ESDP Scheme: Free Entrepreneurship Training from the Ministry of MSME
Guidance by StartupFlora · Last updated: September 16, 2026 Most people who want to start a business don't lack the will, they lack a starting point. Where do you find a mentor, learn to write a project report, or understand what it actually takes to run a small enterprise day to day? The Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP), run by the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME) through MSME Development Institutes (MSME-DIs) across the country, was built to be that starting point, at no cost to the participant. The programme isn't a single course. It's a set of training formats, from short motivational sessions to structured entrepreneurship-cum-skill-development batches, aimed at different stages of readiness, from someone who has never considered starting a business to an existing MSME owner looking to scale. If you take one thing from this article: there is no fee charged to candidates under any component of this programme, and 20% of the training slots are reserved specifically for SC/ST, women and persons with disabilities.
Benefits of the Scheme
Completely Free Training
No fee is charged from candidates under any of the ESDP's training components, removing cost as a barrier to entrepreneurship training.
Multiple Training Formats for Different Needs
The programme includes Industrial Motivation Campaigns, Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes, and full Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Programmes, so participants can enter at whichever stage matches their current level of business readiness.
Reserved Access for Underrepresented Groups
20% of total targeted programme slots are conducted exclusively for SC/ST, women, and persons with disabilities, and a monthly stipend of ₹500 per candidate is provided to this group under the Promotional Package for Micro and Small Enterprises.
Delivered Through Technical Institutions
Training is typically conducted in ITIs, Polytechnics and other technical institutions that already have the infrastructure and skilled faculty to run hands-on sessions.
One-to-One Mentoring Built In
Industrial Motivation Campaigns include formal sessions as well as one-to-one discussions for counselling and mentoring, giving participants direct access to guidance rather than only classroom instruction.
Support for Existing MSMEs, Not Just New Founders
Advanced training components help existing entrepreneurs improve their techno-managerial skills and scale their current enterprise, not just help first-time founders get started.
40% Women Participation Target
Under the scheme guidelines, Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes and Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Programmes both carry an overall target of 40% women participation.
Scheme Snapshot
How to Enrol in ESDP
Watch for programme advertisements
Applications are invited through advertisements in newspapers and on the websites of the Office of the DC(MSME) as well as individual MSME-DIs, so keep an eye on your local MSME-DI's announcements.
Apply to the relevant MSME-DI
Submit your application to the MSME Development Institute conducting the programme you're interested in, since these institutes run the selection process locally.
Get shortlisted by the Selection Committee
Selection Committees at each MSME-DI review applications based on qualification, past experience, and suitability for the specific course being offered.
Attend the programme at no cost
Once selected, attend the training at the designated ITI, Polytechnic, or technical institution. No fee is charged for participation.
Access reserved-category benefits if applicable
If you belong to SC/ST, women, or persons-with-disabilities categories, check whether the specific batch falls under the 20% reserved allocation, which also carries a ₹500 monthly stipend.
Watch for programme advertisements
Applications are invited through advertisements in newspapers and on the websites of the Office of the DC(MSME) as well as individual MSME-DIs, so keep an eye on your local MSME-DI's announcements.
Apply to the relevant MSME-DI
Submit your application to the MSME Development Institute conducting the programme you're interested in, since these institutes run the selection process locally.
Get shortlisted by the Selection Committee
Selection Committees at each MSME-DI review applications based on qualification, past experience, and suitability for the specific course being offered.
Attend the programme at no cost
Once selected, attend the training at the designated ITI, Polytechnic, or technical institution. No fee is charged for participation.
Access reserved-category benefits if applicable
If you belong to SC/ST, women, or persons-with-disabilities categories, check whether the specific batch falls under the 20% reserved allocation, which also carries a ₹500 monthly stipend.
Eligibility for ESDP
Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs
are both eligible, since the programme spans everything from first-time motivation campaigns to advanced training for running enterprises
Age 18 and above,
for Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes specifically
Open to all sections of society,
with a specific focus on SC/ST, women, differently-abled persons, ex-servicemen and BPL individuals
No prior business experience required
for entry-level components like Industrial Motivation Campaigns and Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes
FAQs
Related Schemes
Udyam Assist Platform — the formal registration step that often follows ESDP training once a business idea is ready to launch
PM Internship Scheme for MSMEs — for ESDP graduates who've since set up an MSME and want to hire trained interns