Parliament Question: Details of the Startup/SME Growth Fund

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1872 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 09.03.2026 DETAILS OF THE STARTUP/SME GROWTH FUND 1872. SHRI KARTIKEYA SHARMA: Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state: (a) the details of the Startup/SME Growth Fund announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, including its structure and the proposed roadmap and timeline for rollout; (b) whether Government proposes to expand eligibility to the "creator economy", including digital entrepreneurs, content creators and independent freelancers operating as micro- enterprises; and (c) the safeguards proposed to ensure equitable access for startups from smaller towns and first- generation entrepreneurs, including any mentoring, credit-guarantee or handholding support extended through the fund? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE) (a) to (c): In the Union Budget 2026-27, Government has announced a dedicated ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to create future Champions, incentivizing enterprises through equity support, based on select criteria. To support aspirations of India’s small businesses, artisans and start-ups to access global markets through e-commerce, Government has also announced complete removal of the current value cap of ₹10 lakh per consignment on courier exports. Government has also announced support to the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai in setting up Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges. Modalities of these announcements are being worked out. ****