BHULI (Business Handholding Unit for Livelihood Incubation) is a women entrepreneurship incubation programme launched on 15 July 2026 by the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM) in collaboration with FIED IIM Kashipur. The programme aims to support 150 women-owned or women-led rural enterprises by providing financial assistance, business incubation, mentoring, and market linkage support. Eligible applicants can apply through the official BHULI application portal.
Uttarakhand BHULI Programme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | BHULI – Business Handholding Unit for Livelihood Incubation |
| Launch Date | 15 July 2026 |
| Implementing Department | Department of Rural Development, Government of Uttarakhand |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM) |
| Programme Framework | Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) |
| Programme Partner | Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED), IIM Kashipur |
| Objective | Provide business incubation, financial assistance, and market linkage support to eligible women-led rural enterprises. |
| Target Enterprises | 150 women-owned or women-led enterprises |
| Women Ownership Requirement | Minimum 66% ownership and/or management by women |
| Financial Support | Up to 75% of approved capital expenditure (CapEx) and working capital (OpEx) |
| Soft Loan Interest | 0% (Zero-interest soft loan component) |
| Grant Component | Equity-free grants under the Challenge Fund |
| Beneficiary Contribution | Remaining 25% through own investment, bank credit, CIF, or other approved sources |
| Eligible Sectors | Value-added manufacturing and service enterprises |
| Not Eligible | Pure retail trading and primary agriculture without value addition |
| Annual Turnover Range | Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh+ |
| Incubation Support | Enterprise Growth Plan, mentoring, digital bookkeeping, branding, packaging, market linkage, e-commerce onboarding, and GeM support |
| Eligibility | Active SHG member or eligible family member under USRLM/DAY-NRLM |
| Enterprise Requirement | Must be an existing and commercially operational enterprise |
| Coverage | All 13 districts of Uttarakhand |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Portal | ukrbi.in/fied |
| USRLM Website | uksrlm.uk.gov.in |
| FIED Website | fied.in |
| DAY-NRLM Website | aajeevika.gov.in |
Introduction of Uttarakhand BHULI Programme: A Brief Insight
Uttarakhand’s rural economy is driven by thousands of women entrepreneurs who process local agricultural produce, manufacture handicrafts, operate dairy units, provide eco-tourism services, and run several other value-added enterprises through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). While many of these enterprises have strong growth potential, they often face challenges such as limited access to finance, business mentoring, branding, market linkages, and digital business tools. To strengthen such rural enterprises, the Government of Uttarakhand launched the BHULI (Business Handholding Unit for Livelihood Incubation) programme on 15 July 2026.
The programme is implemented by the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM) under the Department of Rural Development, Government of Uttarakhand, within the framework of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), in partnership with the Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED), IIM Kashipur. The programme aims to identify 150 women-owned or women-led rural enterprises across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand and provide them comprehensive business incubation support to improve their long-term sustainability and growth.
Selected enterprises may receive financial assistance covering up to 75% of the approved capital expenditure (CapEx) and working capital (OpEx) through a combination of equity-free grants and zero-interest soft loans under the Challenge Fund, subject to programme approval. In addition, beneficiaries receive business mentoring, diagnostic assessment, preparation of a customised Enterprise Growth Plan, digital bookkeeping support, product standardisation, branding, packaging, market linkage, e-commerce onboarding, and assistance with registration on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
Active members of SHGs registered under USRLM/DAY-NRLM, or eligible family members of SHG members, who operate an existing commercially active enterprise in Uttarakhand can apply. Women must hold at least 66% ownership and/or management of the enterprise. The programme supports value-added manufacturing and service enterprises, while businesses engaged only in retail trading or primary agriculture without value addition are not eligible. Applications are submitted online through the official BHULI portal at ukrbi.in/fied.
Women entrepreneurs who require additional funding beyond the support available under BHULI may also explore the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), which provides collateral-free business loans ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 20 lakh. Similarly, entrepreneurs planning to establish or expand manufacturing units can consider the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which offers margin money subsidy for eligible projects under the applicable government guidelines.
