About this programme
A financial and technical assistance programme launched in 2020 to support India's future export champions. The Ubharte Sitaare Fund, registered in July 2021 with SEBI as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund, deploys a corpus of Rs 250 crore to provide equity, debt, and convertible instruments to export-oriented MSMEs and mid-sized companies in manufacturing and service sectors. The fund offers both capital and mentoring support for companies entering or expanding in international markets. It is run by SIDBI — EXIM Bank.
A grant is financial support you don’t repay — awarded against eligibility and, usually, agreed milestones or utilisation of funds. 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.
It is aimed at businesses in export-oriented manufacturing and services; high-potential sectors: automobiles, aerospace & defence, chemicals, food processing, it & ites, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, textiles. 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.
How it works
The fund is co-sponsored by SIDBI (Rs 40 crore) and Export Import Bank of India (Rs 40 crore), with total corpus of Rs 250 crore. Financial support is deployed through equity, equity-related, convertible, or non-convertible debt instruments in unlisted companies. Beyond capital provision, the fund offers mentoring and strategic support to portfolio companies for international expansion and competitive positioning.
Who can apply
Export-oriented MSMEs and manufacturing/service companies demonstrating high export potential with strong entrepreneurial leadership. Eligible sectors include Automobiles, Aerospace & Defence, Chemicals, Food Processing, IT & ITeS, Pharmaceuticals, Precision Engineering, and Textiles. New units require promoters with relevant industry experience; existing units should be strong export-oriented SMEs with reasonable financials.
How to apply
- Register with SIDBI or EXIM Bank for programme participation
- Submit business plan demonstrating export potential and market strategy
- Undergo evaluation by SIDBI/EXIM investment team
- Present to Investment Committee for approval
- Execute investment agreement upon committee approval
Documents you’ll typically need
- Company registration and incorporation documents
- Detailed business plan with export strategy
- Financial statements (last 3 years for existing units)
- Project details and fund utilization plan
- Promoter credentials and experience documentation
The exact checklist depends on the programme and your specifics.
Frequently asked
Who can apply for the Ubharte Sitare Programme?
Export-oriented MSMEs and manufacturing/service companies with high export potential, including new units with experienced promoters and existing SMEs with strong financials.
What types of financial instruments does the fund offer?
The fund provides equity, equity-related instruments, convertible debt, and non-convertible debt based on company requirements and evaluation.
What support does the fund provide beyond capital?
The fund provides mentoring and strategic support to help portfolio companies expand internationally and maintain competitive positioning in global markets.
What is the maximum loan amount available?
Need-based financial assistance up to 80% of project cost, with the remaining 20% for greenfield units or 30% for existing units to be contributed by the promoter.
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.