Maharashtra Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana

Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana is a Maharashtra Government scheme implemented by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society to provide one-time non-repayable financial grants of Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh to eligible women-led startups in Maharashtra for business growth and expansion. The scheme targets DPIIT-recognised startups with a minimum 51% women equity stake and an annual turnover between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore.

Introduction of Maharashtra Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana: A Brief Insight

Women entrepreneurs in Maharashtra have long faced a specific and stubborn problem. They build genuinely innovative businesses, register their startups, get them operational, and begin generating revenue. But just when the business needs capital to scale, the traditional funding ecosystem fails them. Banks want collateral. Venture capitalists want proven traction. Angel investors want networks that most first-generation women founders do not have. This is the early-growth funding gap that has held back thousands of women-led startups across Maharashtra. Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana was created specifically to fill this gap.

The Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra, approved the scheme through official Government Resolution No. MNASO 2824/Pr.Kr.53/Kaushalya-2 dated 09 July 2024. Finance Minister and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar announced it on 28 June 2024 during the supplementary budget. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the scheme on 20 September 2024 at the National PM Vishwakarma Programme in Wardha, Maharashtra. The scheme is implemented by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), which is the Government of Maharashtra’s nodal agency for promoting innovation-driven entrepreneurship across the state.

The scheme provides a one-time financial grant of Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh to selected women-led startups. This is not a loan. The grant is non-repayable and non-dilutive, meaning the government does not take any equity in exchange. The amount depends on the startup’s annual turnover and the assessment of the Evaluation Committee. A critical point that separates this scheme from general women’s welfare programmes is that it targets active, operational startups with annual revenue between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore. This means the scheme focuses on businesses that have already proved their concept and now need capital to scale — not idea-stage ventures and not large established companies.

To apply, a startup must be DPIIT-recognised, registered in Maharashtra, have women founders holding a minimum 51% equity stake, be operational for at least 1 year, and must not have previously availed any grant from a Maharashtra Government scheme. The Evaluation Committee gives priority to promising, innovative, high-impact startups and to those generating employment. As per the official GR, 25% of total scheme provisions are reserved for women from backward classes and economically weaker sections. The scheme is named after Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the visionary 18th-century queen born on 31 May 1725 in Chondi village, Jamkhed, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, who transformed the Malwa kingdom through wise governance, industrialisation, and women’s empowerment.

Women startup founders who do not yet have DPIIT recognition can first get their startup formally recognised and access tax benefits, compliance relaxations, and the broader startup ecosystem through the Startup India Scheme. Early-stage women-led startups that need grant funding before they reach the turnover threshold required for this scheme can explore the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme which provides grants up to Rs. 20 lakh and investment up to Rs. 50 lakh through approved incubators. Women-led startups that need institutional debt beyond the grant stage can access government-backed collateral-free loans up to Rs. 20 crore through the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups. SC/ST women entrepreneurs and women from any category who want to set up a new greenfield enterprise can additionally explore the Stand Up India Scheme, which provides composite bank loans from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.

Women entrepreneurs, startup founders, innovators, and business owners across Maharashtra looking for more financial assistance programmes, startup support initiatives, skill development schemes, and Maharashtra Government welfare programmes can also explore other initiatives available under our Maharashtra Government Schemes List section, according to their startup stage and eligibility.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Startups

Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana provides one-time financial grant support to selected women-led startups in Maharashtra. The grant is non-dilutive, meaning the Government does not take any equity stake in the startup in exchange for the financial assistance.

Financial Grant Support

• Selected women-led startups receive a one-time financial grant of a minimum of Rs. 1 lakh and a maximum of Rs. 25 lakh
• Grant amount is determined based on the startup’s annual turnover and business requirements as assessed by the Evaluation Committee
• Grant is provided in subsidy form directly to the selected startup, not as a loan and not requiring repayment
• 25% of total scheme provisions are reserved for women from backward classes and economically weaker sections

What Startups Can Use the Grant For

• Strengthening product development and improving existing products or services
• Expanding business operations and scaling up the startup
• Moving the startup from the early growth stage to the next level of business development
• Building local market presence and strengthening supply chains based on local raw materials
• Addressing the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing early-stage capital

Additional Support Benefits

• Selected startups get access to mentorship and guidance through Maharashtra State Innovation Society’s ecosystem network
• Opportunity to connect with Maharashtra’s broader startup ecosystem, including incubators, investors, and government departments
• Visibility and recognition as a Maharashtra Government-supported women-led startup
• Access to MSInS’s other startup support programmes, including Maharashtra Startup Acceleration Program, Maharashtra Virtual Incubation Centre, and Financial Assistance for Intellectual Property Rights

What Type of Women’s Startups Can Benefit Under This Scheme

Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana supports women-led startups across all sectors as long as the startup is DPIIT-recognised, innovative, and demonstrates scalability and impact potential. The following types of startups stand the best chance of selection under the scheme.

