International Joint Ventures and Merger & Acquisitions

How to raise funds from SIDBI?

May 21, 2025

The article is a helpful guide for MSMEs looking to raise funds through SIDBI. It explains who can apply, what options are available and how to choose the right funding route depending on your business stage and goals

Introduction


For many MSMEs in India, finding the right funding partner can be a major challenge, that is where SIDBI comes in. It was created to help MSMEs grow by offering various loans and investment options. Whether you are launching a new business or scaling up an existing one, knowing how and when to approach SIDBI can make your funding journey much smoother. In this article, we will break down the funding options SIDBI provides, including the key schemes currently open for applications.


Finance Facilities Offered by SIDBI


Small Industries Development Bank of India provides the enterprises with access to finances through two major models:

1. Direct Finance


SIDBI offers a range of financial solutions to MSMEs based on their needs. These offerings include, but aren't limited to:

  • Loan for the purchase of Machinery and Equipment
  • Project Financing and Term Loan
  • Working Capital Support
  • Green Capital Financing Support
  • Equity assistance
  • Energy Saving scheme


2. Indirect Finance


In addition to direct lending, SIDBI also offers refinancing facilities to existing Primary Lending Institutions, such as commercial banks, financial institutions and more. SIDBI ensures that these PLI’s continue to maintain liquidity and financial capacity. This results in an adequate flow of funds being maintained for the businesses in the country.


SIDBI Loan Schemes for MSMEs


Recognizing the financial requirements at various stages of business maturity throughout an enterprise's lifecycle, SIDBI has developed multiple loan schemes for MSMEs. The currently active schemes are described below:


1. Machinery Loans


SIDBI provides tailored financing options for machinery through Express and Speed schemes, offering up to ?15 Crore with flexible repayment terms. These schemes are especially advantageous for:

  • Manufacturing MSMEs looking to enhance their production technologies

  • Businesses that want to automate their processes to increase productivity

  • Enterprises in need of specialized equipment to improve quality.


2. Project Loans


For businesses looking to expand or set up new facilities, SIDBI offers project financing schemes like Arise, Ubharte Sitare, and Stapan. These options are perfect for:

  • Companies aiming to grow geographically with new manufacturing facilities

  • Businesses wanting to diversify their product offerings and requiring new manufacturing sites

  • Export focused units that want to boost their production capabilities.

  • New age entrepreneurs with industry know-how who are starting new ventures.

  • MSMEs that are planning significant technical upgrades.


3. Green Finance Loans


SIDBI is leading the way in green financing with its Green Finance Scheme and End to End Energy Efficiency Scheme, helping businesses shift towards more sustainable models. These initiatives are designed for:

  • Manufacturing units that are investing in renewable energy setups

  • Businesses that are adopting energy efficiency practices

  • Companies focused on waste management or recycling efforts

  • Enterprises in electric mobility and clean transportation

  • MSMEs in the green value chain aiming to enhance their environmental contributions



4. Working Capital Solutions


To meet operational funding needs, SIDBI offers a range of schemes like Working Capital, SWIFT, and STEP, each with its own limits and structures. These options are especially beneficial for:

  • MSMEs that have cyclical business operations and need flexible cash flow management

  • Service sector businesses that rely on project-based revenue

  • Manufacturers who face seasonal demand for raw material.

  • Rapidly growing companies that require additional operational funds

  • Businesses with long receivable cycles that need interim financing

 

View detailed loan schemes and eligibility criteria

 

SIDBI Venture Capital Fund


SIDBI Venture Capital Limited has been established to offer growth capital to MSMEs in exchange for equity. They make these equity investments through various VC funds. This provides an additional financing avenue for businesses that are seeking alternatives to traditional funding methods for their expansion plans.


The equity financing approach is suited for enterprises like:

  • Tech startups experiencing high growth with scalable business models

  • Innovative companies which require funds for research and development.

  • Manufacturing startups that are working on developing proprietary technologies

  • Service oriented businesses with unique intellectual property or a strong market presence

  • Export focused companies looking to expand into global markets

  • Regional startups in areas like Assam and Tripura that are looking for local backing


SIDBI Venture Capital Limited has established specialized funds designed to support MSMEs. These funds address the specific needs of different enterprise categories.


View details of currently active VC Funds


Documents For SIDBI VC FUNDS Application


Securing venture capital from SIDBI requires a well-structured business plan that reflects the venture's potential. The submission of the documents should have a comprehensive list of operational details and future projections through a consistent document structure that addresses:


Company Overview and Leadership

  • Executive summary with project details and required financing

  • Management team credentials, references, and expertise

  • Shareholding structure (existing and proposed) with major stakeholders' interests

  • Human resource planning including future requirements and ESOP schemes if applicable

  • Details of subsidiary/associate companies and their existing financial relationships


Performance and Market Position

  • Performance history covering finances and operational achievements

  • Technical partnerships and technological strengths compared to competitors

  • Quality certifications and systems implemented

  • Marketing strategy and key client relationships

  • Global presence including overseas offices and international operations


Project Details and Financial Planning

  • Venture cost breakdown and proposed financing structure

  • Current project status and implementation schedule

  • Financial projections with clearly stated assumptions

  • Risk analysis and mitigation strategies

  • Well-defined exit plan for investors

  • Complete contact information including digital channels

 

Advantages of Financing from SIDBI


SIDBI offers various unique financial instruments having its own advantages for entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs that are seeking financial support for their business ventures:

  • Financial Solutions: SIDBI crafts various loan schemes that cater to the needs of various entrepreneurs, ensuring that funding requirements of businesses are addressed. The loan amounts and terms are created to fit the size and needs of each business, enabling MSMEs to access the financial products that align perfectly with their operational and growth goals.

