Key requirements
Validated defence order/contract with contract period up to 60 months; MSME status, credit and order-execution appraisal. New entities have a lower limit.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Repayment aligned to contract via bullet, equal or staggered instalments. Additional 10% contingency within overall sanction may be available; interest individually assessed.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

SIDBI CASH RXIL

Type
Loan
Support
Umbrella limit up to ₹5 crore; finance up to 90% of purchase-order value.
Who it fits
MSME vendors on RXIL TReDS needing pre-invoice order finance.
Key requirements
Udyam and GST registration, at least one year RXIL TReDS history; confirmed work order/contract up to six months and bank credit assessment.
How to apply
SIDBI branch / linked official application route; product-specific appraisal and documents.
Availability
Ongoing, through banks or lenders
Timing
Ongoing published lending route; no fixed closing date in current product material. Credit approval and product capacity apply.
Cost or condition to plan for
Purchase-order finance, distinct from post-invoice TReDS discounting. Repayment follows order timelines.
Official sources
sidbi.in · sidbi.in · onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
Last checked
16 October 2026

How to narrow your shortlist in India

A first-time service-business owner should not start with venture debt meant for VC-backed companies. A biotech research team should not treat an invoice loan as research runway. Start with the specific milestone, entity, registrations and repayment ability, then check one or two routes. SISFS is retained above as a clearly closed reference; it is not a current application recommendation.

Questions before applying

Is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme open for new startup applications?

The official portal checked on 17 October 2026 shows a final startup-application deadline of 31 May 2026 and incubator selection completion by 30 June. Do not rely on older year-round wording or an Apply Now button as evidence of reopening.

Which route should I shortlist first?

Write the amount, expense and business milestone first. Match that to a route in the starting table, then check the applicant category, stage, location and current entry point. Compare your cash contribution, repayment or dilution and the timing of the money.

Before you apply or spend

  1. Save the current official page and check for amendments.
  2. Confirm the exact eligibility condition that applies to you, in writing if possible.
  3. Work out your own share: the unfunded part, ineligible costs and cash needed before money arrives.
  4. For loans, ask for the full repayment schedule. For equity, model dilution.
  5. Get qualified advice before signing anything with legal or tax consequences.

Not sure which route fits?

Tell me where the business operates, what you need to fund and the route you are considering. Include the condition or trade-off you want to work through.

Ask about funding routes

Related: all countries in one directory · startup accelerators · startup incubators · angel investor networks

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Sources and review: programme links lead to the provider or official authority. Eligibility and application timing are shown with each route; use the dated information for your shortlist and the linked current terms before applying.

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