Maharashtra Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women Start Up Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Government of Maharashtra launched the Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women Startup Scheme in 2024 to strengthen women entrepreneurship and support innovative women-led startups across the state. The scheme was announced by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Shri Ajit Pawar during the supplementary budget presentation on 28 June 2024. Through this initiative, the Maharashtra Government aims to create a strong startup ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can receive financial backing for business growth, innovation, and expansion.

Under the scheme, eligible women-led startups will receive financial assistance ranging from Rs. 1,00,000/- to Rs. 25,00,000/-. The financial support can be used for scaling operations, product development, business expansion, technology improvement, market access, and strengthening startup infrastructure. The government has introduced this scheme to encourage women to become self-reliant, generate employment opportunities, and contribute towards economic development in Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) has been appointed as the implementing agency of the scheme, while the Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department acts as the nodal department. The scheme mainly targets startups that are already operational and have completed at least one year of business activity. To avail benefits, startups must be registered with DPIIT and MCA, and women founders must hold at least 51% ownership in the startup.

Through the Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women Startup Scheme, the Maharashtra Government aims to support innovative startups, strengthen the startup ecosystem, increase employment generation, and encourage women's participation in business and technology sectors. The scheme also focuses on promoting startups working on innovative ideas, local products, technology-based services, and scalable business models. Special preference may also be given to women belonging to the Scheduled Castes, economically weaker sections, and the aspirational categories.

The scheme is expected to improve the participation of women in Maharashtra's startup ecosystem and help the state emerge as one of the leading hubs for women-led startups in India. By providing financial assistance and startup support, the government aims to help women entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into successful business ventures while contributing to economic development and job creation.

The online application process for the Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women Startup Scheme remains open only for a limited period, as notified by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society from time to time. Interested women entrepreneurs should complete the registration and submit the application form within the prescribed deadline to avoid missing the opportunity for financial assistance under the scheme. 

Scheme Benefits

• Eligible women-led startups will receive financial assistance from the Government of Maharashtra.
• Financial assistance ranging from Rs. 1,00,000/- to Rs. 25,00,000/- will be provided under the scheme.
• Selected startups will receive one-time financial support for business growth and expansion.
• The scheme will help startups improve product development, operations, and market reach.
• Women entrepreneurs will receive encouragement to build sustainable and innovative enterprises.

Eligibility Requirement

• Applicant must be a woman entrepreneur from Maharashtra.
• Startup must be registered in Maharashtra.
• Startup must be recognized by DPIIT.
• Startup must be registered with MCA.
• Women founder or co-founder must hold at least 51% stake in the startup.
• Startup must be operational for a minimum period of one year.
• Annual turnover of the startup should be between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore.
• Startup should not have received grant-based financial assistance under any other state government scheme.

Required Documents

• Pitch Deck.
• Company Registration Certificate.
• MCA Registration Certificate.
• DPIIT Recognition Certificate.
• Startup PAN Card.
• GST Registration Certificate. (If Available)
• Audit Report. (If Available)
• Founder's Photograph.
• Startup Logo.
• Product or Service Photographs.
• Bank Account Details.

Steps to Apply

• Women entrepreneurs can apply online for financial assistance under the Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women Startup Scheme.
• Online Application Form of Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women Start Up Scheme is available on the Maharashtra State Innovation Society.
• Fill in all the required details in the application form carefully.
  • Startup Name.
  • Founder Name.
  • Email ID.
  • Mobile Number.
  • Startup Category.
  • Sector of Startup.
  • Company Type.
  • Registration Date.
  • DPIIT Recognition Number.
  • Website Details.
  • Office Address.
  • District and City.
  • Team Size.
  • Startup Description.
  • Product or Service Details.
  • Problem Statement and Solution.
  • Business Impact and Growth Potential.
  • Annual Turnover Details.
• Upload all the required documents in the prescribed format.
  
• Verify all entered information carefully before final submission.
• Click on the "Submit" button to complete the online application process.
• Submitted applications will be reviewed and scrutinised by the concerned authorities.
• Shortlisted startups may be called for further evaluation or pitching rounds.
• Financial assistance will be transferred to selected startups after approval.

Relevant Links

• Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women Startup Scheme Online Application Form.
• Maharashtra State Innovation Society Website.
• Maharashtra Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department Website.
• Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women Startup Scheme Guidelines.

Contact Information

• Maharashtra State Innovation Society Helpline Number :- 022-31059000.
• Maharashtra State Innovation Society Helpdesk Email :- [email protected].
• Maharashtra Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department Helpline Number :-
  • 022-22625651.
  • 022-22625653.
• Maharashtra Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department Email :- [email protected].
• Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Maharashtra,
  Madam Cama Road, Hutatma Rajguru Chowk,
  Mumbai - 400032.