Startup Grants and Funding Programs in Gujarat — August 2026
Gujarat currently offers at least six active startup funding programs, including iCreate's Pro-Fund, the S4 Seed Support scheme, and Capgemini's ISGBB competition. These range from microfinance loans to seed grants covering prototypes and vehicle-based enterprises.
As of August 2026, at least six active grant, incubation, and competition programs are open to startups in Gujarat. These range from state-specific schemes run by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department and the Cottage and Rural Industries Department to innovation hubs and national competitions like iCreate Pro-Fund and Capgemini's ISGBB.
Gujarat's startup ecosystem is anchored by the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP 2.0), which channels funding through i-Hub and iCreate. The state also uses targeted loan schemes and microfinance to promote self-employment and social entrepreneurship across urban and rural districts.
Active Grants and Programs for Gujarat Startups
| Program | Type | Deadline | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Scale Lending Scheme (Microfinance) | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹1,25,000 |
| iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹30,00,000 |
| Passenger Vehicle/Loading Vehicle Loan Scheme (DAADC) | Grant | Rolling | Varies |
| Startup Srujan Seed Support (S4) – Cohort 3 | Grant | Rolling | Up to ₹10,00,000 |
| Shri Vajpayee Bankable Yojana | Grant | Rolling | Varies |
| Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) | Competition | Rolling | Varies |
Small Scale Lending Scheme (Social Justice and Empowerment Department)
The Small Scale Lending Scheme (Microfinance) provides microcredit up to ₹1,25,000 to small entrepreneurs from the Rabari and Bharwad castes, classified as socially and educationally backward classes in Gujarat. Administered by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, the scheme aims to reduce financial barriers for individuals establishing or expanding micro-enterprises. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the department's district offices.
The scheme is designed for individuals who typically lack access to formal credit. By offering targeted microfinance, it enables them to purchase equipment, raw materials, or working capital needed for small-scale businesses. This is a loan scheme, not a grant, but it carries favourable terms for the target groups.
iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support (iCreate)
The iCreate Pro-Fund Gateway Prototype/PoC Funding Support provides up to ₹30,00,000 for startups converting a proof-of-concept or prototype into a market-ready product. iCreate is a government-recognised Technology Business Incubator in Gujarat. The program includes business and technical mentorship, access to prototyping and digital innovation labs, incubation support, investor connections, and hostel accommodation. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
The gateway is open to early-stage ventures with a functional prototype or clear PoC that need scale-up support. Startups from any sector can apply, provided they demonstrate the potential for commercial success. iCreate also assists with connecting to other government schemes, making it a central access point for funding in Gujarat.
Passenger Vehicle/Loading Vehicle Loan Scheme (Social Justice and Empowerment Department)
The Passenger Vehicle/Loading Vehicle Loan Scheme (DAADC) offers financial assistance to unemployed individuals from Scheduled Caste Antyodaya families to buy passenger or freight vehicles. The scheme is implemented by Dr. Ambedkar Antyodaya Development Corporation (DAADC) under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department. Loan amounts vary based on vehicle type and project cost. This scheme supports entry into the transport sector by providing the capital needed for vehicle acquisition. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility is restricted to SC Antyodaya families, making it a targeted social inclusion measure. The loan covers a significant portion of vehicle cost, and repayment is structured to align with income from transport operations. It is a pathway to self-employment for unemployed individuals in rural and urban Gujarat.
Startup Srujan Seed Support (S4) – Cohort 3 (Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub)
The Startup Srujan Seed Support (S4) – Cohort 3 provides financial assistance from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh to early-stage innovators. Implemented by the Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub) under SSIP 2.0, the program supports ventures transitioning from proof-of-concept to product and market stage. Funds cover prototype development, validation, product refinement, and early commercialization. The program is open to student-led startups and young innovators across Gujarat. Cohort 3 is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Applicants must be associated with a recognised educational institution or have a student team, as per SSIP 2.0 guidelines. The seed support is structured as grant funding, not a loan, and is intended to bridge the gap between ideation and market entry. i-Hub also provides mentorship and incubation support to selected teams.
Shri Vajpayee Bankable Yojana (Cottage and Rural Industries Department)
The Shri Vajpayee Bankable Yojana facilitates loans for establishing micro-enterprises in both urban and rural areas of Gujarat. The scheme, run by the Cottage and Rural Industries Department, explicitly includes disabled and visually impaired persons. Loan amounts vary by project and are arranged through banks and financial institutions. It aims to turn job seekers into job creators by providing financial facilitation and support for sustainable businesses. Applications are rolled throughout the year.
The yojana is inclusive, targeting unemployed individuals across all districts. It supports sectors like manufacturing, services, and small trade. Disabled and visually impaired applicants receive specific concessions and priority, ensuring broader access to entrepreneurship.
Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (Capgemini)
The Innovations for Social Good and Better Bharat (ISGBB) is a multi-state competition run by Capgemini, implemented by BharatCares and SRF Foundation. It brings together innovators, academic institutions, ecosystem partners, and community groups to develop solutions that address social challenges. The program provides mentorship, networking, and funding or in-kind support to selected teams. ISGBB is open to participants from various states, including Gujarat, with a rolling application process.
As a competition, ISGBB does not offer direct grants upfront. Instead, finalists receive incubation, capacity-building, and the chance to showcase their solutions to a wider audience. The focus areas include education, health, environment, and livelihood, making it suitable for social enterprises with measurable impact.
Before Applying
Before applying, note the specific eligibility constraints. The Small Scale Lending Scheme is limited to individuals from the Rabari and Bharwad castes, while the Passenger Vehicle Loan Scheme targets unemployed SC Antyodaya families. The S4 seed support requires applicant teams to be associated with educational institutions under SSIP 2.0, effectively excluding non-student founders.
All six programs accept applications on a rolling basis, so there is no immediate deadline pressure. That said, the S4 seed support runs in defined cohorts — applying now ensures a slot in Cohort 3, while waiting could push evaluation to Cohort 4. For ISGBB, it is a competition with multiple stages, so early registration is recommended to align with judging cycles.
