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Startup-relevant scheme · Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP)

ActiveChecked 3 October 2026

No change found in Oct 2026 checks; terms as per the June 2026 playbook. Confirm the current call/window on the official link before applying.

Amount
Varies
Type of support
Other
Best for
Ideation, Seed / Early-Stage, Growth / Scaling
Who can apply
Aspiring founders, MSMEs, Women entrepreneurs, SC/ST entrepreneurs
Go to the official portalSource: DPIIT playbook p. 101

ESDP helps aspiring and existing entrepreneurs build business and practical skills so they can start, manage, and grow MSMEs.

Who can apply?
  • Existing or aspiring entrepreneurs.
  • 40% of the beneficiaries are required to be from weaker sections of society including SC/ST/Women/Physically Handicapped.
What do you get?
  • Training is provided under three modules – Entrepreneurship Awareness Program, Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Program, and Management Development Program.
  • Hands-on practice or demonstration to upgrade skills of prospective entrepreneurs.
How to apply

Apply through the websites of MSME-DFOs, MSME-TC and other Implementing Agencies under ESDP scheme

Objectives

To motivate people from different sections of society to consider entrepreneurship as a career option, by imparting technical and business skills training. To provide entrepreneurship training to entrepreneurs in domains including e-commerce, software, biotech, modern agriculture, genomics and others To support the establishment of new MSMEs and enhance growth of existing ones.

Key links

Deadlines, amounts and windows change. Check the official portal before you apply.

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