- Karnataka leads the Stand Up India Scheme with Rs 2,946 crore loan given to SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs.
- 13,389 new loan accounts created between April 2018 and March 2025 under this scheme in Karnataka.
- The scheme promotes financial inclusion and supports grassroots entrepreneurship across both rural and urban Karnataka.
If you belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or are a woman entrepreneur in Karnataka, here’s some great news for you. The Stand Up India Scheme has created many opportunities by giving Rs 2,946 crore in loans to help your entrepreneurial dreams come true. Since it started, this scheme has played a big part in helping people like you start or grow businesses, especially in manufacturing, services, trading, and allied agriculture sectors.
Karnataka’s Leading Role in the Stand Up India Scheme
Karnataka has become a prime example in running the Stand Up India Scheme. Banks in the state have given loans totaling Rs 2,946.74 crore to eligible SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs from April 2018 to March 2025, supporting 13,389 new loan accounts. Including the years since the scheme began in 2016, Karnataka has helped set up 16,846 loan accounts, with total loans reaching Rs 3,750.40 crore.
Also Read – YuvaNidhi Scheme Karnataka – Eligibility, Benefits & Online Application for Unemployed Graduates
Why the Stand Up India Scheme Matters for SC, ST, and Women Entrepreneurs
The Stand Up India Scheme aims to help underprivileged groups by giving financial access to first-time entrepreneurs from SC, ST, and women categories. It offers loans from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore to support new projects in sectors that help economic growth and create jobs. Focusing on grassroots development, the scheme helps close the gap in credit availability for marginalized communities.
Loan Distribution Breakdown by Category in Karnataka
| Category | Loan Amount (Rs Crore) | Number of Accounts |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (including women) | 661.10 | 3,108 |
| Scheduled Tribes (including women) | 166.96 | 868 |
| Women (General Category) | 2,922.34 | 12,870 |
Effect on Financial Inclusion and Business Growth
This scheme is changing lives by giving formal credit access to those who were earlier left out of the banking system. It offers a fresh start by giving financial support to first-generation entrepreneurs across Karnataka’s cities and villages. The business activities started with these loans help build self-sustaining livelihoods and promote inclusive growth by closing income and opportunity gaps.
Stand Up India Loan Application Process and Eligibility
If you are a Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or woman entrepreneur planning to start a new project in manufacturing, services, trading, or allied agriculture sectors, applying is easy.
- Eligibility: New entrepreneur from SC, ST, or woman categories with a viable greenfield project.
- Loan Amount: Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore through Scheduled Commercial Banks.
- Application Steps:
- Prepare your business plan and determine your required loan amount.
- Visit a Scheduled Commercial Bank branch participating in the Stand Up India Scheme.
- Submit necessary documents: identity proof, address proof, business plan, caste certificates (if applicable), and bank forms.
- Go through the bank’s appraisal and loan approval process.
- Once approved, get the loan amount and start your business journey.
- For official details and application info, visit https://standupmitra.in or check the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Ministry of Finance websites.
This government scheme is your chance to bring new ideas and uplift your community through entrepreneurship. Karnataka’s success shows the scheme’s positive potential for many more aspiring entrepreneurs across India.