• Entrepreneur Support Scheme (ESS) is the most popular and attractive scheme operated by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises engaged in manufacturing activities in the State, proportional to the capital investment made. Depending upon the category of the investor, sector and the District of investment, the unit can avail subsidy from 15% to 45% of the fixed capital investment. For this scheme, loan from a financial institution is not mandatory.

Features of the Scheme

• Provides Subsidy for the investment in Land, Building, Plant & machinery, Electrification, Essential Office Equipments, Pollution Control Devices and other fixed assets.

• For General Category, assistance is 15% of the capital investment limited to Rs 30 lakh.

• For Young (18 to 45 years), Women, SC/ST and Non Resident Keralite (NRK) entrepreneurs, the assistance is 25% limited to Rs 40 lakh.

• Enterprises in priority sectors are eligible for an additional assistance of 10% limited to Rs 10 lakh.

• MSMEs started in the districts of Idukki, Wayanad, Kasargode and Pathanamthitta are eligible for an additional support of 10% limited to Rs 10 lakh.

• Enterprises setup after acquiring new technology from approved research institutions are eligible for an additional support of 10% limited to Rs 10 lakh.

• The total eligible assistance for an enterprise is limited to Rs 40 lakh.