  • Competitive Interest Rates: SIDBI offers loans at much cheaper and more attractive rate to these businesses compared to other financial institutions as they have managed to partner with global financial institutions like the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. They make it more accessible and affordable for small businesses to secure the capital they require.

  • No-Collateral Financing: Entrepreneurs who run their business on asset-lite model can obtain loans of up to Rs. 1 crore without needing to pledge any assets as collateral. The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises was established specifically to support collateral-free lending.

  • Transparency in Processes: The loan application and approval process are marked by transparency, with clear disclosure of interest rates, processing fees, and other charges. There are no hidden costs, and the application procedure is streamlined - Application through online portal or mobile app, Document submission, Credit evaluation and Application tracking. 

  • Comprehensive Business Support: In addition to financial support, SIDBI plays a vital role in guiding businesses through essential areas of development, including Technology adoption strategies, Programs for developing skills, Expertise in managing projects and insights from market research.  

  • Access to Government Subsidies: SIDBI facilitates access to various government schemes with concessional interest rates and favorable terms. The institution leverages its deep understanding of available schemes to help businesses select the most advantageous options for their specific needs.

Conclusion


SIDBI has set a platform for young entrepreneurs to get inspired and start something of their own. While a solid strategy, perfect timing, and innovative ideas are essential for business success but having access to the funds remains the most important factor for implementation. Through its various loan programs and venture capital funds, SIDBI has managed to empower and boost the startup culture in India. At ILO Consulting, we're here to help you get your business ready to secure funding from SIDBI, setting you up for your next big opportunity.


Loan Schemes

Category

Loan Scheme

Loan Amount

Loan Tenure

Eligibility Criteria

Machinery Loan

Express

Up to ?3 Crore

Up to 60 months

  • MSMEs with at least 3 years of operation

  • Mandatory Udyam & GST registration

  • No defaults to Banks/FIs

Speed

Up to ?15 Crore (100% financing with 25% FD security or up to 75% of project cost)

Up to 84 months with moratorium up to 12 months

  • MSMEs with minimum 3 years of operation

  • Cash profit in last 3 financial years

  • No defaults to Banks/FIs

Project Loan

Arise

Up to ?50 Crore (max 80% of project cost)

Up to 7 years with moratorium up to 2 years

  • Minimum 2 years of operations with audited accounts

  • Cash profit in last audited financial results

  • No defaults to Banks/FIs

Ubharte Sitare

Up to 80% of project cost

Not specified (joint financing with EXIM Bank available)

  • Export-oriented MSMEs

  • For new units, preference to promoters with experience in similar business

  • For existing units, focus on export-oriented companies

  • No defaults to Banks/FIs

Sthapan

Up to ?50 Crore (max 75% of project cost)

Up to 7 years including moratorium for 2 years

  • For new/greenfield units

  • For loans >?20 Crore: 5 years promoter experience in similar business

  • For loans ≤?20 Crore: 3 years promoter experience

  • No defaults to Banks/FIs

Green Finance Loan

Green Finance Scheme

Up to ?50 Crore (max 75% of project cost)

Up to 10 years with moratorium up to 18 months

  • Manufacturing and Service providers in green value chain

  • MSMEs in Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Compressed Biogas, Water & Waste Management, E-Mobility, etc.

End to End Energy Efficiency Scheme

Up to ?15 Crore (100% financing with 25% FD security or up to 75% of project cost)

Up to 84 months with moratorium up to 12 months

  • MSMEs in manufacturing or services sector

  • Must establish energy efficiency/GHG emission reduction

  • Comply with E&S framework of the Bank

  • Minimum 3 years of operations with cash profits

Working Capital

Working Capital

Not specified

Not specified

  • New and existing entities without working capital facility from other banks/Fis

  • Takeover of working capital accounts as part of term loan takeover may be considered

  • No defaults to Banks/FIs

SWIFT

Up to ?3 Crore

Not specified (Overdraft Facility)

  • Existing entities with 3 years of operations

  • Should not avail working capital/overdraft from other banks/FIS

  • No defaults to Banks/FIs

STEP

Up to ?3 Crore for existing customers and ?2 Crore for new customers

Up to 3 years including moratorium up to 6 months

  • Minimum 3 years operations (2 years for existing SIDBI customers)

  • Operating profit during past 2 years (1 year for existing customers)

  • No defaults to Banks/FIs

  

VC Funds

Fund Name

Registration Date

Fund Type

Target Focus

Assam Start-up Venture Capital Fund

August 2022

Category I AIF - Venture Capital Fund (close ended)

  • Start-ups, early and growth stage MSMEs based in Assam

  • Manufacturing and services start-ups with leadership potential

Atmanirbhar Start-up Venture Fund

August 2022

Category I AIF - Venture Capital Fund (close ended)

  • Scalable and sustainable start-ups

  • Emerging or early-stage ventures with economic/social/environmental benefits

  • Manufacturing and services start-ups with leadership potential

Tripura Start-up Venture Capital Fund

August 2022

Category I AIF - Venture Capital Fund (close ended)

  • Start-ups, early and growth stage MSMEs based in Tripura

  • Manufacturing and services start-ups with leadership potential

Ubharte Sitaare Fund

July 2021

Category II AIF (close ended)

Co-sponsored by SIDBI and Export Import Bank of India

  • Manufacturing and service companies looking to enter foreign markets

  • Existing mid-sized exporters wanting to scale up operations

  • Focus on technology upgradation, product development, business strategy, market development

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