Starting and expanding a small business can be difficult when entrepreneurs struggle to access finance, technology, training and new customers. To address some of these challenges, the Government of India runs the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH), a scheme specifically designed to support enterprises owned by Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs.

A government factsheet released on October 8, 2026 highlights how the scheme is helping SC/ST-owned micro and small enterprises improve their capabilities and participate in larger markets.

What is the National SC-ST Hub?

The National SC-ST Hub was launched in October 2016 and is implemented through the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).

Its objective is to help SC/ST entrepreneurs overcome some of the barriers involved in starting and growing a business.

The programme provides support in areas such as:

• Entrepreneurship and business training

• Mentoring

• Technology support

• Business development

• Networking

• Market access

• Public procurement opportunities

The focus is not simply on providing financial assistance. The scheme aims to help entrepreneurs become more competitive and connect them with larger markets.

Why is public procurement important?

Government departments and public-sector organisations purchase a huge range of goods and services. For a small business, becoming a supplier to these organisations can provide access to a much larger and more stable market.

The National SC-ST Hub specifically encourages SC/ST-owned micro and small enterprises to participate in public procurement.

This can help businesses that may otherwise struggle to reach institutional buyers or understand the requirements involved in government procurement.

How many entrepreneurs have benefited?

According to the latest government figures, the National SC-ST Hub had assisted 1,90,414 beneficiaries since its launch as of July 31, 2026.

The scheme had also trained 54,499 candidates during this period.

The government says procurement from SC/ST-owned micro and small enterprises increased from ₹99.37 crore in 2015-16 to ₹4,013.42 crore in 2025-26 — nearly a 39-fold increase.

Which states are seeing significant participation?

The latest government data identifies Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Assam among the leading states under the National SC-ST Hub.

This indicates that the scheme is being used across different regions and is not limited to a particular type of business or geographical area.

What kind of business support can entrepreneurs look for?

An entrepreneur may need much more than capital to successfully grow a business.

For example, a small manufacturer may need help understanding quality standards, improving production processes, finding institutional buyers or participating in government procurement.

Similarly, a service-based enterprise may benefit from business development support, networking and market-linkage opportunities.

The National SC-ST Hub brings several such interventions together to help eligible businesses strengthen their operations.

Who should look into the scheme?

SC/ST entrepreneurs who own or operate eligible micro or small enterprises can explore the support available under the NSSH.

People who are planning to start a business can also investigate the scheme and related MSME support programmes before investing heavily in their venture.

However, eligibility and the exact assistance available depend on the specific programme component and applicable government guidelines.

What should entrepreneurs do?

Business owners interested in the scheme should first ensure that their enterprise and required registrations or documents are in order.

They should then check the latest information from NSIC and the Ministry of MSME rather than relying on private agents or social-media posts claiming to provide guaranteed government benefits.

Entrepreneurs should also compare different government support programmes because a business may qualify for more than one MSME-related initiative.

Why this scheme matters

Small businesses are an important source of employment and entrepreneurship across India. But access to customers, technology, skills and institutional markets can be just as important as access to finance.

The National SC-ST Hub attempts to address these challenges by combining entrepreneurship development with market and procurement opportunities.

For SC/ST entrepreneurs looking to expand their business, improve capabilities or enter government procurement markets, the scheme is therefore worth exploring.

Important: The National SC-ST Hub does not mean that every SC/ST business automatically receives financial assistance. Support depends on the applicable component, eligibility requirements and scheme guidelines. Entrepreneurs should verify the latest details through official government or NSIC channels before submitting documents or paying anyone for assistance.