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@article{186713,
        author = {Dr. Pratik Paun and Dr. Kairvi Rathod},
        title = {Comparative Analysis of Micro Finance and Startup Schemes},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {6},
        pages = {2663-2673},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=186713},
        abstract = {Access to finance is fundamental to entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. In India, financial inclusion initiatives have empowered low-income and marginalized groups to engage in the formal economy. The government’s dual strategy—promoting microfinance for grassroots empowerment and startup schemes for innovation-led growth—addresses both poverty alleviation and high-growth entrepreneurship.
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) play a vital role in rural development by providing small loans, credit, and savings facilities to those without collateral or credit history. Conversely, startup schemes focus on urban and semi-urban enterprises, offering financial aid, mentorship, and policy support to promote innovation and scalability. Although both aim to foster entrepreneurship and self-reliance, they differ in target groups, financial models, and outcomes.
This study presents a comparative analysis of microfinance and startup schemes in India, assessing their structure, outreach, and impact on inclusive development. Using secondary data from official reports and prior research, along with primary insights from beneficiaries and financial institutions, the paper evaluates schemes such as MUDRA, PMEGP, NABARD’s SHG programs, Startup India, and the Atal Innovation Mission to identify complementarities and gaps in India’s financial empowerment ecosystem.},
        keywords = {Microfinance, Startup Schemes, Financial Inclusion, Government Programs, Rural Development, Entrepreneurship Support},
        month = {November},
        }