Zero-interest seed grants up to ₹30,000 with a 98% repayment and business survival rate.
Zero-Interest Seed Grants for Micro-Entrepreneurs
Bano Udyami — meaning "Become an Entrepreneur" — is PURE India Trust's flagship grant programme, providing zero-interest seed capital up to ₹30,000 to women, differently-abled individuals, and LGBTQI+ community members who are ready to start their own micro-enterprise.
"The ₹25,000 seed grant I received through Bano Udyami allowed me to buy my tailoring machine and raw materials. Within three months, I was earning more than my husband." — Reena Sharma, Participant, Jaipur
Why Seed Grants Matter
Access to even a small amount of startup capital can be the difference between a dream and a livelihood. Traditional banks and microfinance institutions often reject first-time borrowers with no credit history. Bano Udyami bridges this gap — not with charity, but with a structured investment in proven human potential.
How the Grant Works
- Apply Online or Offline — Applications accepted through the Bano Udyami platform or at PURE India field offices
- Assessment — Online and in-person verification to evaluate need, potential, and business idea viability
- Selection — Only the most deserving candidates are selected; each cohort is kept small for quality mentorship
- Grant Disbursement — Funds released directly to the entrepreneur or in the form of tools and materials
- 12-Month Mentorship — Every grantee receives a dedicated business mentor for a full year post-disbursement
- Evaluation & Follow-up — Progress tracked at 3, 6, and 12 months to ensure sustainable outcomes
What the Grant Covers
- 🧵 Equipment and tools (sewing machines, food processing equipment, mobile carts)
- 📦 Initial raw material stock
- 🏷 Branding and packaging setup
- 📱 Digital presence — WhatsApp Business, simple website, or social pages
- 📋 Business registration and compliance support
Programme Impact
- 98% success rate — businesses still operating after one year
- Average startup cost below ₹30,000 — lean, practical, and scalable
- 40–60% profit margins achieved by participants within the first year
- Donor-linked grants — Corporate and individual donors can sponsor a specific beneficiary and follow their journey
Visit banoudyami.com to apply, sponsor a grantee, or learn more about the programme.