For more livelihood, self-employment, and women empowerment initiatives implemented by the State Government, visit our Uttarakhand Government Schemes page.
Benefits Provided to Selected Beneficiaries
The Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM), in collaboration with FIED IIM Kashipur, provides the following support to selected women-led enterprises under the BHULI (Business Handholding Unit for Livelihood Incubation) programme:
Financial Support
- Financial assistance of up to 75% of the approved capital expenditure (CapEx) and working capital (OpEx), subject to programme approval.
- Support provided through a combination of equity-free grants and zero-interest soft loans.
- No interest is charged on the soft loan component.
- The remaining 25% contribution may be arranged through the entrepreneur’s own investment, bank credit, Community Investment Fund (CIF), or other approved funding sources.
- Financial assistance is awarded through the programme’s competitive Challenge Fund selection process.
Business Incubation and Mentoring
- Business diagnostic assessment for each selected enterprise.
- Preparation of a customised enterprise growth plan.
- Mentoring and business handholding by FIED IIM Kashipur experts.
- Support for digital bookkeeping and financial management.
- Guidance on product standardisation and quality improvement.
- Assistance with branding, packaging, and market positioning.
- Support for supply chain development and business expansion.
- Assistance for onboarding on e-commerce platforms.
- Support for registration and participation on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
Market Linkages
- Facilitation of market linkages at the local, state, national, and digital levels.
- Access to the mentoring network of FIED IIM Kashipur.
- Support for participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets.
Programme Highlights
- The programme aims to support 150 women-owned or women-led enterprises.
- It is designed to promote sustainable business growth and local employment generation.
- The programme is implemented across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM) has prescribed the following eligibility conditions for selection under the BHULI (Business Handholding Unit for Livelihood Incubation) programme:
General Eligibility
- Applicant must be an active member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) registered under USRLM/DAY-NRLM or an eligible family member of an SHG member.
- The enterprise must be located and operating in Uttarakhand.
- The enterprise must be commercially operational. Businesses at the ideation stage are not eligible.
- Women must hold at least 66% ownership and/or management of the enterprise.
- The enterprise must undertake processing, manufacturing, or service activities involving value addition.
- The enterprise must not be owned or operated by USRLM staff.
Eligible Applicants
- Individual SHG member or eligible family member of an SHG member
- Self-Help Group (SHG)
- Village Organisation (VO)
- Cluster Level Federation (CLF)
- Community Based Organisation (CBO)
Eligible Sectors
The programme supports value-added enterprises in sectors such as:
- Manufacturing: Food processing, hill produce processing, handicrafts, packaging units, dairy products, herbal products, and similar value-added activities.
- Services: Rural eco-tourism, tailoring units, beauty and wellness services, skill-based services, and other eligible service enterprises.
Who Is Not Eligible
- Enterprises engaged only in retail trading without value addition.
- Primary agriculture activities without value addition.
- Applicants who are not SHG members or eligible family members under USRLM/DAY-NRLM.
- Enterprises located outside Uttarakhand.
- Enterprises owned or operated by USRLM staff.
- Businesses that are still at the ideation stage and have not commenced commercial operations.
Districts Covered
The programme is available across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand:
- Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, and Uttarkashi.
Documents Required to be Attached
Applicants should keep the following documents and information ready before submitting the application for the BHULI Programme through the official portal at ukrbi.in/fied or with assistance from the USRLM Team, FIED IIM Kashipur Team, or Community Resource Persons (CRPs):
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of active membership in a USRLM/DAY-NRLM Self-Help Group (where applicable)
- Enterprise registration or incorporation certificate (if the enterprise is registered)
- Proof of business activity showing that the enterprise is operational
- Documents supporting the annual turnover of the enterprise (where applicable)
- Bank account details of the applicant or enterprise
- Address proof showing that the enterprise operates in Uttarakhand
- Caste Certificate (only if applying under the SC, ST, or OBC category)
- Educational qualification certificates (if required during the selection process)
- Entrepreneurship or skill training certificate (if available)
- Employment details, if the enterprise has already generated employment
- Recent passport-size photographs
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
The BHULI programme was launched on 15 July 2026. Eligible applicants can submit their applications online through the official BHULI portal. After submission, applications undergo screening and evaluation before the final selection of enterprises. The complete application process is explained below.
