Entrepreneur Support Scheme (ESS)

The Entrepreneur Support Scheme is a Kerala government initiative to provide financial assistance to MSME manufacturers. It supports investments in land, building, machinery, electrification, and other fixed assets to encourage industrial growth.

Highlights

• Most popular and attractive scheme operated by the DIC, Kerala 
• Subsidy up to 15% for general category entrepreneurs.
• Subsidy up to 25% for women, SC/ST, youth, Non-resident Keralites (NRK)
• Additional support for priority sectors like rubber, agro-processing, biotech, and more.
• Additional support for MSME started in Idukki, Wayanad, Kasargode and Pathanamthitta
• 30% of the financial assistance shall be reserved for micro enterprises.

What is an Entrepreneur Support Scheme (ESS)?

• The scheme provides financial assistance to manufacturing MSMEs in Kerala
• The scheme provides subsidy to MSMEs based on their capital investments made
• The scheme reduces initial capital expenditure burdens 
• The scheme provides additional incentives for priority sectors and backward districts.
• The scheme covers startups and the expansion of manufacturing units.

Objectives

• Provide extensive financial support to MSMEs for capital investment.
• Encourage entrepreneurship among women, youth, SC/ST, Non-Resident Keralite (NRK), and other special categories.
• Promote industrial growth in priority sectors and backward districts.

Benefits of the Entrepreneur Support Scheme

• Subsidy on Capital Investment
  Helps reduce fixed asset costs by up to 15-45% depending on category and sector.
• Priority Sector Incentives
  Extra 10% subsidy for sectors like rubber, agro-processing, biotechnology, plastic waste recycling, etc.
• Special Category Support
  Women, SC/ST, youth, and Non-Resident Keralite (NRK) entrepreneurs get increased financial aid up to ₹40 lakh.
• Region-Specific Benefits
  Units in certain districts of Idukki, Wayanad, Kasargode and Pathanamthitta get an additional 10% financial support.

Financial Assistance Under the Scheme

Scheme provides subsidy for capital investment & other fixed assets 

Scheme provides additional financial assistance 

Eligibility for Entrepreneur Support Scheme

You are eligible if:

• You run or plan to start a manufacturing MSME in Kerala.
• Your enterprise invests capital in eligible fixed assets.

You are not eligible if:

• Your business is outside the manufacturing sector.
• You don’t have the required capital investment.

Documents Required for Entrepreneur Support Scheme

• Identity proof
• Proof of entrepreneur category (e.g., SC/ST certificates, NRK status).
• Investment plans and fixed capital details.
• Industrial registration and licenses.

Application Process for Entrepreneur Support Scheme

You can apply:

• Online through the designated Entrepreneur Support Scheme portal.

Examples of Where ESS Can Be Used

• Setting up rubber-based manufacturing units.
• Starting agro-processing or food processing industries.
• Establishing biotechnology or plastic waste recycling units.
• Launching new manufacturing facilities in backward districts like Idukki and Wayanad.