Get Funding-Ready For India's Startup Schemes
CapitalBox helps founders prepare for government startup schemes like the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), CGTMSE, PMEGP and PM SVANidhi — DPIIT recognition, documentation, pitch decks and incubator connections — so you're ready the moment a window opens.
SISFS applications are currently closed (window ended 31 May 2026)
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme is administered directly by DPIIT and is not currently accepting new applications. New windows open periodically — when one does, you'll be able to apply for free at seedfund.startupindia.gov.in. CapitalBox can help you get fully prepared in the meantime, and notify you when applications reopen.
What is SISFS?
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) is a flagship initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. Launched in April 2021, it provides financial assistance to early-stage startups at the most critical phase — before they have a product, revenue or investor backing.
With a total outlay of ₹945 Crore, the scheme aims to support an estimated 3,600 entrepreneurs through 300 incubators. Funds are disbursed through DPIIT-recognised incubators directly — CapitalBox is not a party to that disbursement.
As of December 2024, over 2,600 startups had received financial support of ₹467.75 crore under the scheme, including 1,200+ women-led startups, according to official figures. Application windows open periodically; the most recent window closed on 31 May 2026.
Two Types of Seed Support Under SISFS
When the scheme is accepting applications, SISFS provides two distinct types of financial support — an equity-free grant for early validation, and convertible debt for commercialization. Both are routed through approved incubators by DPIIT, not by CapitalBox.
- Proof of concept (PoC) validation
- Prototype development and testing
- Product trials & pre-launch testing
- No equity asked for the grant portion
- Milestones: prototype, testing, market-ready
- Market entry and go-to-market support
- Commercialization and customer acquisition
- Scaling up operations and team
- Unsecured — no promoter guarantee required
- May convert to equity per incubator terms
Why SISFS Matters For Early-Stage Startups
SISFS is designed to fill a funding gap that angel investors and VCs typically don't — before proof of concept. Here's what makes it worth getting ready for, before the next window opens.
Equity-Free Grant up to ₹20L
The PoC grant component does not dilute founder equity — you retain full ownership while validating your idea with government-backed support.
Mentorship via Incubators
213+ DPIIT-empaneled incubators provide mentorship, infrastructure, networks and domain expertise alongside the seed funding.
No Collateral / Guarantor
The seed debt component is unsecured under the scheme's terms — no property, guarantor or asset is required.
Milestone-Based Disbursement
Funds are released by the incubator in structured installments tied to real progress milestones, keeping development accountable.
Tier 2 & 3 City Reach
The scheme specifically aims to bridge the investor-access gap outside metros, with empaneled incubators in smaller cities too.
A Stepping Stone to Larger Funding
Founders often use SISFS as a first rung — building toward a stage where they can attract angel investors, VCs or bank loans.
SISFS Readiness Checker
Answer 4 quick questions to get a general sense of how your startup lines up with SISFS eligibility criteria — useful for planning ahead of the next application window. This is a general guide, not an official determination.
🧠 SISFS Readiness Self-Check
Takes under 60 seconds. This gives you a general indication only — actual eligibility is determined by DPIIT and the incubator's selection committee (ISMC).
Who Can Apply Under SISFS?
These are the official DPIIT criteria for SISFS. They apply whenever the scheme is open for applications, regardless of whether you use an advisory service.
DPIIT-Recognised Startup
Must be officially recognised under Startup India by DPIIT. Registration is free at startupindia.gov.in and takes 2–3 working days.
Incorporated Within 2 Years
Startup must have been incorporated not more than 2 years before the date of application to the incubator under SISFS.
51% Indian Ownership
Indian citizens / promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding at the time of application, per Companies Act 2013 and SEBI ICDR Regulations.
Innovative & Tech-Driven
Startup must offer a product/service with clear market fit, commercial viability and scope for scaling — using technology in core product, model or delivery.
Not Already Funded Under SISFS
The startup must not have already received funds under SISFS. First-time applicants to this scheme only; re-application is possible 3 months after a rejection.
All Sectors Welcome
SISFS is sector-agnostic. Priority is typically given to social impact, healthcare, agri, fintech, deeptech, education, waste management, energy, mobility, defense and space.
How CapitalBox Prepares You For SISFS
CapitalBox doesn't process or approve SISFS applications — DPIIT and the incubator's ISMC do that. What we do is get your documentation, profile and pitch ready, so you can move quickly once a window opens.
