SVEP: Building a Grassroots Start-up Ecosystem Across Rural India
- IBEF
- July 28, 2026
The Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), launched in 2016 under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has supported the establishment of over 4.32 lakh rural enterprises across India as of June 30, 2026, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods in rural communities. The programme promotes non-farm enterprises by providing Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their family members with business training, mentoring, financial assistance, market linkages and access to institutional credit. Nearly 86% of the supported entrepreneurs belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and minority communities, reflecting the programme's focus on inclusive development. Implemented through State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs), SVEP leverages Community Resource Persons and Block Resource Centres to provide end-to-end support for enterprise development. The Centre has released a cumulative Rs. 942.09 crore (US$ 106.60 million) up to February 2026 to strengthen programme implementation across the country.
SVEP operates through a community-led model that identifies aspiring entrepreneurs, assesses business viability and facilitates access to the Community Enterprise Fund, bank credit and government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. Each block receives financial support of Rs. 6.50 crore (US$ 0.68 million), while the average investment per enterprise stands at Rs. 27,083 (US$ 282.30). A mid-term evaluation by the Quality Council of India found that 99% of SVEP-supported enterprises were profitable, contributing 57% of total household income, with average monthly enterprise revenue of approximately Rs. 39,000 (US$ 406.51). Around 75% of the enterprises are owned or managed by women, while 96% of entrepreneurs reported increased savings. With more than 10.29 crore rural households mobilised into SHGs under DAY-NRLM, SVEP continues to strengthen rural entrepreneurship, generate local employment and support inclusive economic growth across India's villages.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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