

Business and Entrepreneurship: In India, the domain of business and entrepreneurship plays a vital role in economic growth, employment generation, and innovation. A range of supportive measures has been introduced by the government to encourage individuals and enterprises to engage in entrepreneurial activity, expand operations, and embrace new technologies.
Below, we’ll discuss the idea of business & entrepreneurship, present a structured overview of selected schemes, outline key benefits, and address common questions. The aim is to help readers understand how business & entrepreneurship initiatives work, and how relevant government schemes for entrepreneurs may support their efforts.
Business and entrepreneurship refer to the process of starting, managing, and growing an enterprise or venture, whether in manufacturing, services, trade, or technology. It involves identifying opportunities, organising resources, accepting risks, and creating value. In the Indian context, business & entrepreneurship are strongly supported by public policy measures to encourage small businesses, startups, technology adoption, exports, and self-reliance.
| Business and Entrepreneurship Overview | |
| Aspect | Description |
| Focus | Establishing and operating enterprises; innovation; risk-taking; value creation |
| Scope | Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); start-ups; women and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs; technology-driven ventures |
| Role of policy | Enabling access to finance (e.g., MSME schemes by the government), providing training and incubation (e.g., skill development schemes for entrepreneurs), facilitating registration and ease of doing business (e.g., UDHYAM registration benefits) |
| Outcome | Enhanced livelihood opportunities, growth of businesses, and contribution to the overall economy |
India offers a wide network of schemes designed to promote business & entrepreneurship. These include schemes related to finance, self-employment, formalisation, digitalisation, incubation, technology upgradation, production support, and export incentive support. Below, we’ve mentioned the list, including the schemes you provided.
| List of Business and Entrepreneurship Schemes | ||
| Scheme Name | Region/Ministry | Key Purpose |
| Jeevanam Self-Employment Scheme to Dependents of Crime Victims | Kerala | Financial support for dependents of crime victims to start self-employment activities |
| Scheme for Small Business Owners of the Scheduled Castes to Buy Business Premises | Gujarat | Loan and subsidy support for SC individuals to purchase a shop or business premises |
| Investment Promotion Scheme (IPS): Marine Products Processing Units | DNH & DD | Interest subsidy for establishments/expansion of marine product processing units |
| IPS: Environment Protection Infrastructure Subsidy | DNH & DD | Support for installing environmental protection infrastructure for MSMEs |
| Micro Credit Finance under NSKFDC | Haryana | Loans for Safai Karamcharis and dependents for small business and income-generating activities |
| Agricultural Activities Scheme for Persons with Disabilities | Haryana | Loans for PwD individuals to undertake agriculture and related activities |
| Subsidy for Disabled Young Professionals | Haryana | Loans for educated unemployed PwD youth for self-employment |
| Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana | Haryana | Loans up to ₹50 lakh for persons with disabilities for business, transport, trading, and service enterprises |
| Professional & Self-Employment Scheme (HSFDC) | Haryana | Loans for BPL families to take up professional and self-employment activities |
| Celebration of Birth/Death Anniversary of Eminent Personalities | Delhi | Financial support for organising anniversary events of select personalities |
| PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (Short-Term Training) | MSDE | Skill training for dropouts and unemployed youth |
| PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (Special Projects) | MSDE | Skill development for marginalised and vulnerable groups |
| Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) | MSME | Credit-linked subsidy for establishing micro-enterprises |
| PM-MKSSY Component 1A | Fisheries Ministry | Formalisation and working capital access for fisheries micro-enterprises |
| PM Matsya Sampada Yojana: Refrigerated Vehicles | Haryana | Support to purchase refrigerated vehicles for fish transport |
| Central Aid for Displaced Families (PoK & Chhamb) | MHA | Central assistance for displaced families from PoK/Chhamb |
| PM Matsya Sampada Yojana: Motorcycle with Ice Box | Haryana | Loan support to purchase motorcycles with ice boxes for fish transport |
| PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana | Pharma Ministry | Opening Janaushadhi Kendras to promote generic medicines |
| PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises | MoFPI | Upgradation, credit support, and formalisation of micro food processing units |
| Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) | DST | Support for biotech startups and innovators for Proof-of-Concept |
| Startup India Seed Fund Scheme | DPIIT | Funding support for early-stage startups |
| Mudra Loan Scheme | National Programme | Loans for micro enterprises (Shishu/Kishore/Tarun) |
| Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme (CGTMSE) | National | Collateral-free loans for MSMEs |
| Udyam Registration Benefits | National | Formalisation benefits for MSMEs |
| Women Entrepreneurship Schemes India | National | Support for women entrepreneurs |
| Interest Subsidy Schemes for Small Businesses | National/State | Subsidy support for loans for eligible enterprises |
| Technology Upgradation Schemes for MSMEs | National | Support for modernisation of equipment and processes |
| Innovation & Incubation Schemes in India | National | Support for ideation, incubation, and prototype development |
| Export Promotion Schemes for Businesses | National | Support for export-oriented enterprises |
| Digital India Schemes for Businesses | National | Digital adoption, e-governance, e-procurement |
| Procurement & e-Marketplace Schemes (GeM) | National | Access for MSMEs to government procurement channels |
| Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes | National | Incentives for scaling manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat |
| Atmanirbhar Bharat Schemes for Industry | National | Industry support through manufacturing incentives and sector-wise development programmes |
When business & entrepreneurship schemes are used well, they give many advantages. These benefits help the entrepreneur, the enterprise, and the overall economy.
Many schemes make it easier to get money for a new venture. They also help when expanding a business. Credit guarantee schemes reduce the need for heavy collateral. This lowers the pressure on small entrepreneurs. It also helps new businesses enter the market with confidence.
Skill development schemes for entrepreneurs improve knowledge. Training programmes teach important business skills. These skills include managing operations, handling finances, using new technology and growing the business. Better skills lead to better decisions and better performance.
Some schemes focus on women entrepreneurs, SC/ST entrepreneurs and first-generation entrepreneurs. These schemes support groups that face more challenges. This brings more people into business & entrepreneurship. It also increases diversity in the economy.
Technology upgradation schemes help enterprises use advanced tools. Innovation and incubation schemes in India support new ideas. These programmes improve productivity and efficiency. They also help businesses stay strong in a fast-changing market.
Digital India schemes for businesses help companies use digital tools. Procurement & e-marketplace schemes like GeM give access to wider markets. These platforms help businesses reach more buyers. They also make procurement easier and reduce delays.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes support manufacturing growth. Export promotion schemes for businesses help enterprises enter global markets. These schemes support value-added production and export activities. This leads to growth in jobs and income.
MSME registration and Udyam registration benefits help enterprises become formal. Formal businesses gain more opportunities. They can access more schemes and support. They also follow clear regulatory processes, which improves trust and credibility.
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