MSME Ministry initiative providing 4% public procurement reservation for SC/ST MSMEs, vendor development programmes, capacity building, skill development, and financial support linkage. Implemented through NSIC with access to Stand Up India, CGTMSE, and Mudra schemes.
Complete walkthrough — from registration to accessing 4% procurement quota, vendor development programmes, capacity building, and financial support linkage for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
What is the National SC/ST Hub?
The National SC/ST Hub is a scheme under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, implemented through the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). It was launched to provide professional support to SC/ST entrepreneurs to fulfil the 4% public procurement obligation from SC/ST-owned MSMEs (out of the 25% mandatory procurement from MSMEs). The Hub provides market access, capacity building, financial linkage, and handholding support to SC/ST MSMEs across India.
Public Procurement — 4% Reservation for SC/ST MSMEs
Under the Public Procurement Policy for MSMEs, central government ministries and PSUs must procure at least 25% of their goods and services from MSMEs, of which 4% must be from SC/ST-owned MSMEs. This translates to thousands of crores of government orders annually. SC/ST MSMEs registered on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace) portal can bid for these reserved tenders. The National SC/ST Hub helps entrepreneurs register on GeM, identify relevant tenders, and prepare competitive bids.
Eligibility & Registration
Eligible enterprises must be: owned by SC/ST individuals (in case of company/LLP/partnership, at least 51% shareholding held by SC/ST person), registered under Udyam portal (udyamregistration.gov.in) as MSME, and hold a valid SC/ST caste certificate issued by competent authority. Both manufacturing and service enterprises qualify. Register with NSIC for vendor registration and on GeM portal for government procurement access. The SC/ST Hub also maintains its own database of SC/ST MSMEs for targeted support.
Vendor Development Programmes
The SC/ST Hub organises vendor development programmes (VDPs) across India, connecting SC/ST MSMEs with CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises), government departments, and large corporations. VDPs include: face-to-face buyer-seller meets, product displays, quality assessment sessions, and procurement counselling. These events are held at district and state levels, providing SC/ST entrepreneurs direct access to procurement officers. NSIC also facilitates product testing and quality certification to help SC/ST MSMEs meet buyer quality standards.
Capacity Building & Skill Development
The Hub provides free training programmes for SC/ST entrepreneurs covering: enterprise management, quality control, financial management, digital marketing, GST compliance, tender bidding, and technology upgradation. Training is conducted through NSIC Technical Service Centres, DICs, and partner institutions across India. Special programmes are organised for women SC/ST entrepreneurs and first-generation entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) help aspiring SC/ST individuals develop business ideas and launch enterprises.
Financial Support & Scheme Linkage
The SC/ST Hub facilitates access to multiple financial support schemes: Stand Up India (₹10 lakh–1 crore for greenfield enterprises), CGTMSE (collateral-free loan guarantee up to ₹10 crore), PM Mudra Yojana (up to ₹10 lakh), PMEGP (25–35% subsidy for manufacturing units), and SIDBI SMILE (soft loans up to ₹25 lakh). The Hub’s facilitation centres help SC/ST entrepreneurs identify the most suitable scheme, prepare applications, and connect with lending institutions.
Special Marketing Assistance Scheme
The Special Marketing Assistance Scheme provides SC/ST MSMEs with support for: participation in domestic and international trade fairs (stall charges subsidised), product branding and packaging, digital presence development (website, social media), and market research. NSIC also provides single-point registration for SC/ST MSMEs, which exempts them from paying earnest money deposit (EMD) and security deposit when bidding for government tenders — significantly reducing the working capital needed to participate in procurement.
National SC/ST Conclave & Networking
The Hub organises the annual National SC/ST Conclave — a large-scale networking event bringing together SC/ST entrepreneurs, government buyers, industry leaders, bankers, and mentors. The Conclave features: keynote sessions by successful SC/ST business leaders, buyer-seller meets with CPSEs, banking and finance facilitation sessions, and an exhibition showcasing SC/ST MSME products. Regional and state-level conclaves are also organised throughout the year. These events provide invaluable networking, learning, and business development opportunities.
How to Apply — Through NSIC
Access SC/ST Hub benefits through NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation): Visit the nearest NSIC branch office or NSIC website (nsic.co.in) → Register your enterprise with NSIC for single-point registration → Register on GeM portal (gem.gov.in) as an SC/ST MSME seller → Ensure your Udyam registration is active and SC/ST status is reflected → Contact the SC/ST Hub facilitation centre for personalised guidance. NSIC has branch offices in all major cities and state capitals.
Convergence with Other Government Schemes
Maximise benefits by combining SC/ST Hub support with: Stand Up India (dedicated SC/ST entrepreneur loans), CGTMSE (collateral-free guarantee), PM Mudra Yojana (working capital), PMEGP (manufacturing subsidy), CLCSS (technology upgradation subsidy of 15%), state SC/ST entrepreneurship schemes (additional subsidies vary by state), and NSSH (National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation) loans at concessional rates. TaxClue can help you create a comprehensive funding plan combining multiple schemes.