G – MAITRI (Gujarat – Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income) is a strategic initiative launched by the Government of Gujarat to support social enterprise start-ups working to enable rural livelihoods within the state. This initiative offers encouragement assistance to social enterprise start-ups focused on enhancing the income of self-help groups (SHGs), their families, and rural women farmers, workers, and micro and small entrepreneurs. 

• Selected candidates receive: 

• Grant funding to support the development of their social venture. 

• Access to 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. 

• Networking opportunities with industry experts and investors. 

• Training and capacity-building workshops. 

Social Enterprises: Both for-profit and non-profit organizations that aim to create a social impact in Gujarat are eligible. The social enterprise start-up should be involved in the production, marketing, or service industry that increases the income of self-help groups, their families, and rural women farmers, workers, and micro and small entrepreneurs of Gujarat. 

Focus on Livelihoods: Applicants must align with the fund’s goal of improving livelihoods and addressing pressing social challenges, particularly in rural and underserved regions. 

This fund provides financial resources, mentorship, and support to social entrepreneurs working towards sustainable development in Gujarat.  

The selection process involves three stages: 

Application Screening: Applications are evaluated for eligibility, compliance, and alignment with the program’s objectives. Modes of communication are online application, requirement to furnish additional information/ documents, interview (physical/ online), and any other appropriate channel. 

Pitch Presentation: Shortlisted candidates present their ideas to an expert panel/s. 

Final Selection: Selected start-ups are announced based on innovation, impact potential, and feasibility as adjudged by the competent Committees. 

A Section 8 registered start-up is eligible to apply for the G-MAITRI assistance grant. Registration under Section 8 must be completed before the approval of the cohort. The CIN (Corporate Identification Number) is to be mentioned in the online application form. Attach Certificate of Incorporation and Section 8 License. 

In India, non-profit organizations can take various legal forms, with Section 8 companies being one prominent option. Governed by the Companies Act of 2013, these entities are established to promote various social, educational, or charitable causes. 

A Private Limited concern is eligible to apply for the G-MAITRI assistance grant. The DPIIT Number and CIN (Corporate Identification Number) are to be mentioned in the online application form. Attach Certificate of Incorporation. 

Yes, enterprises at the ideation stage are also eligible for the assistance grant under G-MAITRI. However, your enterprise must be registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on or before 31st May 2025 to qualify for the grant.

The start-up eligibility is sector-agnostic (for example, the start-up might be in tech, education, livelihood, farm, healthcare, clean-tech, etc domain) with a focussed impact on enabling rural livelihood in Gujarat. 

However, unregistered applicants must complete their start-up registration process as per the mandate before the finalization of the cohort. 

Yes, applicants must submit a detailed start-up business plan. The format is attached in the “Resource” tab of the online page. The business plan should include: 

• A description of the social problem being addressed. 

• The proposed solution and its innovation. 

• A business model and revenue plan. 

• Social impact assessment metrics. 

• Operational and financial projections for at least three years. 

• Assistance grant utilization plan. 

• The social enterprise start-ups based in Gujarat or any other part of India, are eligible for receiving the assistance grant upon confirming that the impact of their efforts will result in enabling rural livelihood in Gujarat. 

• The start-up should not be formed by splitting up or reconstruction of existing business.  

• Any entity formed by a Joint Venture will not be recognized. Any start-up entering into any Joint Venture will be derecognized. 

• Shareholding by Indian promoters in the start-up should be at least 51%, as per the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018 before receiving funding for the scheme and during the period of utilization of the grant.  

• Start-ups should not have received more than Rs 20 lakh of monetary support under any other Gujarat State Government scheme. This does not include prize money from competitions and grant challenges, subsidized working space, founder monthly allowance, access to labs, or access to a prototyping facility. 

• The start-up should not be availing incentives in any other scheme of the Gujarat Government excluding SSIP (Student Start-up and Innovation Policy). 

• An entity will be considered as a seed start-up up to 5 years from the date of incorporation. 

• To be considered for the scale program, audited turnover should be at least Rs. 50,00,000/- in the previous financial year. An entity will be considered for the scale program when it has been in operation for 5-10 years from the date of its incorporation. 

For the G-MAITRI assistance grant, the application by the interested social enterprise start-up needs to be submitted online in the prescribed format within the application invitation time period only. The online applications are to be submitted on the G-MAITRI webpage

Startups must complete and submit the G-MAITRI application  before 15th May 2025. Additionally, proof of company incorporation must be submitted by 31st May 2025 to be eligible for the program.
For more updates and detailed information, please visit: https://gmaitri.glpc.co.in

The broad list of documents is given below. The requisite documents need to be uploaded at the time of the online application process. For any additional supporting information, the G-MAITRI PMU team will reach out to shortlisted applicants. 

• Certificate of incorporation 

• CIN/ DPIIT Certification 

• PAN/ TAN Card (self-attested) 

• GST registration documents 

• Business Plan 

• Audited balance sheet including turnover-proof 

• Section 8 License 

• Proof of operations in Gujarat 

No, there is no fee for the application. 

Yes, as long as the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and can commit to the program’s requirements.

The founder/ co-founder/ promoter needs to be an adult. There are eligibility restrictions for seed and scale from the date of incorporation.

Applicants will receive confirmation via email or through the online application portal. You can also check the status of your application on the G–MAITRI dashboard. Our PMU Unit will also communicate using the registered contact details. 

Applicants will be notified about their application status through system-generated emails. Updates will be sent from the official email Ids only, and the email Ids are : support.gmaitri@glpc.co.in and info.gmaitri@glpc.co.in.
For further updates, please visit: https://gmaitri.glpc.co.in

Please contact the support team of G-MAITRI.  

No, the funding is provided as an assistance grant, and there is no requirement to share equity.

The impact of the start-up initiatives has to be in enabling rural livelihood in Gujarat.

The screening and evaluation process for applications typically requires a duration of two to three months. Upon obtaining final approval from the SIC and SLEC committees, the list of selected applicants will be disseminated, and the disbursement of funds will proceed accordingly. 

Once submitted, the application cannot be modified directly. However, during the evaluation or primary screening stage, if additional information or documents are required, you will be contacted via email. In such cases, your specific application form will be made editable to allow you to upload the relevant documents.
Please monitor emails from support.gmaitri@glpc.co.in, info.gmaitri@glpc.co.in, and notification@accubate.app for any updates or requests.
For more information, visit: https://gmaitri.glpc.co.in

A cohort will be formed for around 3 quarters. 

Social and livelihood impact is the critical success parameter, as G-MAITRI prioritizes initiatives with measurable contributions to the community.