Government schemes for MSMEs & traditional businesses.
If you run a manufacturing unit, a shop, a restaurant, a service firm, or any small business — these schemes are for you. Credit guarantees, working-capital loans, certification subsidies, and government-procurement access.
Start with these two filings
Udyam Registration is the free MSME credential — required for CGTMSE, PMEGP, public procurement preference, and the 45-day payment-protection rule. JanSamarth is the unified credit portal where you apply for MUDRA, Stand-Up India, PMEGP and Agri Infra Fund in one place.
For collateral-free working capital up to ₹20 L, MUDRA (PMMY) is the ladder — Shishu (≤₹50K), Kishore (≤₹5 L), Tarun (≤₹10 L), Tarun Plus (₹10-20 L). For larger loans up to ₹10 Cr with credit guarantee, CGTMSE is the workhorse — covers 75-85% of the bank's loss, so banks lend without collateral.
For new-unit setup, PMEGP provides 15-35% margin-money subsidy on loans up to ₹50 L (manufacturing) / ₹20 L (services). Special category (women, SC / ST, OBC, NER, hilly areas) gets 25-35% subsidy. Excellent fit for first-time entrepreneurs setting up shops, manufacturing units, or service businesses.
Schemes that apply
12 schemes
MUDRA — Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
Collateral-free working-capital ladder. 4 tiers from Shishu (≤₹50K) to Tarun Plus (₹10-20L). 8-12% p.a., 0.25% concession for women. ~67% of loans go to women.
Stand-Up India
Composite loan ₹10 L–₹1 Cr for SC/ST and women first-time entrepreneurs. Each SCB branch mandated to fund at least one SC/ST and one woman borrower. 7-yr tenure, 18-mo moratorium.
PMEGP — PM's Employment Generation Programme
New-unit setup loan with 15-35% margin money subsidy. Special category (women, SC/ST, OBC, NER, hilly) gets 25% urban / 35% rural. Works for shops, manufacturing, services.
ASPIRE — Innovation, Rural Industries & Entrepreneurship
Funds Livelihood and Tech Business Incubators. Founder play: get hand-holding via an ASPIRE-funded incubator for rural/agri-rural enterprise.
Udyam Registration
Free, online MSME credential. De facto mandatory for accessing CGTMSE, PMEGP, public procurement, delayed-payment protection. File alongside DPIIT.
CGTMSE — Credit Guarantee Trust
Collateral-free loan guarantee up to ₹10 Cr. AGF as low as 0.37% p.a. Cover 75-85% of bank's loss. Retail and services now eligible.
ZED Certification
Quality certification for MSMEs with subsidized fees. Useful for manufacturing exports and government procurement positioning.
SFURTI — Scheme for Regeneration of Traditional Industries
Cluster-based programme for traditional artisans. Funds common facility centres, market linkages, design support, capacity building. Strong fit for traditional manufacturing and handicrafts founders.
Agri Infrastructure Fund
₹1 lakh Cr corpus. 3% interest subvention up to ₹2 Cr loan. 6-year tenure inclusive of 2-year moratorium.
Ubharte Sitaare — Export Champions
Up to ₹25 Cr equity + debt mix from EXIM Bank and SIDBI for export-ready startups.
SIDBI SMILE / STAR / TIFAC SRIJAN
SIDBI's direct lending suite: SMILE (₹25 L-2 Cr for manufacturing), STAR, TIFAC SRIJAN, plus venture debt via subsidiaries.
NABARD Refinance + Interest Subvention
Agri-MSME refinance backbone. 3-6% interest subvention through banks. PODF for FPOs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Udyam and DPIIT recognition?+
Udyam is the free MSME credential based on investment + turnover thresholds — required for CGTMSE, PMEGP, public procurement, and delayed-payment protection. DPIIT Startup India Recognition is for innovative businesses (age, turnover and originality criteria) and unlocks SISFS, Section 80-IAC, CGSS, FFS. Many businesses file both.
Is MUDRA loan collateral-free?+
Yes. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) loans up to ₹20 L are collateral-free. The Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) provides the backing to lenders, which is why banks and NBFCs can lend without security.
What is the maximum loan amount under CGTMSE?+
Up to ₹10 Cr collateral-free for Udyam-registered Micro and Small Enterprises. The Annual Guarantee Fee can be as low as 0.37% p.a., and cover is 75-85% of the lender's default loss. Retail and service sectors are now eligible alongside manufacturing.
Can a traditional business like a restaurant or textile unit apply for these schemes?+
Yes. MUDRA, CGTMSE, PMEGP, Stand-Up India, and SIDBI SMILE all explicitly cover services, retail, F&B, manufacturing, textiles, handicrafts. SFURTI is purpose-built for traditional industries — khadi, handloom, handicrafts, coir, bamboo, food processing.
How long does MUDRA loan approval take?+
Typically 7-15 working days through public sector banks via the JanSamarth portal. For Shishu loans (≤₹50K), some lenders disburse within 48 hours. Documentation is light — Udyam, KYC, business plan or income proof.