Sikkim Skilled Youth Startup Scheme 2025 supports unemployed youth across the state by helping them get loans to start businesses that create jobs. This scheme encourages young people from both rural and urban parts of Sikkim to set up their own startups. Here, you’ll find details on how to apply, loan subsidies, eligibility, benefits, and other important information about the scheme.
About Sikkim Skilled Youth Startup Scheme 2025
Launched on 15th August 2017 by the Chief Minister, this scheme aims to motivate unemployed youth, including school dropouts, to start new businesses for self-employment in both rural and urban areas of Sikkim. The focus is on sectors like agriculture, horticulture, food processing, animal husbandry, and handicrafts. The main goal for 2025 is to create new job opportunities and help young people become financially independent.
This scheme provides up to 25% of the total project cost as financial support for business ventures with an investment limit of Rs. 20 lakh. Eligible startup projects in manufacturing or service sectors will get this support if their project is approved and considered bankable by a PSU bank or financial institution.
Non-manufacturing businesses like visitor taxi operations, which don’t get central subsidies due to cost or activity limits, can receive 35% financial assistance from this scheme. However, businesses that produce tobacco products or banned plastic carry bags are not allowed.
Main Objectives of the Scheme
- Encourage entrepreneurship among unemployed youth and school dropouts in Sikkim.
- Help eligible youth set up startup ventures in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, food processing, and animal husbandry.
- Build self-confidence by offering early financial support and a supportive environment.
- Create equal business opportunities in both rural and urban areas.
Main Highlights of Sikkim Skilled Youth Startup Scheme 2025
- Eligible sectors include manufacturing and service-based startups like agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, and more.
- Financial support covers 25% of the approved bankable project cost for projects accepted by recognized PSU banks.
- Non-manufacturing projects such as visitor taxi services get 35% financial support from the scheme.
- Projects related to tobacco products and certain plastic carry bags are not allowed.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a local youth with a valid Certificate of Identification or Sikkim Subject Certificate (or their parent’s certificate).
- Unemployed applicants aged between 15 and 40 years as of the application date.
- Minimum education: 5th grade pass from a recognized school.
- Only one family member can receive benefits from the scheme.
- Priority is given to unemployed youth from BPL families or rural areas.
- Some service activities require a valid commercial driving license.
- Applicants wanting to start a manihari or grocery store must have a valid trade license.
- Those starting boutique or beauty salons should complete a minimum 3-month certificate course from a professional institute.
Documents Required
- Certificate of Identification
- Mark sheets from Board or University
- Date of Birth Certificate
- Two copies of detailed Project Report
- DESME-issued BPL Certificate
- Address proof (Voter ID)
- Aadhaar Card
- Valid employment card issued by the concerned BAC
- Passport-sized photographs
How to Apply for the Scheme
- Applicants from East and North Sikkim should apply at the District Industries Centre (DIC) in Gangtok.
- Applicants from South and West Sikkim can submit applications at the DIC in Jorethang.
- Submit the completed application form along with the project report and all required documents to the General Manager at the concerned office.
Sikkim Aama Yojana
Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana
Sikkim Ration Card
By applying for this scheme, you can get financial help to become your own boss and support Sikkim’s growth. Make sure to check your eligibility and prepare all documents carefully before submitting your application.