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Startup Ecosystem - Mentoring and Acceleration, Government Schemes for Startups

Startup Ecosystem - Mentoring and Accelration and Government Schemes

Mentoring and Acceleration services are crucial for startups. We offer structured support to help them grow and succeed. Here’s an overview of the services we provide to startups so as to help them scale .  The SoW ( Scope of Work ) is bespoke for each startup and on need basis.


Mentoring Services


* One-on-One Mentoring:   

Focus Areas:

  • Business strategy
  • Product development
  • Market fit,
  • Fundraising and scaling. 
 

* Group Mentoring:       

Focus Areas :

  • Advice from industry experts and entrepreneurs, learning from shared experiences
  • Networking Opportunities, introduction to potential partnerships, access to communities, helping in skills building and people strategy
  • Access to relevant workshops
  • Training on key skills like pitching, marketing, and financial management.
 

Acceleration Services

Structured Programs

  • Typically lasts from a few weeks to several months.
  • Curriculum includes modules on business development, product validation, and market strategies                                                                                       

Funding and Investment: 

  • Helping in Seed Funding for initial capital to help startups get off the ground.
  • Access to Investor Networks – Connections to venture capitalists, angel investors, and other funding sources.
 

Market Access:

  • Customer Validation: Opportunities to test products with real users and get feedback.
  • Partnerships: Collaborations with larger companies or institutions.
These mentoring and accelerator services are designed to address the common challenges faced by startups and provide them with the resources, knowledge, and connections needed to accelerate their growth and achieve long-term success.


Government Schemes for Startups

We help our startup customers to navigate through the best available startup schemes and help them in the journey. These central government schemes offer a robust support system for startups in India, addressing various needs from financial assistance and regulatory relief to mentoring and infrastructure support. Entrepreneurs can leverage these schemes to overcome challenges, scale their ventures, and contribute to the vibrant startup ecosystem in the country.

Central Government Schemes for Startups

India’s central government has launched several schemes to foster the growth and development of startups. These initiatives provide financial support, infrastructure, mentorship, and regulatory relief to help new enterprises thrive. Here’s a broad overview of key central government schemes designed to support startups:

Startup India Initiative

Startup India is a flagship program launched in January 2016 to promote and facilitate the growth of startups across the country. Key components include:

  • Startup India Hub: A centralized platform providing information about government schemes, funding opportunities, and regulatory compliance. It acts as a single-window clearance system for startups.
  • Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS): Managed by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), this fund provides equity funding to startups through various Venture Capital Funds (VCFs). The aim is to contribute up to ₹10,000 crore over several years.
  • Tax Benefits: Startups are eligible for a three-year income tax holiday within the first seven years of their operations. Additionally, they can benefit from a 20% tax deduction on investments above the fair market value.
  • Easy Compliance: The initiative simplifies compliance with labor and environmental laws through self-certification. It also provides a streamlined exit process for startups.
  • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Benefits: Fast-tracking of patent applications and a 80% rebate on patent costs.                                                                                  

Atal Innovation Mission:

Atal Innovation Mission aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship:

  • Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL): Provides grants to schools to set up innovation labs where students can work on creative projects, fostering a culture of innovation from an early age.
  • Atal Incubation Centers (AIC): Supports the establishment and growth of incubation centers that provide resources, mentorship, and infrastructure to startups. 
 

Pradhan  Mantri Mudra Yojna:

Launched in April 2015, the Mudra Yojana provides financial support to micro and small enterprises, including startups. The scheme offers loans under three categories:

  • Shishu: Up to ₹50,000 for new businesses.
  • Kishore: ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh for existing businesses looking to expand.
  • Tarun: ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh for more established businesses.
 

Standup India Scheme :

Introduced in April 2016, this scheme facilitates the setting up of greenfield enterprises by Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women entrepreneurs. The scheme provides:

  • Loan Support: Between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to cover project costs.
  • Mentoring and Support: Guidance and support through various institutions and banks 

 National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI):

NIDHI is a comprehensive program to support the innovation ecosystem in India:

  • NIDHI-PRAYAS: Provides financial assistance for prototype development.
  • NIDHI-EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence): Supports entrepreneurs through a stipend and mentorship.
  • NIDHI-Seed Support Scheme: Offers seed funding to startups for scaling up.
 

Digital India:

Launched in July 2015, the Digital India promotes the growth of startups in the digital sector. Key initiatives include:

  • Support for Digital Infrastructure: Assistance in setting up digital infrastructure and technology support.
  • Funding and Resources: Access to funding and resources for startups working in the digital space.
 

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups

  • The Credit Guarantee Fund for Startups (CGFS) is an initiative designed to provide startups with easier access to credit by offering guarantees to financial institutions. This helps startups, particularly those in their early stages or lacking substantial collateral, secure loans from banks and other financial institutions. The CGFS aims to enhance the creditworthiness of startups by providing a guarantee to banks and financial institutions for loans extended to these startups. This reduces the risk for lenders and encourages them to provide financing to innovative and high-potential startups.