Start Advisory Service
Pay ₹1,100 to begin working with the CapitalBox team.
Profile & Readiness Review
We review your DPIIT status, startup age, shareholding and tech eligibility against SISFS criteria.
Incubator Shortlisting
We help you identify up to 3 preferred DPIIT-empaneled incubators based on sector & stage.
Documentation & Pitch Prep
We help prepare your application materials and ISMC pitch presentation in advance.
Apply When Window Opens
You submit directly via the official portal. Our success fee of ₹30,000 applies only if funds are disbursed.
Documents You'll Need for SISFS
SISFS applications are submitted online directly via the official Startup India portal. Here's what you'll want ready in advance.
Startup Identity Mandatory
- 📋DPIIT Recognition Certificate (from startupindia.gov.in)
- 📋Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
- 📋Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA/AoA)
- 📋PAN Card of the Company
Promoter KYC Mandatory
- 🪪Aadhaar & PAN of all founders/promoters
- 🪪Shareholding pattern / Cap table
- 🪪Passport-size photographs of promoters
- 🪪Promoter bank account details
Business Plan Required
- 📊Detailed Business Plan / Pitch Deck
- 📊Product/Service description & prototype (if any)
- 📊Market size & commercial viability analysis
- 📊Funding utilization plan & milestone roadmap
Financials If Available
- 🏦Company bank account details (for disbursement)
- 🏦GST Registration (if applicable)
- 🏦Any traction data — users, revenue, pilots
- 🏦Prior funding details (if any angel/grant received)
What is CapitalBox? How Do We Help?
CapitalBox is a private business financing, consulting and growth support platform for startups, MSMEs and entrepreneurs across India. We are not a bank, NBFC, incubator or government body.
Business Financing Facilitation
We help startups and MSMEs prepare for and access business loans, MSME loans, working capital loans, and government scheme funding such as SISFS, CGTMSE, PM SVANidhi and PMEGP — by connecting you with the right lenders and incubators.
Government Scheme Guidance
We specialise in helping businesses navigate government schemes — from DPIIT recognition to incubator applications, documentation, and milestone reporting. Final decisions always rest with the relevant government body or committee.
Documentation & Compliance Support
We help with business registrations (GST, Udyam, DPIIT), business plan preparation, pitch decks for incubators, loan documentation and end-to-end compliance — all under one roof.
Lender & Incubator Network
CapitalBox works with a network of banks, NBFCs, financial institutions and empaneled incubators. We help match your profile with the right funding partner to save you time.
Transparent Two-Step Pricing
These are CapitalBox's private consultancy fees for advisory and documentation support — they are separate from, and additional to, any government scheme itself. SISFS has no government application fee.
Service Activation Fee
Our consultancy fee to begin SISFS readiness work. Covers a DPIIT status check, an eligibility & readiness review, and incubator shortlisting guidance.
- DPIIT recognition status check
- SISFS eligibility & readiness review
- GST-invoiced & fully compliant
Success Fee
Charged only if your SISFS seed fund is actually disbursed by the incubator to your startup's account. You pay nothing if your application isn't approved.
- Incubator coordination & pitch support
- End-to-end documentation management
- No charge if the application is not approved
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SISFS and how CapitalBox's advisory service works.
Important Disclaimer — Please Read Carefully
- 🔴CapitalBox is a private business financing consultancy. We are not a Government Body, Incubator, Bank or NBFC, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by DPIIT, Startup India or the Government of India.
- 🔴The Service Activation Fee (₹1,100) and Success Fee (₹30,000) are CapitalBox's own consultancy charges — not government fees — and are entirely separate from the SISFS scheme itself.
- 🟡SISFS applications, when open, can be submitted directly and free of charge on the official portal seedfund.startupindia.gov.in. Using CapitalBox is entirely optional.
- 🟡Final seed fund approval and disbursement are determined solely by DPIIT and the relevant incubator's ISMC committee — never by CapitalBox. Paying our fee does not guarantee approval, and approval is not within our control.
- 🟡The self-assessment checker on this page is a general guide only and does not constitute an official eligibility determination.
- ⚪SISFS application windows open periodically and are set by DPIIT. The most recent window closed on 31 May 2026. Always verify current status at seedfund.startupindia.gov.in.
Want To Be Ready For The Next SISFS Window?
Let CapitalBox help with DPIIT recognition, incubator matching, pitch preparation and documentation — so you can apply the moment the official portal reopens.
