Key Features & Benefits for Startups

• Seed Fund / Operations Fund / Development Fund: The policy mentions a corpus fund of ₹50 crore for startups. Under that:

  • Seed Fund: up to ₹5 lakh for eligible startup units.

  • Operations Fund: up to ₹3 lakh.

  • Continuous Operation & Development Fund: up to ₹3 lakh.

• Rent Subsidy: For valid recognised startups operating from a rented building/incubation centre, subsidy of up to ₹15,000/month for 3 years.

• Stamp Duty Exemption: 100% exemption on stamp duty for land lease/purchase for minimum 5 years lease for startups.

• Project Report Subsidy: Reimbursement of 1% of approved fixed capital investment (FCI) up to a maximum of ₹5 lakh.

• Quality Certification Subsidy: Reimbursement up to 80% of cost incurred for quality certification, up to ₹10 lakh.

• Technical Patent Subsidy / Technology Purchase Subsidy: Up to 50% reimbursement of patent/technology purchase cost, up to ₹10 lakh.

• Credit Risk Fund: A dedicated ₹50 crore fund to back startups with access to collateral-free loans and reduce financial risk.

Eligibility Criteria (for Business Owners)

• The startup must be recognised under the policy (usually via registration on the Chhattisgarh startup portal) and hold relevant certification.

• Turnover and age limits apply: for example, under the Industrial Policy context, a unit is considered a startup if turnover doesn’t exceed certain thresholds and it’s within a specified number of years from incorporation.

• The venture must show innovation, new business model, technology adoption or process improvement (not merely replicating existing business).

How to Apply – Key Steps

1. Register on the Startup Portal: Visit the Chhattisgarh startup portal (under the Department of Industries) and complete registration.

2. Prepare Required Documents: Startup application, project report/business plan, financial projections, proof of innovation/technology, adherence to startup eligibility criteria.

3. Apply for Benefit: Through portal, apply for specific subsidy/benefit streams (seed fund, rent subsidy, etc.).

4. Verification & Approval: The State-level Startup Promotion Committee reviews and approves eligible startups.

5. Claim Incentives: Once approved and production/operational milestones met, claim the subsidy/incentive as per guidelines.

Why This Policy Matters for Entrepreneurs

• It significantly reduces early-stage cost and risk via seed funding, rent subsidy and technology purchase subsidy.

• Provides institutional support (incubators, patent subsidy, technology subsidy) that helps startups focus more on growth and innovation.

• If your startup is based in Chhattisgarh (or plans to be), you can leverage these state-specific incentives to scale faster and more cost-effectively.

• The policy aligns with the larger industrial ecosystem (single-window digital approvals, investor-friendly environment) which is beneficial for startups too.

Important Considerations for Business Owners

• Even though incentives are attractive, you still need a well-defined business plan, clear innovation/technology focus, and realistic growth path.

• Monitor and ensure you meet milestones and compliance requirements (e.g., may be required to start operations within a given timeline).

• Document all costs and procurements carefully (for technology purchase, patents, certifications) to claim reimbursements.

• While state support is strong, consider the startup ecosystem maturity (mentors, investors, networks) in your region and supplement accordingly.

• Keep updated for any policy changes or guidelines since the policy intersects with the Industrial Policy 2024-30 and revisions may happen.

Official Document & Sources

You can download details from the official portal:

• “Startup Policy – Chhattisgarh” (via Startup India state policies list) startupindia.gov.in

• “Industrial Policy 2024-30 (Startup & Startup Benefit Section)” – PDF reference. industries.cg.gov.in