Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme

As a new MSME owner, you might find marketing and procurement challenging due to limited resources and information. The MSME sector often struggles to access mainstream markets or to keep up with changing business trends. The Government of India understands these hurdles and thus brings you the Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme. It is a comprehensive plan aiming to boost your marketability, brand recognition, and business growth.

What is the Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme?

The PMS Scheme, re-launched with new guidelines effective from 26th July 2022, is an initiative by the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), Ministry of MSME, Government of India. The scheme is designed to provide marketing assistance and create market linkages for the MSME sector by supporting your participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, capacity building workshops, modern branding, packaging, and leveraging e-commerce platforms, among others.

Objectives of the PMS Scheme

• To facilitate your entry into new markets and expand your reach through participation in domestic and international trade fairs and exhibitions.
• To educate you on best marketing practices, packaging technology, government procurement policies, and digital marketing trends.
• To encourage MSMEs to adopt modern packaging, barcoding, and branding for better product visibility and sales.
• To support you in leveraging e-commerce platforms for wider customer engagement.
• To promote MSME products through retail outlets, especially those with Geographical Indications (GI).

Key Features of the Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme

• The scheme supports your participation in both domestic and international trade fairs and exhibitions.
• You get financial assistance for space rent, travel, and promotional expenses.
• Subsidy is offered for adopting barcoding and modern packaging.
• MSMEs can get support for becoming vendors to CPSEs and for holding/attending vendor development programmes.
• You receive incentives for registering and selling on dedicated MSME e-commerce platforms.
• There is provision for funding infrastructure for selling GI products through retail outlets.
• There is a maturity period for each event or assistance, for example, trade fair participation claims must be submitted within 30 days after the event.
• Interest rate is not applicable, as the scheme is grant-based (not a loan).
• Only two trade fair reimbursements are allowed per year per enterprise.
• Preference is given to SC/ST, women entrepreneurs, North East Region, and aspirational districts.
• Eligible MSMEs must have a valid Udyam Registration Certificate
• The scheme provides financial support for MSMEs with a maximum project cost of Rs 50 lakh for manufacturing sector and Rs 20 lakh for service sector
• The scheme offers subsidies for workshops (Rs 2.5 lakh), exhibitions (up to Rs 10 lakh per even) and training on packaging and market access

Financial Assistance Offered Under the PMS Scheme

Here is a snapshot of financial support you can receive:

1. Participation in Trade Fairs / Exhibitions

2. Vendor Development Programmes (VDP) at CPSE Level

 3. Adoption of Modern Packaging

• Support in cluster-based interventions with a cap of up to ₹15 lakh per cluster (or actual, whichever is less).
• Provided through expert organizations (IIP, NID, NIFT, etc.) via MoUs with DC-MSME..
• Focus clusters: food processing, toys, handicrafts, textiles & apparels, kitchen/home utilities, medical equipment, sports goods, etc.
• Capital may be increased by 10–15% with Empowered Committee approval.

4. Adoption of Bar Coding

5. Adoption of E-Commerce Platform

6. National Workshops/Seminars 

7. Development of Retail Outlets for GI Products

Eligibility Criteria for the PMS Scheme

Eligibility

If you wish to apply, you must meet these conditions:

• You are a Micro or Small enterprise (Manufacturing or Service sector only).
• You have a valid Udyam Registration Certificate.
• For barcoding benefits, you are a Micro enterprise registered with GS1 India for barcodes.
• For e-commerce benefit, you are registered on MSME Global Mart via NSIC
• Special provisions are made for MSMEs in certain categories, including SC/ST, women, persons with disabilities, those located in Aspirational Districts, and MSMEs from the North Eastern Region (NER) and Jammu & Kashmir.
• MSMEs must apply to the Office of DC (MSME) or through an implementing agency.
• The preference is given to first-time participants and those from remote or underdeveloped areas, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all MSMEs, including those from marginalized sections of society.

Non-Eligibility

You are not eligible if:

• You are a Medium or Large enterprise.
• You do not have a valid Udyam Registration Certificate.
• You have already availed similar support from any other government source for the same purpose.
• You are not registered with the relevant bodies (e.g., GS1 India for barcode support).

Documents Required for the PMS Scheme

• Udyam Registration Certificate.
• Proof of participation (Invitation/acceptance letter, etc.) for trade/channel events.
• Payment receipts (space rent, barcoding fees, e-commerce registration, etc.).
• GST certificate, PAN, and Aadhaar cards.
• Bank account details (cancelled cheque).
• Undertaking that similar assistance is not taken elsewhere.
• Affidavit confirming MSME status and current activity.
• Proof of SC/ST/Women/NER/PH/Aspirational District category, if applicable.

How to Apply for the Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme

Step 1: Visit the official Ministry of MSME/DC (MSME) portal or relevant implementing agency website.

Step 2: Download or fill out the appropriate application form for your chosen assistance component.

Step 3: Attach all required documents as per the checklist.

Step 4: Submit your application online or to the nearest MSME-DI/TC office (consult scheme guidelines for process update).

Step 5: For trade fairs/exhibitions, submit the claim within 30 days after the event.

Step 6: Track your application status through the portal or contact the implementing agency for updates.

Benefits of the PMS Scheme

• Boost Your Market Reach
  You get financial help to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions, helping you access new customers and boost sales.
• Upgrade Your Product Presentation
  Assistance for modern packaging and barcoding increases your product’s appeal and ensures easier tracking and management.
• Take Your Business Online
  Subsidy for e-commerce adoption enables your venture to reach buyers beyond your city or region.
• Stronger Vendor Networks
  Vendor Development Programmes under the scheme help you become suppliers to large government and public sector enterprises.
• Special Focus for Disadvantaged Groups
  If you belong to reserved categories (like SC/ST, Women, NER), you get higher subsidies and priority.

Real-World Examples of MSME PMS Scheme

• Women Entrepreneur Participation in National MSME Expo
• North East Region Micro Units Showcasing Handicrafts in Overseas Fairs
• GI Product Sellers Benefiting from Retail Outlet Grants

Related Government Support Plans with the MSME PMS Scheme

Final Words

If you are a new MSME owner, the PMS Scheme is a golden opportunity that helps you broaden your business horizons with marketing, branding, packaging, and digital outreach support. Make sure you’re registered, arrange your documents, and claim timely to maximise your business growth with government assistance. For detailed guidelines and application forms, always refer to the official site