Maharashtra Government Schemes for Startups & MSME

Budgets, Benefits, and How to Apply

Maharashtra is fast becoming India’s powerhouse for innovation and entrepreneurship. Through multiple Maharashtra Govt Schemes and startup-friendly reforms, the state is creating a fertile ecosystem for businesses, innovators, and youth entrepreneurs.

The recently launched Maharashtra Startup and Innovation Policy 2025 introduces a ₹500 crore corpus, the “Maha-Fund,” and a 300-acre “Innovation City” to nurture 50,000 startups and 1.25 lakh entrepreneurs over five years. Let’s explore the key Maharashtra Schemes their budgets, benefits, eligibility, and how to apply.

Overview of Maharashtra Govt Schemes 2025

Maha-Fund – State Startup Corpus

One of the most ambitious Maharashtra Govt Schemes, the Maha-Fund allocates ₹500 crore over five years to back 25,000 entrepreneurs.

Benefits:

• Loan assistance of ₹5–10 lakh per startup
• Mentorship and incubation via state partners
• Priority to youth, women, and rural entrepreneurs

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be Indian citizens with a valid business plan
• Startups registered under DPIIT or Maharashtra State Innovation Society

How to Apply:

• Visit the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) portal
• Create your startup profile
• Submit your proposal and required documents (PAN, Udyam, GST, bank details)

Document Checklist:

• Business Plan / DPR
• Founder KYC
• Bank statement (6 months)
• Incorporation Certificate
• Proof of residence

Maharashtra Startup Week

Another vital part of Maharashtra Schemes, the Startup Week invites innovative startups to showcase solutions to government departments. Selected startups receive work orders worth up to ₹25 lakh for pilot implementation.

Key Benefits:

• Recognition and credibility through government partnerships
• Pilot project with direct revenue
• Faster access to buyers and markets

Who Can Apply:
Startups that have validated their prototype or MVP in any sector—agri-tech, health-tech, clean-tech, fintech, or logistics.

How to Apply:

• Keep your startup registered under MSInS
• Track announcements on the official startup portal
• Submit presentation, product demo, and proof of concept

Reimbursement Schemes for Testing, Certification & Exhibitions

Maharashtra Govt Schemes also cover partial reimbursement for key business expenses.

Reimbursement Limits:

• Quality testing & certification: up to ₹5 lakh
• Domestic exhibitions: ₹2 lakh
• International exhibitions: ₹5 lakh

Documents Required:

• NABL/BIS testing invoices and reports
• Exhibition participation proof
• Payment and travel receipts

These Maharashtra Schemes help startups reduce validation and marketing costs, improving competitiveness.

Maharashtra Innovation City

To accelerate industrial collaboration, the government has planned a 300-acre Maharashtra Innovation City (MIC).
It will host R&D labs, startup accelerators, corporate innovation centers, and investor networks.

Benefits:

• Shared labs and workspaces for entrepreneurs
• Access to state-supported mentors and investors
• Collaboration with large corporations for pilot projects

Central Schemes Supporting Maharashtra Startups

Besides state-specific programs, Maharashtra entrepreneurs can leverage central Maharashtra Govt Schemes designed for startups and MSMEs.

a) Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)

• Budget: ₹945 crore (national corpus)
• Funding: ₹20 lakh grant for PoC + ₹50 lakh loan for scaling
• Eligibility: DPIIT-recognised startups
• Application: Apply via accredited incubators listed under the Startup India portal

b) Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)

• Benefit: Collateral-free guarantee for loans to DPIIT-recognised startups
• Coverage: Working capital, venture debt, and term loans

c) Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)

• Benefit: Loan coverage up to ₹5 crore for MSMEs
• Eligibility: Registered MSMEs and startups under Udyam

d) Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

• Subsidy: 15–35% margin money subsidy on project cost
• Administered By: KVIC, DIC, and banks
• Sector Fit: Micro-manufacturing, food processing, and rural enterprises

