Unlock ₹10 Crore Without Collateral: The Government’s Game-Changer for Startups

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The Indian government announces a new scheme providing collateral-free loans up to ₹10 crore for entrepreneurs, aimed at boosting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative, backed by the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), is designed to ease funding access, stimulate economic growth, and support women and underserved entrepreneurs.

Govt Boosts Entrepreneurial Growth with Collateral-Free Loans Up to ₹10 Crore

In a major move to empower entrepreneurs, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Indian government has announced the availability of collateral-free loans of up to ₹10 crore. This initiative, effective from April 2025, aims to remove financial barriers and enable business expansion, with a substantial guarantee cover provided by the CGTMSE.

Kickstarting a new chapter in MSME financing, the government has partnered with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), which a provides guarantee cover up to 90-95% of the credit extended by member lending institutions. This significantly reduces the risk for banks and financial institutions, facilitating easier loan approvals for entrepreneurs without collateral or third-party guarantees.

Special focus is given on supporting women entrepreneurs, micro-enterprises, Agniveer-promoted MSMEs, and units certified under sector-specific programs. Loans across sectors like manufacturing, services, retail, and education qualify under this scheme.

Major Takeaways and Important Points

Loan Size & Coverage: Entrepreneurs can avail collateral-free loans up to ₹10 crore with guarantee coverage up to 95%, reducing dependency on collateral.

Focus on Inclusion: The scheme incentivizes women entrepreneurs, Agniveers, SC/ST entrepreneurs, and persons with disabilities through higher guarantee coverage and benefits.

Sector Coverage: Loans cover a wide spectrum including manufacturing, services, retail, and education, catering to diverse business needs.

Partnership Model: The collaboration between the government and CGTMSE facilitates bank lending by providing credit guarantees, thus mitigating financial risks.

Impact on MSMEs: The enhanced credit access aims to unlock capital, stimulate business growth, create jobs, and drive India’s quest for becoming a $5 trillion economy.

Government Vision: This scheme aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging India’s entrepreneurial zeal and fostering economic inclusivity.

Conclusion
The government’s collateral-free loan offer up to ₹10 crore marks a transformative step towards democratizing finance for entrepreneurs across India. By removing collateral barriers and incentivizing inclusion, this initiative holds the potential to fuel India's entrepreneurial growth, innovation, and economic empowerment on a large scale.

Sources: Moneycontrol, New Indian Express, PIB India, CGTMSE, Startup India