A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE)

The ASPIRE scheme stands for A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries, and Entrepreneurship and also known as A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Agro Industry . It was launched by the Ministry of MSME, it aims to promote innovation, rural industries & entrepreneurship particularly in the agricultural sector. The scheme supports the establishment of Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to foster entrepreneurship, improve skill development, and create job opportunities in rural areas. The scheme’s goal is to cultivate innovation, sustainable businesses, and economic growth in India’s agriculture and allied sectors. Through ASPIRE, you get both training and financial assistance to scale your agro-based business.

What is the ASPIRE Scheme?

ASPIRE was initially introduced in 2021-22. It is implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to nurture new enterprise creation in agro-rural sectors by supporting incubation centres and skills development programs.

Objectives of the ASPIRE Scheme

• To generate employment opportunities by promoting scalable micro-enterprises in the rural/agro sectors.
• To provide financial and advisory support to entrepreneurs and rural industries.
• To promote grassroot economic development at district level
• To facilitate innovative business solution for un-met social needs
• To skill, upskill, and reskill unemployed or self-employed individuals with new technologies.
• To create an ecosystem that supports innovation and competitiveness in MSMEs.

Key Features of the ASPIRE Scheme

• The scheme focuses on setting up Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs), which offer training and incubation in agro and rural industries.
• You can get support for both capital and operational expenditure, including training, machinery, legal and marketing support.
• Assistance includes grants for plant and machinery and operational costs, with up to INR 100 lakh for government setups and up to INR 75 lakh for private applicants.
• Maturity period and interest rates are not applicable, as this is grant-based financial assistance rather than loans.
• The scheme encourages public-private partnerships and uses Mentor Institutes to assist in implementation and monitoring.

Financial Assistance Offered Under ASPIRE Scheme

Eligibility Criteria for MSME ASPIRE Scheme

Eligibility

You can apply if you are:

• An agency/ institution/ training centre under Ministries/Department of Government of India or State Government, Industry association & Academic institutions.
• Any not-profit private institution with required experience in incubation and skill development may be eligible to set up Livelihood Business Incubators (LBI)

Non-eligibility

You cannot apply if:

• You are not an agency or training centre under Government of India or State Government
• You are an private institute with no experience in incubation and skill programs
• The proposal does not align with the scheme guidelines or local industrial needs.
• Required space of at least 5000 sq. ft. is not available for setting up the incubator.

Documents Required for MSME ASPIRE Scheme

• Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared with guidance from Mentor Institutes.
• Proof of institution/organisation registration.
• Compliance certificates related to organisation type.
• Space ownership or lease documents (minimum 5000 sq. ft.).
• Undertaking/bond as per the scheme terms.
• Any other documents specified by the MSME Ministry.

How to Apply for the ASPIRE Scheme

Step 1: Identify a Mentor Institute (MI) from the list on the official ASPIRE portal.

Step 2: Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) with the MI's assistance, focusing on local resources and skill gaps.

Step 3: Submit the proposal through the Mentor Institute (MI) to the Ministry of MSME via the online portal or email (js.ari@nic.in).

Step 4: After approval by the Scheme Steering Committee, sign agreements and prepare for implementation.

Step 5: Receive grants in phases for machinery and operational expenses upon submission of utilisation certificates and progress reports.

Benefits of the ASPIRE Scheme

• Skill Training on Industry-Like Setups
  ASPIRE centres offer hands-on, practical training on real machinery, helping your trainees become job-ready or start their own micro-enterprises confidently.
• Easy Access to Mentorship and Compliance Help
  Mentor Institutes assist you with GST, FSSAI or trademark registration, legal formalities, and much more. It helps your business stay compliant and professional.
• Support for Formalising and Scaling Up
  Even if you're running a small, informal setup, the scheme helps you formalise and expand your operations into a strong and scalable MSME.
• Connect with Financial Institutions
  Get guidance to tap into other Government loan schemes by leveraging ASPIRE’s incubation support.
• Zero Interest, No Repayment Pressure
  The financial help under ASPIRE is a grant, not a loan. So there’s no interest or repayment required. It's risk-free support.
• Boosts Rural Jobs and Entrepreneurship
  It’s designed to help rural and semi-urban areas grow. By joining ASPIRE, your business contributes to local job creation while gaining long-term benefits.

Real-World Examples of the ASPIRE Scheme

• Agro-processing incubators help set up small units that train people to process crops like spices, grains, and fruits into packaged food products.
• Rural artisan skill training centres support traditional craftspeople by offering skill development in areas like pottery, weaving, or bamboo work.
• Food technology start-ups get assistance to develop and test new food products using modern machinery and lab facilities.
• Bio-fertiliser production units are created to train entrepreneurs in making natural plant boosters and organic fertilizers, promoting eco-friendly farming.
• Dairy and poultry incubation centres train rural youth to run small-scale milk, egg, and meat businesses, along with guidance on health and hygiene.

Related Government Support Plans for MSME ASPIRE Scheme 

Final Words

As a new MSME owner in the agro-rural sector, the ASPIRE Scheme opens up strong opportunities for you to develop your enterprise with government-backed financial grants and vital incubation support. By leveraging this scheme, you can gain skills, infrastructure, and mentorship, enhancing your business growth and sustainability in rural India.