About this programme
The Women Startup Program (WSP), launched by NSRCEL in 2016 and powered by Kotak BizLabs, strengthens the entrepreneurial and managerial capabilities of women founders through a structured two-year journey with three pathways: the Entrepreneurship Base Program (ideation-to-MVP), an Incubation Program (validated MVP and early traction), and a Scale Hub (growth stage). It provides mentoring, network connects, milestone tracking, pro-bono legal/compliance advice, and co-incubation with partner institutes. Each selected venture in the Incubation phase receives a grant of INR 10 lakhs; NSRCEL does not take equity. It is run by NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore), powered by Kotak BizLabs.
This is equity funding — the investor (often through a fund) takes a stake in your company in exchange for capital, rather than lending or granting money. You give up some ownership; you don’t repay it like a loan. The amount and form of support that actually apply to you depend on the programme’s rules and how your application is assessed — they are not fixed for every applicant.
Like most government programmes, it has its own eligibility conditions, documentation and application window, and these terms are revised from time to time. Because of that, it is worth confirming the current eligibility, amount and deadline on the official programme page before you invest time in applying.
Who can apply
Women entrepreneurs aged 18+; Entrepreneurship Base Program open to aspiring founders with a feasible idea, Incubation phase requires India-based ventures with majority women ownership at MVP-ready to early-growth stage with initial revenue or strong market validation.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Business registration / incorporation certificate
- PAN (and GST registration, where applicable)
- Identity and address proof for the applicant / directors
- A short description of your business or project
- Recent financials or a simple project report
The exact checklist depends on the programme and your specifics.
Frequently asked
What kind of support is this?
This is equity funding — the investor (often through a fund) takes a stake in your company in exchange for capital, rather than lending or granting money. You give up some ownership; you don’t repay it like a loan.
Who runs this programme?
NSRCEL Women Startup Program (Powered by Kotak BizLabs) is offered by NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore), powered by Kotak BizLabs. Eligibility and approval rest with them; the criteria and amounts are set by the programme.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Programmes like this can be rolling or time-bound. Confirm the current window on the official programme page before you apply.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Read “Who can apply” above for the programme’s own criteria. If you’d like a quick read on your specific case, our free 2-minute eligibility check maps your stage, sector and revenue to what you can realistically claim.
Reviewed July 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.