Schemes and Initiatives by Tamil Nadu Government
Tamil Nadu offers a wide range of government-backed programmes to help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs build, expand, and modernise their businesses. Whether you’re a first-generation entrepreneur, a craftsperson, or a rural enterprise owner, there’s a scheme designed to support your journey — through financial assistance, training, and market linkages.
1. Annal Ambedkar Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (2023–24)
Empowering SC/ST Entrepreneurs
A flagship initiative of the Tamil Nadu Government, this scheme promotes entrepreneurship among individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It offers capital subsidies up to ₹1.5 crore and interest subvention of 6% to support both new and existing enterprises.
Highlights:
35% capital subsidy (max ₹1.5 crore)
6% interest subvention for up to 10 years
Applicable for manufacturing, services & eligible trading units
Open to SC/ST entrepreneurs aged 18–55 years
👉 [Learn More]
2. Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (Kalaignar Handicrafts Development Scheme)
Supporting Tamil Nadu’s Artisans & Craftspersons
This scheme assists traditional and modern artisans in over 25 trades — from pottery, metalwork, weaving, and jewellery to musical instrument making. It provides credit-linked loans up to ₹3 lakh with a 25% capital subsidy and interest support to modernise and scale craft enterprises.
Highlights:
Loan support up to ₹3 lakh
25% subsidy (up to ₹50,000) + interest subvention
Minimum age: 35 years
Open to artisans with relevant trade experience (5+ years preferred)
Focus on training, branding & market linkages
👉 [Learn More]
3. New Entrepreneur-cum-Enterprise Development Scheme (NEEDS)
For First-Generation Entrepreneurs
The NEEDS scheme helps first-time entrepreneurs set up and grow businesses in manufacturing, services, and retail sectors. It provides loans up to ₹1 crore, entrepreneurship training, mentoring, and interest subsidies, with special focus on women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.
Highlights:
Financial assistance up to ₹1 crore
Subsidised interest rates and flexible repayment
Training & mentorship support
Priority for women, SC/ST, and rural youth
Access to government procurement & market linkages
👉 [Learn More]
4. Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP)
Building Rural Enterprises Beyond Farming
Implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), SVEP supports rural individuals in starting non-farm enterprises. It offers training, mentoring, and seed capital through community funds, with strong emphasis on women and SC/ST inclusion.
Highlights:
Focus on non-farm rural enterprises
Seed capital + bank linkage through community institutions
Mentoring and hand-holding via Block Resource Centres (BRCs)
75% women-owned enterprises in active blocks
Inclusive focus on SC/ST/OBC and vulnerable households
👉 [Learn More]
Start. Grow. Empower.
These programmes reflect Tamil Nadu’s commitment to inclusive growth, self-employment, and enterprise development.
Whether you’re crafting traditional art, launching a manufacturing unit, or running a rural business — there’s a pathway for you.