Quick Summary of Maharashtra Schemes

How to Apply for Maharashtra Govt Schemes

1. Get DPIIT Recognition:
   Register your startup on the DPIIT portal to qualify for both central and state Maharashtra Schemes.
2. Register with MSInS:
   Obtain a Maharashtra Startup ID from the Maharashtra State Innovation Society.
3. Prepare DPR & Pitch Deck:
   Include problem statement, market validation, product prototype, and revenue model.
4. Submit Online:
   Depending on the scheme, submit through the MSInS portal, Startup India, or KVIC/DIC website.
5. Follow Up with Incubator or Bank:
   For credit-linked schemes, coordinate with partnered incubators or lenders.

Latest Government Updates 2025

• Maharashtra Startup Policy 2025 Approved:
  Targets 50,000 startups, 1.3 lakh entrepreneurs, and ₹500 crore funding via Maha-Fund.
• Maharashtra GCC Policy 2025:
  Plans 400 new Global Capability Centres with ₹50,000 crore investment and 4 lakh jobs—huge potential for SaaS and tech startups.
• Smart Solar Rooftop Scheme (2025-27):
  ₹655 crore fund for rooftop solar installations; beneficial for solar, EV, and energy startups.
• Nagpur Defence & Drone Corridor:
  A new industrial hub is being developed for defence, drones, and aerospace startups.
• Departmental Innovation Budget:
  Each department allocates 0.5% of its annual state budget to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

How StartupFlora Helps You Leverage Maharashtra Govt Schemes

StartupFlora, India’s trusted funding and growth partner, simplifies the entire process of applying under Maharashtra Schemes and central startup programs.

Here’s what we do for you:

• Funding Strategy: Identify the right scheme based on your business stage and sector.
• Documentation Support: Prepare DPRs, financials, and compliance files.
• Bank & Incubator Liaison: Coordinate with lenders or incubators to ensure faster approval.
• Post-Sanction Support: Help you claim reimbursements and meet reporting requirements.
• Full Transparency: No hidden charges—100% compliance and real-time status updates.

Thousands of entrepreneurs have already secured funding through StartupFlora’s guidance under Maharashtra Govt Schemes and national programs.

Action Steps

1. Register under DPIIT and MSInS.
2. Prepare your Detailed Project Report (DPR).
3. Shortlist the most relevant Maharashtra Schemes (Maha-Fund, Startup Week, or CGTMSE).
4. Submit your application through verified portals.
5. Connect with StartupFlora for expert end-to-end guidance.

FAQs on Maharashtra Govt Schemes

Q1. What is the main funding program under Maharashtra Schemes?
The Maha-Fund is the flagship program with ₹500 crore allocation to support new startups through loans and mentorship.

Q2. Can startups apply for both state and central schemes?
Yes, founders can combine Maharashtra Govt Schemes like Maha-Fund with central schemes such as SISFS or CGTMSE for maximum funding support.

Q3. Do I need DPIIT recognition?
DPIIT registration is mandatory for most startup-specific Maharashtra Schemes and central programs.

Q4. Are manufacturing MSMEs eligible?
Yes. Manufacturing and service-based MSMEs can apply under PMEGP and CGTMSE for collateral-free loans and subsidies.

Q5. What if I need help with documentation?
StartupFlora provides complete support—from paperwork to disbursement tracking across all Maharashtra Govt Schemes.

Conclusion

2025 marks a defining year for Maharashtra’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. With its ₹500 crore Maha-Fund, Innovation City, and Startup Week, the state offers unmatched opportunities through various Maharashtra Govt Schemes. Combined with national programs like SISFS, CGTMSE, and PMEGP, every startup tech, agri, or manufacturing can now access structured financial support.

If you’re ready to scale your business, StartupFlora is your trusted partner to navigate the complex funding landscape of Maharashtra Schemes from idea to execution, with complete transparency.