• Technology startups: Software products, SaaS platforms, mobile applications, AI and ML solutions developed and led by women founders
• Agritech startups: Technology-driven solutions for farmers, supply chain management, precision agriculture, post-harvest management, and agri-input innovations
• Healthtech startups: Digital health platforms, telemedicine solutions, medical devices, diagnostics, and rural healthcare access innovations
• Food processing startups: Value-added food products, packaged traditional foods, local ingredient-based innovations, and sustainable food manufacturing
• Manufacturing innovation startups: Product-based startups in textiles, crafts, sustainable materials, and light manufacturing with innovative processes
• Sustainability startups: Clean energy, waste management, water conservation, and green product innovations
• Edtech startups: Online learning platforms, skilling solutions, and vocational training innovations
• Women-led digital platforms: E-commerce platforms, marketplace solutions, and digital service platforms serving local communities
• Local need-based startups: Startups developing products or services based on locally available raw materials and addressing specific community needs in Maharashtra

Important: The scheme does not support traditional shops, general retail businesses, or self-employment ventures that do not qualify as startups under the DPIIT definition. The startup must demonstrate innovation, scalability, and the potential to generate employment to qualify for priority consideration under the scheme.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The following eligibility conditions apply to women-led startups seeking financial assistance under Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana as per the Government of Maharashtra.

Mandatory Eligibility Conditions

• A startup must hold a valid DPIIT recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India
• The startup must be registered in the state of Maharashtra
• A woman founder or co-founder must hold a minimum of 51% equity stake in the startup
• The startup must have been operational for a minimum of 1 year at the time of application
• Annual turnover of the startup must be between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore
• The startup must not have availed any grant-based financial assistance from any Maharashtra State Government scheme previously

Selection Priority Conditions

Among eligible applications, the Evaluation Committee gives priority to startups that meet the following additional criteria.

• Startups that demonstrate promising, innovative, and high-impact business models receive priority consideration
• Startups that generate employment receive special priority in the selection process
• Startups developing solutions based on local needs and locally available raw materials receive preference

Reservation Condition

• 25% of the total scheme provisions are reserved for women from backward classes and economically weaker sections as specified by the Government of Maharashtra

Who Is Not Eligible Under This Scheme

• Startups where women founders hold less than 51% equity stake
• Startups that have already received grant-based financial assistance from any Maharashtra Government scheme
• Startups with annual turnover below Rs. 10 lakh or above Rs. 1 crore
• Startups that are not DPIIT-recognised
• Startups registered outside Maharashtra
• Startups operational for less than 1 year
• Traditional shops, general self-employment businesses, or non-innovative enterprises not qualifying as startups under DPIIT definition

Documents Required to be Attached

Women-led startups applying under Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana must keep the following documents ready before submitting their online application at the official Maharashtra State Innovation Society portal.

• Company proposal or business plan of the startup
• MCA Certificate of Incorporation confirming company registration
• DPIIT Recognition Certificate confirming startup recognition under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
• Proof of a minimum 51% women founder or co-founder equity stake in the company
• Audited financial statements or revenue documents confirming annual turnover between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore
• Self-declaration confirming the startup has not availed any grant-based financial assistance from any Maharashtra Government scheme previously
• Aadhaar Card and PAN Card of the women founder or co-founder
• Bank account details of the startup entity
• Details of startup operations, products or services, and the current stage of business
• Proof of Maharashtra state registration of the startup

How Startups Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana accepts applications online free of cost through the official Maharashtra State Innovation Society portal. The selection process involves multiple stages, including application screening, evaluation, and a presentation session before the Evaluation Committee.

Step 1: Visit the official Maharashtra State Innovation Society portal at msins.in and register your startup by clicking on the Register Now option. Enter all required details, including startup name, women founder name, email, mobile number, and registered business name.

Step 2: After completing registration, log in to the portal using your registered mobile number and proceed to the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana application section.

Step 3: Fill the complete application form with all required details, including startup profile, women founder details, company registration information, DPIIT recognition details, annual turnover, business model, products or services, and current stage of operations.

Step 4: Upload all required documents, including MCA Certificate of Incorporation, DPIIT Recognition Certificate, proof of 51% women founder equity stake, audited financial statements confirming turnover between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore, and self-declaration confirming no prior Maharashtra Government grant availed.

Step 5: Submit the completed application form online. The portal generates an acknowledgement confirming successful submission. Applications are free of cost at all stages.

Step 6: The Commissioner, Skill Development, constitutes an Evaluation Committee that screens all received applications. The committee gives priority to promising, innovative, high-impact startups and startups generating employment.

