International Joint Ventures and Merger & Acquisitions
May 21, 2025The 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
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.
SIDBI offers a range of financial solutions to MSMEs based on their needs. These offerings include, but aren't limited to:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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 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
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:
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 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
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
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.
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.
Category |
Loan Scheme |
Loan Amount |
Loan Tenure |
Eligibility Criteria |
Machinery Loan |
Express |
Up to ?3 Crore |
Up to 60 months |
|
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 |
|
|
Project Loan |
Arise |
Up to ?50 Crore (max 80% of project cost) |
Up to 7 years with moratorium up to 2 years |
|
Ubharte Sitare |
Up to 80% of project cost |
Not specified (joint financing with EXIM Bank available) |
|
|
Sthapan |
Up to ?50 Crore (max 75% of project cost) |
Up to 7 years including moratorium for 2 years |
|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
|
Working Capital |
Working Capital |
Not specified |
Not specified |
|
SWIFT |
Up to ?3 Crore |
Not specified (Overdraft Facility) |
|
|
STEP |
Up to ?3 Crore for existing customers and ?2 Crore for new customers |
Up to 3 years including moratorium up to 6 months |
|
Fund Name |
Registration Date |
Fund Type |
Target Focus |
Assam Start-up Venture Capital Fund |
August 2022 |
Category I AIF - Venture Capital Fund (close ended) |
|
Atmanirbhar Start-up Venture Fund |
August 2022 |
Category I AIF - Venture Capital Fund (close ended) |
|
Tripura Start-up Venture Capital Fund |
August 2022 |
Category I AIF - Venture Capital Fund (close ended) |
|
Ubharte Sitaare Fund |
July 2021 |
Category II AIF (close ended) Co-sponsored by SIDBI and Export Import Bank of India |
|
Thank you for your interest. Write to us with your enquiries, questions or request a meeting with an expert to discuss your potential project. Our team will review and revert back shortly.
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