Get Funding-Ready For India's Startup Schemes
CapitalBox helps founders prepare for government startup schemes like the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), CGTMSE, PMEGP and PM SVANidhi — DPIIT recognition, documentation, pitch decks and incubator connections — so you're ready the moment a window opens.
SISFS applications are currently closed (window ended 31 May 2026)
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme is administered directly by DPIIT and is not currently accepting new applications. New windows open periodically — when one does, you'll be able to apply for free at seedfund.startupindia.gov.in. CapitalBox can help you get fully prepared in the meantime, and notify you when applications reopen.
What is SISFS?
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) is a flagship initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. Launched in April 2021, it provides financial assistance to early-stage startups at the most critical phase — before they have a product, revenue or investor backing.
With a total outlay of ₹945 Crore, the scheme aims to support an estimated 3,600 entrepreneurs through 300 incubators. Funds are disbursed through DPIIT-recognised incubators directly — CapitalBox is not a party to that disbursement.
As of December 2024, over 2,600 startups had received financial support of ₹467.75 crore under the scheme, including 1,200+ women-led startups, according to official figures. Application windows open periodically; the most recent window closed on 31 May 2026.
Two Types of Seed Support Under SISFS
When the scheme is accepting applications, SISFS provides two distinct types of financial support — an equity-free grant for early validation, and convertible debt for commercialization. Both are routed through approved incubators by DPIIT, not by CapitalBox.
- Proof of concept (PoC) validation
- Prototype development and testing
- Product trials & pre-launch testing
- No equity asked for the grant portion
- Milestones: prototype, testing, market-ready
- Market entry and go-to-market support
- Commercialization and customer acquisition
- Scaling up operations and team
- Unsecured — no promoter guarantee required
- May convert to equity per incubator terms
Why SISFS Matters For Early-Stage Startups
SISFS is designed to fill a funding gap that angel investors and VCs typically don't — before proof of concept. Here's what makes it worth getting ready for, before the next window opens.
Equity-Free Grant up to ₹20L
The PoC grant component does not dilute founder equity — you retain full ownership while validating your idea with government-backed support.
Mentorship via Incubators
213+ DPIIT-empaneled incubators provide mentorship, infrastructure, networks and domain expertise alongside the seed funding.
No Collateral / Guarantor
The seed debt component is unsecured under the scheme's terms — no property, guarantor or asset is required.
Milestone-Based Disbursement
Funds are released by the incubator in structured installments tied to real progress milestones, keeping development accountable.
Tier 2 & 3 City Reach
The scheme specifically aims to bridge the investor-access gap outside metros, with empaneled incubators in smaller cities too.
A Stepping Stone to Larger Funding
Founders often use SISFS as a first rung — building toward a stage where they can attract angel investors, VCs or bank loans.
SISFS Readiness Checker
Answer 4 quick questions to get a general sense of how your startup lines up with SISFS eligibility criteria — useful for planning ahead of the next application window. This is a general guide, not an official determination.
🧠 SISFS Readiness Self-Check
Takes under 60 seconds. This gives you a general indication only — actual eligibility is determined by DPIIT and the incubator's selection committee (ISMC).
Who Can Apply Under SISFS?
These are the official DPIIT criteria for SISFS. They apply whenever the scheme is open for applications, regardless of whether you use an advisory service.
DPIIT-Recognised Startup
Must be officially recognised under Startup India by DPIIT. Registration is free at startupindia.gov.in and takes 2–3 working days.
Incorporated Within 2 Years
Startup must have been incorporated not more than 2 years before the date of application to the incubator under SISFS.
51% Indian Ownership
Indian citizens / promoters must hold at least 51% shareholding at the time of application, per Companies Act 2013 and SEBI ICDR Regulations.
Innovative & Tech-Driven
Startup must offer a product/service with clear market fit, commercial viability and scope for scaling — using technology in core product, model or delivery.
Not Already Funded Under SISFS
The startup must not have already received funds under SISFS. First-time applicants to this scheme only; re-application is possible 3 months after a rejection.
All Sectors Welcome
SISFS is sector-agnostic. Priority is typically given to social impact, healthcare, agri, fintech, deeptech, education, waste management, energy, mobility, defense and space.
How CapitalBox Prepares You For SISFS
CapitalBox doesn't process or approve SISFS applications — DPIIT and the incubator's ISMC do that. What we do is get your documentation, profile and pitch ready, so you can move quickly once a window opens.
