Top 5 Government Schemes For Retailers in India

India is at the forefront of a startup boom and this has picked up a relentless pace since mid-2018. With the BJP government’s stance fostering the startup culture; the Startup India- Standup India action plan has become a blessing for the Indian entrepreneur/ retailer.

A fervour that was unveiled in 2016; most startups today are in the midst of exponential growth with innumerable opportunities. The business, therefore, has boomed and the government policies have boosted the growing startup ecosystem.

For a budding entrepreneur, this is probably the best time for you to kickstart your venture and make it happen.

In the past few years, the government of India has initiated several schemes and programs, to help startups and give a gentle push to the ‘culture’ of entrepreneurship among Indians. Here are the top five government schemes for the retail business.

Also Read: Tips For Better Offers To Give To Customers For Retail Shops

5 Government Shop Schemes For Retailers in India

1 Multiplier Grants Scheme (MGS) for IT Research and Development

Started by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), MGS has been meticulously introduced to ‘encourage collaborative R&D between industry and academics/ R&D institutions for the development of products and packages.’

The scheme, which is valid until March 31st, 2020, has a corpus of Rs 36 crore for Startups and incubators/academia/accelerators engaged in the electronics and information technology domain.

This is mainly applicable to industries that deal with Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Hardware, the Internet of Things, IT Services, Enterprise Software, and Analytics.

Also Read: Best Ways To Bring Your Business Online For Retail Shops

2 Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises

Initially launched in 2000, the CGMSE scheme was created as a monetary support scheme for micro and small enterprises.

Offering collateral-free credit for both new and existing business units, this scheme is intended to provide a loan of up to Rs ten lakhs without any collateral.

For all those who seek a higher loan, to the tune of Rs ten lakhs scaling up to Rs one crore; these are available on primary security or mortgage of land and the relevant building associated with it. 

These are eligible accounts, covered under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). The asset created through the credit facility, (associated with the business unit) is also considered as security when the loan amount exceeds Rs ten lakhs.

These business loans are financed by various public and private sector banks covered under the scheme.

Also Read: Best Mobile Apps To Manage Trade And Payments For Retail Shops

A unique scheme initiated by the government is the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). Launched to assist retailers, educational institutes, self-help groups, farmers and SMEs alike; the government has floated this unique scheme to encourage entrepreneurs to take collateral-free loans for starting businesses without the fear of defaulting.

The trust fund has the facility to reimburse the lending institution up to a certain limit, in case the borrower defaults. This scheme attempts to smooth the credit delivery system, with a guarantee covering up to 85% for loans up to Rs five lakh.

Documents Required

1. Business Registration Certificate
2. Bank Account Details
3. PAN Card details of the business
4. Aadhaar card
5. Details of Collateral
6. Business Plan
7. MSME Certificate
8. Income Tax Return for the Past 3 years
9. Project Report

Also Read: Best Ways To Organically Reach Customers For Retail Shops

3 Raw Material Assistance Scheme

National Small Industries Corporation or NSIC has launched the Raw Material Assistance scheme, which aims to assist manufacturers and MSMEs with procuring raw materials, both indigenous & imported.

The Government Schemes help the manufacturers to focus on the quality of their products, as they can avail of low-interest loans and financial help to get raw materials.

4 PSB Loans in 59 Minutes:

• A quick and easy loan approval platform for MSMEs, including retailers.
• Loans up to ₹5 crores are processed within 59 minutes.
• Requires minimal documentation, such as GST details, income tax returns, and bank statements.
• Aimed at improving accessibility to credit for small businesses.

These schemes provide financial support, reduce dependency on private lenders, and help retailers manage and grow their businesses effectively.

National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Subsidy Scheme

The NSIC Subsidy Scheme is a government program that helps small businesses, including retailers, by providing financial support, marketing help, and other resources to grow and compete better in the market.

How It Helps Retailers:

1. Financial Help: Provides loans at lower rates for setting up or expanding stores.
2. Raw Material Support: Offers raw materials at cheaper prices, helping save costs.
3. Marketing Help: Assists in promoting products at trade fairs and on online platforms.
4. Training: Provides training to improve business skills and operations.
5. Tender Support: This makes it easier to apply for government tenders with cost benefits.

This scheme helps retailers grow their businesses, reduce costs, and reach more customers with government-backed support.

Also Read: Best Practice For Mobile Shops

5 MUDRA Loans

Micro-units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) is an organization established by the government of India to provide business finance to micro-business units.

The loans under the scheme are given on the pretext of ‘funding the unfunded’. This refers to those companies that are so far awaiting the appropriate funds for their businesses.

Since small companies and startups find it challenging to finance their venture, the government of India has created the concept of low-cost credit for such undertakings.

Mudra Loans can also be understood as refinanced business loans, approved and disbursed through public sector banks, private sector banks, cooperative societies, small banks, scheduled commercial banks, and rural banks that fall under the scheme.

Documents Required

1. Business Registration Certificate
2. Bank Account Details
3. PAN Card details
4. Aadhaar card
5. Quotation of Machinery Tools
6. Business Plan
7. MSME Certificate
8. Income Tax Return for the Past 3 years

Is the GST composition scheme better than the regular scheme for retailers?

FAQs

What are government shop schemes available for retailers in India?

Various government schemes cater to retailers in India, including the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Startup India, Standup India, Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana (PMRY), and the GST Composition Scheme.

What is the Startup India scheme, and how does it support retailers?

Startup India aims to promote entrepreneurship by providing various benefits to startups, including easier compliance, tax exemptions, and access to funding. Retailers with innovative business ideas or technology-driven solutions can avail of these benefits.

Are there any specific schemes for rural retail shops in India?

Yes, various government schemes target rural retailers, including the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), which provides support for rural micro-enterprises, including retail ventures, through skill development, access to credit, and market linkages.

What are government wholesaler schemes in India?

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): Offers collateral-free credit to small businesses, which wholesalers can benefit from. Banks and financial institutions provide loans up to ₹2 crore under this scheme.

Interest Subvention Scheme for MSMEs: Provides a 2% interest subsidy on loans for MSMEs, which includes wholesalers.