Want to know everything about the Startup India scheme by the government of India? You are on the right page if the answer to this question is yes.
The government of India has provided complete support for startups, and here I am sharing a complete guide for the Startup India Scheme to help you with your startup for funding, availing benefits including the incentives.
As per the government of India
Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to catalyse startup culture and build a strong and inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
The Startup India Scheme is an initiative launched in January 2016 to foster and support the growth of startups in the country. The goal is to create a nurturing startup ecosystem, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote innovation-driven enterprises.
Additionally, the scheme provides various benefits and incentives to startups to facilitate their development and success.
According to the data on the official website of Startup India,
India has the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world; expected to witness YoY(Year On Year) growth of consistent annual growth of 12-15%.
To apply for a Startup, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria are as follows:
Age of the Applicant
Indian citizens aged 18 or above can apply for the scheme.
Age of the Firm
The Date of Incorporation of the company should not exceed ten years
Yearly Turnover
Turnover should be less than INR 100 Crores in previous financial years. An entity shall be considered a startup up to 10 years from incorporation.
Original Entity or Company
The Company or Entity should have been formed initially by the promoters and not by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business.
Innovative and Scalable
The startup should have a plan for developing or improving a product, process, or service and have a scalable business model with a high potential for creating wealth & employment.
However, Companies working towards developing a new product or service can avail of benefits under the Startup-is India policy.
Additionally, the entity should work towards innovation, development, deployment, or commercialisation of new products, processes, or services driven by technology or intellectual property.
Type of a Company
The company or entity should have been incorporated as Pvt. Ltd. Company (as defined in the Companies Act, 2013), LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 or a Partnership Firm (under section 59 of the Partnership Act, 1932).
Remember that a sole proprietorship firm is not eligible for Startup India Scheme.
For this certificate, you need to apply to the Register of a Company (ROC) or, in the case of a partnership, to apply for registration of your firm with the Registrar of Firms of your area. You must also submit the required documents and fees to the Registrar of Companies or Firms along with the registration application.
If you are eligible for Startup India Scheme, you must obtain approval from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Here I am sharing a step-by-step guide for the registration and approval process for a DPIIT certificate.
First, you must visit the Startup India Portal (www.startupindia.gov.in) and create an account. Click on the REGISTER button.
On clicking the registration button, you must fill in the required details, such as name, email id, password, etc., as shown in the picture below.
Now you will get OTP (one-time password) on your mobile number to verify your mobile number. Now you will get a pop-up message of ‘ your account has been created.
After you log in, you can complete the profile. It is pretty self-explanatory to fill the profile.
On that page, add the details of your startup. Most of the information is pretty and complete button if you are a new user. In case you are already registered, click on Dashboard and the DPIIT Recognition. Here you need to fill required details for the Start-up recognition page.
In this form, you must include details such as the entity details, complete address (office), authorised representative details, directors/partner details, information required, startup activities and self-certification.
Also, let me share the list of documents not needed at this stage. There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding regarding these documents. However, you will not need the following documents.
Moreover, if you have any certificates, you can apply if you fulfil the eligibility criteria mentioned above. It’s not like these certificates will make you non-eligible.
Additionally, keep the following details in your mind before applying.
It is essential that you need to be careful in uploading the document. In case it is found that the required document is not uploaded/the wrong document /forged document has been uploaded, then you will be liable to pay the fine of 50% of your paid-up capital of the startup or 25000 INR, whichever is less.
Now you need to click the ” Submit” button. Here you have finished your side work. They will contact you on your registered mobile number or email for additional details.
The specific document requirements may vary depending on the nature of your startup and the application process.
So it is advisable to visit the Startup India Portal (www.startupindia.gov.in) or consult with relevant authorities to get detailed and up-to-date information regarding the required documents for the Startup India Scheme.
Generally, it will take two days to process. Once your application is reviewed, they will issue an identification number to monitor the progress of your application.
At this time Startup India team will verify and review your application. If you submit complete details in an application, they will issue a certificate of recognition and government certification as a ‘startup’.