Start Advisory Service
Pay ₹1,100 to begin working with the CapitalBox team.
Profile & Readiness Review
We review your DPIIT status, startup age, shareholding and tech eligibility against SISFS criteria.
Incubator Shortlisting
We help you identify up to 3 preferred DPIIT-empaneled incubators based on sector & stage.
Documentation & Pitch Prep
We help prepare your application materials and ISMC pitch presentation in advance.
Apply When Window Opens
You submit directly via the official portal. Our success fee of ₹30,000 applies only if funds are disbursed.
Documents You'll Need for SISFS
SISFS applications are submitted online directly via the official Startup India portal. Here's what you'll want ready in advance.
Startup Identity Mandatory
- 📋DPIIT Recognition Certificate (from startupindia.gov.in)
- 📋Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
- 📋Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA/AoA)
- 📋PAN Card of the Company
Promoter KYC Mandatory
- 🪪Aadhaar & PAN of all founders/promoters
- 🪪Shareholding pattern / Cap table
- 🪪Passport-size photographs of promoters
- 🪪Promoter bank account details
Business Plan Required
- 📊Detailed Business Plan / Pitch Deck
- 📊Product/Service description & prototype (if any)
- 📊Market size & commercial viability analysis
- 📊Funding utilization plan & milestone roadmap
Financials If Available
- 🏦Company bank account details (for disbursement)
- 🏦GST Registration (if applicable)
- 🏦Any traction data — users, revenue, pilots
- 🏦Prior funding details (if any angel/grant received)
What is CapitalBox? How Do We Help?
CapitalBox is a private business financing, consulting and growth support platform for startups, MSMEs and entrepreneurs across India. We are not a bank, NBFC, incubator or government body.
Business Financing Facilitation
We help startups and MSMEs prepare for and access business loans, MSME loans, working capital loans, and government scheme funding such as SISFS, CGTMSE, PM SVANidhi and PMEGP — by connecting you with the right lenders and incubators.
Government Scheme Guidance
We specialise in helping businesses navigate government schemes — from DPIIT recognition to incubator applications, documentation, and milestone reporting. Final decisions always rest with the relevant government body or committee.
Documentation & Compliance Support
We help with business registrations (GST, Udyam, DPIIT), business plan preparation, pitch decks for incubators, loan documentation and end-to-end compliance — all under one roof.
Lender & Incubator Network
CapitalBox works with a network of banks, NBFCs, financial institutions and empaneled incubators. We help match your profile with the right funding partner to save you time.
Transparent Two-Step Pricing
These are CapitalBox's private consultancy fees for advisory and documentation support — they are separate from, and additional to, any government scheme itself. SISFS has no government application fee.
Service Activation Fee
Our consultancy fee to begin SISFS readiness work. Covers a DPIIT status check, an eligibility & readiness review, and incubator shortlisting guidance.
- DPIIT recognition status check
- SISFS eligibility & readiness review
- GST-invoiced & fully compliant
Success Fee
Charged only if your SISFS seed fund is actually disbursed by the incubator to your startup's account. You pay nothing if your application isn't approved.
- Incubator coordination & pitch support
- End-to-end documentation management
- No charge if the application is not approved
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SISFS and how CapitalBox's advisory service works.
Important Disclaimer — Please Read Carefully
- 🔴CapitalBox is a private business financing consultancy. We are not a Government Body, Incubator, Bank or NBFC, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by DPIIT, Startup India or the Government of India.
- 🔴The Service Activation Fee (₹1,100) and Success Fee (₹30,000) are CapitalBox's own consultancy charges — not government fees — and are entirely separate from the SISFS scheme itself.
- 🟡SISFS applications, when open, can be submitted directly and free of charge on the official portal seedfund.startupindia.gov.in. Using CapitalBox is entirely optional.
- 🟡Final seed fund approval and disbursement are determined solely by DPIIT and the relevant incubator's ISMC committee — never by CapitalBox. Paying our fee does not guarantee approval, and approval is not within our control.
- 🟡The self-assessment checker on this page is a general guide only and does not constitute an official eligibility determination.
- ⚪SISFS application windows open periodically and are set by DPIIT. The most recent window closed on 31 May 2026. Always verify current status at seedfund.startupindia.gov.in.
Want To Be Ready For The Next SISFS Window?
Let CapitalBox help with DPIIT recognition, incubator matching, pitch preparation and documentation — so you can apply the moment the official portal reopens.