The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has announced a call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from entrepreneurs belonging to the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community. This initiative is part of the Unnathi Startup City programme, aimed at fostering social empowerment through entrepreneurship.
Unnathi, a project of the Kerala Empowerment Society, is a state government social empowerment initiative designed to promote and implement projects that enhance social security and empowerment for the less privileged. The programme specifically focuses on the educational, professional, and entrepreneurial advancement of youths from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities.
The Unnathi Startup City programme will be established in the state capital to provide incubation facilities and comprehensive support for entrepreneurial ventures led by SC and ST community members across multiple sectors. Eligible applicants for the loan-based funding programme include individuals, groups, and ST startups registered under KSUM. The funding will be structured such that 80% of the amount is provided by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department, while the remaining 20% can be sourced from the Kerala State Scheduled Tribes Corporation or a bank.
Priority for funding will be given to low-income entrepreneurs, ST youths who have completed professional courses, those who have undergone government or agency training programmes, differently-abled persons, unmarried mothers, widows, and members of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs).
