In a major step to support micro-enterprises and individual entrepreneurs, the Government of India has introduced a new scheme offering marketing grants to sole proprietors across sectors. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the initiative aims to strengthen the market presence of sole-owned businesses by funding branding, packaging, promotion, and digital marketing activities. This move comes in response to the growing recognition that while sole proprietors make up a large part of India’s business ecosystem, many struggle to scale due to a lack of visibility and access to formal marketing tools.

Under the scheme, eligible sole proprietors can apply for grants of up to ₹2 lakh per year to promote their products or services locally and nationally. The grant can be used for designing logos, creating websites, producing promotional material, participating in trade fairs, or running digital ad campaigns. Special consideration will be given to women-owned businesses, SC/ST entrepreneurs, and artisans in rural areas. The application process is streamlined through the MSME portal, with Aadhaar and Udyam registration serving as the primary eligibility identifiers.

Officials from the Ministry stated that this financial support is not just about business growth but about leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs who operate with minimal resources. By helping sole proprietors build brand identity and reach new markets, the government hopes to unlock the economic potential of India’s smallest business units. Awareness drives and district-level workshops will be launched to guide entrepreneurs through the application process and teach basic marketing strategies. Industry experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that it bridges a critical gap between product quality and market access for lakhs of hardworking business owners.