Scheme for assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation: Sustenance Allowance
₹20,000–25,000/month sustenance allowance for 1 year · Gujarat startups
Gujarat startups can receive a monthly sustenance allowance of ₹20,000 (or ₹25,000 for startups with a woman co-founder) for up to one year to help founders cover living expenses while building their venture. This is part of the Gujarat government's umbrella startup scheme under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Apply online at startup.gujarat.gov.in through a Nodal Institution recommendation.
About This Scheme
Gujarat startups can receive a monthly sustenance allowance of ₹20,000 (or ₹25,000 for startups with a woman co-founder) for up to one year to help founders cover living expenses while building their venture. This is part of the Gujarat government's umbrella startup scheme under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Apply online at startup.gujarat.gov.in through a Nodal Institution recommendation.
Full official description
The "Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Effective from August 7th, 2020 to August 6th, 2025, it aims to drive economic growth by generating jobs, fostering competition, and introducing next-gen solutions. The component "Sustenance Allowance", provides financial relief to developers who have paid Stamp Duty on the purchase of land required for a new unit/project. The scheme is aimed at promoting new developments by reducing the financial burden on eligible projects during their establishment phase.
Benefits
- ₹20,000 per month for one year (up to ₹2.4 lakh total)
- ₹25,000 per month for startups with a woman co-founder (up to ₹3 lakh total)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
A guaranteed monthly stipend removes the pressure to take a day job while building your startup — the extra ₹5,000/month for women co-founders is Gujarat's deliberate push to close the gender gap in its startup ecosystem.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Open to any individual or team with an innovative idea, recommended by an approved Nodal Institution
- Sector-agnostic: works across technology, agriculture, healthcare, engineering, and more
- Startups benefiting from SSIP (Student Startup and Innovation Policy) are also eligible
- Not open to entities formed by splitting or restructuring an existing business
- Cannot be combined with other Gujarat government startup schemes
Exclusions
- Entities formed by splitting or restructuring an existing business are not considered startups
How to Apply
- Visit startup.gujarat.gov.in and register/log in.
- Prepare a pitch presentation covering the problem statement, objective, product description, and USP.
- Submit through the portal along with your team and eligibility details.
- On approval by SLEC, receive the monthly sustenance allowance for up to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the "Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation"?
The "Scheme for Assistance for Start Ups/ Innovation" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat under the Gujarat Industrial Policy. Effective from August 7th, 2020 to August 6th, 2025, aims to drive economic growth by generating jobs, fostering competition, and introducing next-gen solutions.
What is the "Sustenance Allowance" component?
The component provides financial support to startups to cover operational expenses, offering [?]20,000-[?]25,000 per month for one year.
Who is eligible for this component?
Individuals or groups with innovative ideas or concepts, recommended by an approved Nodal Institution, are eligible to apply for the scheme.
What is the amount provided to startups under this scheme?
Startups are provided with [?]20,000/- per month, and those with at least one woman co-founder receive an enhanced allowance of [?]25,000/- per month.
Is the scheme limited to specific sectors or industries?
No, the scheme is sector-agnostic and supports innovative projects in any sector, including science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and healthcare.
Can a startup avail of benefits from multiple schemes simultaneously?
Startups that are already availing of incentives under other startup schemes of the Government of Gujarat, except the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), are not eligible for this scheme.
What is the duration of the financial assistance under the scheme?
The financial assistance is provided for a maximum duration of one year.
What is the role of the Nodal Institution in this scheme?
The Nodal Institution evaluates, validates, and recommends the startup's project proposal to the Office of the Industries Commissioner for approval.
Are startups formed by restructuring existing businesses eligible for this scheme?
No, startups formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business are not considered eligible under this scheme.
Can a startup with a woman co-founder receive a higher allowance?
Yes, startups with at least one woman co-founder are eligible to receive [?]25,000 per month instead of [?]20,000.
How can a startup apply for the Sustenance Allowance Scheme?
Startups can apply by registering on the designated online portal, submitting their project proposal to a Nodal Institution, and following the application procedure outlined in the scheme.
How is the sustenance allowance disbursed to eligible startups?
The sustenance allowance is disbursed monthly to eligible startups after approval by the State-Level Empowered Committee (SLEC).
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Pitch presentation (problem statement, objective, product description, how it works, USP)
- Founder identity and eligibility documents