Scheme for Assistance for Mini-Cluster Development
The Government of Gujarat, through the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Gujarat (CED) in the Industries & Mines Department, has launched the "Scheme for Assistance to Mini-Cluster Development". The purpose of the scheme is to encourage development of mini-clusters of Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Gujarat to enhance productivity, competitiveness, shared common facilities, cooperation among units and cost-efficiencies. The benefit for your business: if you operate in a defined mini-cluster, you can benefit from state support for common facilities, infrastructure, and cluster development interventions which can reduce your unit’s individual cost burden and improve operational efficiency.
Key Features
- Cluster-based approach for MSEs (Micro & Small Enterprises) – The scheme emphasises formation or strengthening of mini-clusters (geographically proximate enterprises working in related products/processes) as a strategy to boost competitiveness.
- High state contribution / assistance percentage – The state will contribute a large percentage of the project cost (up to 80-90 %) in eligible components for mini‐cluster development, making it viable for small units.
- Maximum assistance cap aligned with cluster size – The scheme sets a maximum assistance amount (for example Rs 4.0 or 4.5 crore) depending on the intervention, ensuring large enough support yet defined limits.
- Applicable to defined interventions within clusters – The scheme covers “hard” interventions (common facility centres, infrastructure, equipment) and “soft” interventions (skill upgradation, marketing, common branding, technology transfer) in cluster settings.
- Operative period and renewal – The scheme spans ten years (2021-2031) giving enough timeline for cluster realisation and linking to policy cycle.
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply:
- A “Mini Cluster” as defined in scheme: a group of MSE units (Micro & Small Enterprises) in a contiguous or nearby area producing similar or complementary products/services.
- The cluster must propose interventions such as a common facility centre (CFC), technology upgradation, skill training, shared marketing, etc.
- The applicant entity might be a cluster‐association, SPV formed by the MSEs, industry association or other recognized body representing the mini‐cluster.
Who Cannot Apply:
- Stand-alone enterprise not part of a mini-cluster group (unless part of a collective/cluster entity).
- Entities outside Gujarat or those not fulfilling mini-cluster definition or project types excluded under scheme norms.
- Projects or interventions already completed before scheme operative period or before registration (depending on guideline) may be ineligible.
Documents Required
- Cluster association or SPV registration certificate.
- Cluster profile: number of micro/small units, product category, location, challenges, proposed solution.
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) of proposed mini-cluster intervention (CFC, training, marketing, technology, etc.).
- Cost estimate and financial plan for the intervention.
- Undertaking or affidavit by cluster entity that no other subsidy is claimed for the same component.
- Bank account details, entity constitution, etc.
Application Process for the Scheme
Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)
Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.
Recommended for: Cluster-associations seeking smooth end-to-end support.
Option 2: Government Application via CED / Industries Commissionerate
- Visit the official portal of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), Gujarat or Industries Commissionerate, Gujarat.
- Download the application form for “Scheme for Assistance for Mini-Cluster Development”.
- Prepare cluster profile/DPR: number of units, product type, common issues, proposed intervention (CFC/business development/technology).
- Submit application along with supporting documents to CED/Industries Department for approval.
- On sanction, implement the project and claim reimbursement/subsidy as per scheme guidelines.
Option 3: Through District Industries Centre (DIC) or Cluster Facilitation Cell
- Approach local DIC or cluster facilitation cell in your district for guidance on the scheme.
- Collaborate with cluster members, form SPV, draft project, then apply through DIC or CED.
- Follow up with milestone implementation and claim process.