Part B · Startup-relevant scheme
Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP)
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Incubation
IdeationSeed / Early-StageGrowth / Scaling
ESDP helps aspiring and existing entrepreneurs build business and practical skills so they can start, manage, and grow MSMEs.
Type of support
Incubation
Best suited for
Capacity Building
How much
No direct startup funding; training cost supported per programme norms
Source
Objectives
To motivate people from different sections of society to consider entrepreneurship as a career option, by imparting technical and business skills training. To provide entrepreneurship training to entrepreneurs in domains including e-commerce, software, biotech, modern agriculture, genomics and others To support the establishment of new MSMEs and enhance growth of existing ones.
Who can apply?
- Existing or aspiring entrepreneurs.
- 40% of the beneficiaries are required to be from weaker sections of society including SC/ST/Women/Physically Handicapped.
What do you get?
- Training is provided under three modules – Entrepreneurship Awareness Program, Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Program, and Management Development Program.
- Hands-on practice or demonstration to upgrade skills of prospective entrepreneurs.
How to apply
Apply through the websites of MSME-DFOs, MSME-TC and other Implementing Agencies under ESDP scheme
Key links
Websitemsmedi.dcmsme.gov.in/
Operational Guidelinesmsmedi.dcmsme.gov.in/Manuals/Approved%20ESDP%20Guidelines_new.pdf
Details as printed in the June 2026 playbook. Deadlines, amounts and windows change — verify on the official portal before applying.