The Soft Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs was launched by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to support women-led startups. This scheme provides a soft loan of up to ₹15 Lakhs to women entrepreneurs for working capital. This is intended for implementing projects and works contracted by Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Kerala.
Objective:
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To assist women entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their businesses with financial support for executing government projects.
Benefits:
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Loan Amount: Up to ₹ 15 Lakhs for working capital.
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Interest Rate: 6% per annum (simple interest).
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Loan Limit: 80% of the purchase order amount, disbursed in advance based on milestones.
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Repayment Period: 1 year or completion of the project, whichever comes first.
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Eligibility Criteria: Women entrepreneurs who have at least 51% shares in the company or have received equity funding.
Eligibility
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The startup should be approved by DPIIT and have a Unique ID issued by KSUM.
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Women co-founder should have majority stake in the startup.
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The startup must be registered in Kerala.
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The client for the project should be a Government Department or Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
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A personal guarantee by the women founder is required for availing the loan.
Exclusions
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Not mentioned, but the startup must meet the general eligibility criteria as described.
Application Process
Online Process:
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Step 1: Visit the Kerala Startup Mission official website.
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Step 2: Click on ‘Women’ and then select Soft Loan Scheme.
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Step 3: Click on the ‘Apply’ button and complete the application form.
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Step 4: Submit the application form after filling it out completely.
Documents Required
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Udyog Aadhar/Udyam Registration
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KSUM Unique ID
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PAN Card Copy
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Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
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Details of soft loan sought from KSUM
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Any other documents as required by the recommending or sanctioning authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Soft Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs”?
A: The scheme provides financial assistance in the form of a soft loan to women entrepreneurs for executing government and PSU projects in Kerala.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A: Women entrepreneurs with majority stake in the startup, registered in Kerala, and approved by DPIIT.
Q: What is the interest rate on the loan?
A: The interest rate is 6% per annum on simple interest.
Q: What is the repayment period for the loan?
A: The repayment period is 1 year or until the project completion, whichever is earlier.
Q: How can I apply for this scheme?
A: Applications can be made online through the Kerala Startup Mission official website.