Apply Online Through the Official Portal
Step 1: Visit the official BHULI application portal at ukrbi.in/fied. Select the appropriate applicant category and begin the online application.
Step 2: Enter the required applicant details, including your name, SHG membership status, category, mobile number, address, district, block, and other mandatory information.
Step 3: Provide the enterprise details, such as registration status, business activity, years of operation, annual turnover, employment generation, enterprise category, and confirmation that the enterprise operates in Uttarakhand.
Step 4: Upload the required supporting documents, review all the information entered, and verify that the application is complete before submission.
Step 5: Submit the application online and save the application reference number for future communication or tracking.
Selection Process After Application
Step 1: The submitted application is scrutinised to verify eligibility, SHG details, enterprise information, and supporting documents.
Step 2: Eligible applicants are shortlisted for evaluation by the FIED IIM Kashipur team. Shortlisted enterprises may be invited for interaction or business pitching, wherever applicable.
Step 3: Selected enterprises undergo a diagnostic business assessment, after which a customised Enterprise Growth Plan is prepared.
Step 4: Based on the final approval, eligible enterprises receive support under the Challenge Fund and are enrolled for incubation, mentoring, market linkage, branding, digital enablement, and other programme interventions.
Note: Applicants who require assistance while filling out the online application may seek guidance from the USRLM Team, FIED IIM Kashipur Team, or authorised Community Resource Persons (CRPs). However, the application is submitted through the official online portal only.
For further assistance, visit the official Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM) website.
What Support Does FIED IIM Kashipur Provide – Stage-wise Incubation Journey
Selected enterprises under the BHULI programme receive structured incubation support from FIED IIM Kashipur. The support is delivered in multiple stages to help enterprises strengthen their operations, improve market access, and achieve sustainable business growth.
| Stage | Support Provided |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 – Diagnostic Assessment | A detailed assessment of the enterprise is conducted to evaluate its business operations, production capacity, financial position, market reach, and growth opportunities. |
| Stage 2 – Enterprise Growth Plan | A customised Enterprise Growth Plan is prepared, outlining business development strategies, financial requirements, operational improvements, branding, and market expansion. |
| Stage 3 – Financial Assistance | Eligible enterprises receive support under the Challenge Fund through equity-free grants and zero-interest soft loans, subject to the programme’s evaluation and approval process. |
| Stage 4 – Business Development Support | Assistance is provided for digital bookkeeping, product standardisation, quality improvement, and supply chain strengthening. |
| Stage 5 – Branding and Packaging | Support is provided for brand development, professional packaging, labelling, and improving the market presentation of products. |
| Stage 6 – Market Linkages | Selected enterprises receive assistance with e-commerce onboarding, GeM registration, participation in exhibitions, and connecting with potential buyers. |
| Stage 7 – Ongoing Mentorship | FIED IIM Kashipur mentors continue to provide business guidance, performance reviews, networking opportunities, and advisory support throughout the incubation period. |
The incubation journey is designed to strengthen women-led rural enterprises through professional mentoring, financial support, and market linkages. The soft loan component provided under the programme carries 0% interest, subject to the applicable programme guidelines.
Important Links Available
- BHULI Programme – Official Application Portal
- Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM)
- Uttarakhand Gramya Vikas Samiti (UGVS)
- Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED), IIM Kashipur
- Government of Uttarakhand
- DAY-NRLM Official Portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Department: Department of Rural Development, Government of Uttarakhand
- Implementing Agency: Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM)
- District-Level Assistance: Contact the nearest USRLM District Office for eligibility, SHG-related queries, and programme information.