However, if the application is not complete, then it will take a longer time. In this case, their team might contact you for further details. Typically, it will take 2-3 weeks for this step.
There is no cost to register your startup at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Please note startups won’t have to pay processing, reviewing or submission fees to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the DPIIT certificate.
Usually, there are two stages on which the validity of a Startup Certificate depends,
The Startup India Scheme offers several benefits to startups in India. Here are some of the critical advantages and incentives provided under the scheme:
Generally, this recognition helps startup companies to avail different benefits such as access to quality Intellectual Property Services and resources, relaxation in public procurement norms, easy winding of company, access to Fund of Funds, self-certification under labour and environment laws and tax exemption on investment above fair market value.
Eligible startups can avail of tax benefits for a specific period, which include:
Usually, startups can avail themselves of income tax exemption for three consecutive financial years out of their first ten years of operation, provided they meet certain conditions. This exemption is available under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
It applies to startups that are recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and meet the eligibility criteria
Startups are eligible for capital gains tax exemption if they invest their capital gains in specified funds recognized by the government. The exemption is provided under Section 54GB of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It applies when a startup sells its assets and reinvests the proceeds into an eligible fund within a specified period.
While these tax exemptions are available, startups must comply with tax laws, maintain proper records, and fulfil other compliance requirements.
Additionally, tax laws and exemptions can change over time, so it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or seek guidance from relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the latest regulations and benefits available under the Startup India Program.
Investments made by eligible investors, including Category I and Category II Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), into eligible startups are exempt from the applicability of the angel tax provision. This provision helps startups attract investments without facing tax implications.
Startups can self-certify their compliance with nine labour and environmental laws for five years from incorporation, reducing their regulatory burden.
After obtaining the DPIIT Certificate of Recognition for Startups, the entity can self-certify compliance under 3 Environmental and 6 Labour Laws.
The scheme provides financial and legal assistance for filing patents, trademarks, and designs. Indeed startups can avail of expedited examination of patent applications, reducing the time for approval.
The government has established the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with a corpus of INR 10,000 crore (approximately $1.35 billion) to support startups. The FFS invests in SEBI-registered venture capital funds, which invest in startups.
Startups can avail of a simplified and fast-track exit process, allowing them to wind up their operations within 90 days, minimizing the risks associated with entrepreneurship.
Startups have relaxed eligibility criteria and preferences in public procurement processes. They can participate in government tenders without requiring prior experience or turnover, giving them access to government contracts.
The scheme promotes networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among startups, investors, industry experts, and government stakeholders through initiatives like the Startup India Hub, Startup India Learning Program, and various startup events and summits.
Startups have access to incubation centres, innovation labs, research parks, and mentorship programs established under the scheme. These facilities provide startup infrastructure, guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The scheme focuses on enhancing the skills of entrepreneurs and startup employees through skill development programs, workshops, and training sessions.
Startups can avail themselves of expedited examination of patent applications. This helps secure patents faster, protect their intellectual property, and enable them to commercialize innovations more efficiently.
Startups can participate in international events, conferences, and delegations organized under the scheme, which provide exposure to global markets, investors, and potential collaborators.
Startups recognized under the scheme receive a “Certificate of Recognition” and can use the Startup India logo on their products, websites, and marketing materials. This recognition enhances their credibility and visibility.
Startups can participate in government tenders and procurements, opening opportunities to secure government contracts. Besides, the government has also introduced a 25% reservation for startups in public procurement, promoting their inclusion in government projects.
It’s important to note that the benefits and incentives may vary based on the eligibility criteria and specific programs implemented under the Startup India Scheme.
So Entrepreneurs are advised to visit the Startup India Portal (www.startupindia.gov.in) and consult with relevant authorities to understand and avail of the benefits applicable to their startups.
In short, the Startup India scheme will constantly guide your idea and business. This scheme can boost your growth to different levels.
The Startup India Initiative has successfully helped the startup ecosystem in India, with over 3,700 startups registered on the Startup India Hub and over ₹1,000 crores through the Startup India Seed Fund.
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