Step 7: Shortlisted startups receive a call for a presentation session before the Evaluation Committee. The committee evaluates startups based on innovation, scalability, impact, employment generation potential, and fund utilisation plan.

Step 8: The Evaluation Committee selects eligible startups and submits its recommendations to the Monitoring and Review Committee, chaired by the Secretary, Skill Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department.

Step 9: Selected startups receive the financial grant in subsidy form directly into their registered bank account. The grant amount ranges from a minimum of Rs. 1 lakh to a maximum of Rs. 25 lakh based on the startup’s turnover and assessment.

Important: The scheme opens applications in rounds. Women-led startups must monitor the official msins.in portal regularly for announcements of new application rounds. Round 1 closed on 19 December 2024 and Round 2 closed on 14 January 2025. New rounds are expected to open based on scheme progress and fund availability. Startups should ensure they have valid DPIIT recognition before applying as it is a mandatory eligibility condition.

Important Links Available

• Maharashtra State Innovation Society Official Portal.
• Guidelines of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Women Mahila Startup Yojana Maharashtra.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Women entrepreneurs and startups facing issues related to scheme eligibility, application process, DPIIT recognition, or grant-related queries can contact the following official channels.

• Maharashtra State Innovation Society Helpline: 022-31059000
• Maharashtra State Innovation Society Email: team@msins.in
• Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department Email: helpdesk@sded.in
• Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department
  Madam Cama Road, Hutatma Rajguru Chowk,
  Mantralaya, Mumbai 400032

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana?

Ans. Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana is a Maharashtra Government scheme implemented by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society to provide one-time financial grant support of Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh to eligible women-led startups in Maharashtra for business growth, expansion, and product development.

Q. Who announced this scheme?

Ans. The scheme was announced by Finance Minister and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on 28 June 2024 during the supplementary budget presentation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the scheme on 20 September 2024 at the National PM Vishwakarma Programme in Wardha, Maharashtra.

Q. Which department implements this scheme?

Ans. The Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra, is the nodal department. Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) is the implementing agency of the scheme.

Q. Is this scheme a loan or a grant?

Ans. This scheme provides a non-repayable financial grant. Eligible selected startups receive the assistance in subsidy form and do not need to repay it. The government also does not take any equity stake in the startup in exchange for the grant.

Q. What is the maximum grant under the scheme?

Ans. Selected women-led startups can receive a financial grant of a minimum of Rs. 1 lakh and a maximum of Rs. 25 lakh based on their annual turnover and the assessment of the Evaluation Committee.

Q. Is DPIIT recognition mandatory for applying?

Ans. Yes. DPIIT recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India, is mandatory for applying under this scheme. Startups without valid DPIIT recognition are not eligible.

Q. What is the minimum women’s equity stake required?

Ans. Women founders or co-founders must hold a minimum of 51% equity stake in the startup at the time of application.

Q. What is the annual turnover condition?

Ans. The annual turnover of the startup must be between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore. Startups with turnover below Rs. 10 lakh or above Rs. 1 crore are not eligible under the scheme.

Q. Can a startup that already received a Maharashtra Government grant apply?

Ans. No. Startups that have already availed any grant-based financial assistance from any Maharashtra State Government scheme are not eligible to apply under this scheme.

Q. Is there any reservation under the scheme?

Ans. Yes. As per the official Government Resolution, 25% of the total scheme provisions are reserved for women from backward classes and economically weaker sections as specified by the Government of Maharashtra.

Q. How can startups apply for this scheme?

Ans. Eligible startups can apply online free of cost through the official Maharashtra State Innovation Society portal at msins.in. Applications open in rounds and startups must monitor the portal for announcements of new application windows.

Q. What is the selection process under the scheme?

Ans. The Commissioner, Skill Development, constitutes an Evaluation Committee that screens applications and shortlists promising, innovative, and high-impact startups. Shortlisted startups present before the Evaluation Committee and selected startups receive the grant in subsidy form.

Q. Which types of startups get priority under the scheme?

Ans. The Evaluation Committee gives priority to startups that are promising, innovative, and high-impact and to startups that generate employment. Startups developing solutions based on local needs and local raw materials also receive preference.

Q. What is the official GR number for this scheme?

Ans. The official Government Resolution number is MNASO 2824/Pr.Kr.53/Kaushalya-2 dated 09 July 2024, issued by the Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra.

Q. Is this scheme only for tech startups?

Ans. No. The scheme supports women-led startups across all sectors, including technology, agritech, healthtech, food processing, manufacturing, sustainability, and other innovative business areas. The key requirement is that the startup must be DPIIT-recognised and demonstrate innovation and scalability.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare 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.