- Field Support: Applicants may also seek guidance from authorised USRLM officials or Community Resource Persons (CRPs), where available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the BHULI programme?
Ans. BHULI (Business Handholding Unit for Livelihood Incubation) is a women entrepreneurship programme implemented by the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (USRLM) under DAY-NRLM in collaboration with FIED IIM Kashipur. The programme supports eligible women-owned or women-led rural enterprises by providing business incubation, financial assistance through the Challenge Fund, mentorship, and market linkage support.
Q. Who is eligible for the BHULI programme?
Ans. Active members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) registered under USRLM/DAY-NRLM, or eligible family members of SHG members, who own or manage an existing, commercially active enterprise in Uttarakhand can apply. Women must hold at least 66% ownership and/or management of the enterprise.
Q. What financial support is provided under BHULI?
Ans. Selected enterprises may receive financial assistance covering up to 75% of the approved capital expenditure (CapEx) and working capital (OpEx) through a combination of equity-free grants and zero-interest soft loans. The remaining contribution may be arranged through the entrepreneur’s own investment, bank credit, Community Investment Fund (CIF), or other approved sources.
Q. What is the Challenge Fund under BHULI?
Ans. The Challenge Fund is the programme’s financial support mechanism. Eligible enterprises are evaluated through the prescribed selection process, and selected applicants receive financial assistance through grants and zero-interest soft loans, subject to programme approval.
Q. How many enterprises will be selected under BHULI?
Ans. The programme aims to support 150 women-owned or women-led enterprises across Uttarakhand through financial assistance, business incubation, and market linkage support.
Q. What kind of businesses are covered under BHULI?
Ans. The programme supports value-added enterprises in the manufacturing and services sectors, including food processing, hill produce processing, handicrafts, dairy products, herbal products, rural eco-tourism, tailoring, beauty and wellness services, and similar eligible activities. Pure retail trading or primary agriculture without value addition is not eligible.
Q. Is pure trading or reselling business eligible for BHULI?
Ans. No. Enterprises engaged only in retail trading or reselling without value addition are not eligible under the BHULI programme.
Q. What is the role of FIED IIM Kashipur in BHULI?
Ans. FIED (Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development), IIM Kashipur, is the programme partner responsible for business incubation, enterprise assessment, mentorship, preparation of Enterprise Growth Plans, branding, packaging, digital enablement, market linkage, e-commerce onboarding, and GeM support for selected enterprises.
Q. What is an Enterprise Growth Plan?
Ans. An Enterprise Growth Plan is a customised business development roadmap prepared for each selected enterprise. It identifies financial, operational, marketing, and business development requirements to support the enterprise’s future growth.
Q. How can I apply for BHULI?
Ans. Apply online through the official portal at ukrbi.in/fied. Complete the online application form, provide the required applicant and enterprise details, upload the necessary documents, review the information carefully, and submit the application. Applicants who need assistance may seek guidance from the USRLM Team, FIED IIM Kashipur Team, or authorised Community Resource Persons (CRPs), but the application is submitted through the official online portal.
Q. Can a new or idea-stage business apply for BHULI?
Ans. No. Only existing and commercially operational enterprises are eligible. Businesses that are still at the ideation stage are not eligible under the programme.
Q. What is the interest rate on loans under BHULI?
Ans. The soft loan component provided under the Challenge Fund carries 0% interest, subject to the programme guidelines and approval process.
Q. Which districts of Uttarakhand are covered under BHULI?
Ans. The programme is available across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand, including Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, and Uttarkashi.
Q. Where can I get help regarding BHULI?
Ans. Visit the official USRLM website for programme information or use the official BHULI application portal. Applicants may also contact their nearest USRLM District Office or authorised Community Resource Person (CRP) for guidance.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.