Money for your businessloanChecked Oct 2026
Stand-Up India (SC, ST and women entrepreneurs)
Bank loans for a first, new enterprise set up by an SC, ST or woman entrepreneur. The original scheme has ended and a revised one has been announced but not seen in force.
The original scheme completed its term on 31 March 2025. In March 2026 the Finance Minister told the Lok Sabha it is being redrafted. Ask your bank what is available today before you plan around it.
Loan under the original scheme
₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
- For
- SC, ST and women starting a new enterprise of some size
- Who could apply
- SC or ST borrowers, and women
- Track record
- About ₹40,700 crore sanctioned to over 1.8 lakh accounts
What to know
- It was meant for new (greenfield) enterprises, with each bank branch expected to lend to at least one SC or ST borrower and one woman.
- About 80% of the loans went to women entrepreneurs, according to official data.
- A separate scheme of term loans up to ₹2 crore for first-time SC, ST and women entrepreneurs was announced in a Union Budget. We found no confirmation that it has started.
How to apply
- Ask your bank's SME or MSME desk which scheme currently replaces Stand-Up India.
- Check the Stand-Up Mitra portal (standupmitra.in) for whether applications are open.
- Meanwhile, look at PMEGP or your state scheme, where women and SC/ST applicants get the higher subsidy.
Ask before you apply
We could not confirm these points. Terms change, so ask and get the answer in writing.
| Ask | Where to ask |
|---|---|
| Is Stand-Up India, or its replacement, open for new applications? | Your bank's MSME desk, or the Lead District Manager |
| What margin money and collateral does the bank need? | The bank branch |
Other ways to raise money
- Mudra loanCollateral-free business loans in four slabs
- PMEGPLoan with subsidy for new units
- PM SVANidhiStreet vendors and hawkers in towns
- PM VishwakarmaPeople working with their hands in 18 traditional trades
- CMEGP (Maharashtra)Residents of Maharashtra starting a new unit
- CGTMSE guaranteeAny micro or small enterprise that has no property to pledge
- Self-help group creditWomen in rural self-help groups
- Microfinance loanLow-income households with no collateral
- Gold loanAnyone with gold ornaments who needs money quickly
Sources
- News On Air: Finance Minister on the revamped Stand-Up India scheme (March 2026)
- Outlook Business: ₹40,700 crore sanctioned under Stand-Up India
Scheme terms change by government order and differ between banks. Confirm everything with the bank or the scheme office before you commit money. Checked Oct 2026.