General Information

What can be done for self-employment?

 A small-scale industry or a tiny unit can easily be set up for self-employment. You can choose an activity depending upon your interest and suitability not only to become self-employed but also to generate employment for others.

What is a Small-Scale industry?

 An industrial unit in which the investment in fixed assets in plant and machinery does not exceed rupees one crore is said to be small scale industry. Such plant and machinery may be owned or obtained on lease – while calculating the investment in plant and machinery items like land, building and some equipments required for quality control, pollution control etc. are excluded.

Is it necessary to engage only in manufacturing for self-employment?

It is not necessary to engage in manufacturing activity for self-employment. One can set up industry-related service and business enterprises. These are known as Small Scale Service & Business Enterprises (SSSBEs).

What is a Small-Scale Service business enterprise?

 Industry related service and business enterprises with an investment in fixed assets, excluding land and building, upto Rs. 10 lakhs, irrespective of location are defined as SSSBEs.

What is a tiny unit?

 Tiny unit is an enterprise with an investment in plant and machinery upto Rs. 25 lakhs, irrespective of location.

How do I select an activity for self-employment?

 For selecting an activity or industry, you will have to consider the following significant issues:

1. Where do you want to promote the enterprise?
2. What resources are available near the location of the enterprise?
3. What kind of market or consumer pattern exists near the site of enterprise?
4. What kind of contacts you have to exploit to your advantage for marketing of the product?
5. What infrastructure is available at the location of your enterprise?
6. How much capital is available?

There are many other considerations including availability of skilled manpower, raw material, technology etc. before you narrow down your choice for selection of industry or activity.

Who will assist in identifying the activity?

 Small Industries Service Institutes can assist you in identifying the activity based on the Industrial Potential Survey and product specific market studies. District Industries Centers/State Directorate of Industries also facilitate in identification of a suitable activity.

What steps are required for identifying the activity?

 A preliminary market study of product(s) or service(s) needs to be undertaken to analyse consumption and availability pattern. If there is a gap in demand and supply, the activity considered ideal for selection.

Where is market information available?

 Market information is available with SISI’s and DIC’s of respective states/areas. Market Survey reports on various items and Industrial potential surveys of particular areas provide the information about the market potential of items. Industry and Trade associations, specialised institutions like PPDC can also provide such information.

How can market potential be ascertained?

 Market potential can be ascertained by conducting preliminary study by prospective entrepreneur to get an in sight of the product/ services to be setup. An entrepreneur can estimate local demand, demand within the state or country, export market and future prospects of product(s)/service(s). Visit to wholesale and retail markets, bulk consumers etc. provides accurate information on market potential.

Is there any agency providing guidance on marketing potential?

 SISIs and State Governments agencies viz.DICs and SIDCs provide guidance on market potential. The gap in demand & supply can be established through potential surveys and market assessments with the help of these agencies.

Where can the enterprise be set up?

 The enterprise can be set up in a designated industrial area, where infrastructure facilities are available and is near to the market identified. It can also be set up in any other area depending upon nature of activity and local municipal rules.

What are the inputs required for setting up an enterprise?

 The following major inputs are required for setting up an enterprise:

1. Land, building or shed
2. Machinery and equipments
3. Raw Materials
4. Power and Water
5. Skilled manpower
6. Capital

Are there any projects suitable for non-technical and inexperienced entrepreneurs?

 There are many projects, which are suitable for non-technical and inexperienced entrepreneurs. Skilled manpower and technical personnel can be hired according to needs. Entrepreneurs can also join special short term training programmes. SISI’s, DIC’s, NSIC etc. provide intensive consultancy to such first generation entrepreneurs.

How can a new entrepreneur compete with the existing manufacturers?

 A prospective entrepreneur can take the advantage of opting for the latest technology and production process and operate at higher volume of operation. This leads to reduced production cost and production of quality goods and services. A new entrepreneur can thus provide improved quality goods and services at lower cost and further tap the market with innovative marketing approach.

Financial Assistance

Which are the agencies providing financial assistance?

 Financial assistance is available from institutions such as Nationalised Banks, Small Industries Development Bank of India, Regional Rural Banks, National Small Industries Corporation, State Financial Corporations etc. depending upon the project requirement and promoters background. Financial assistance has two components. Loan for fixed capital is used to acquire plant and machinery, land and building. Working capital loan is used to meet day to day operational cost of the production. State Financial Corporation and National Small Industries Corporation generally provide working capital. However under a package assistance, State Financial Corporations also provide a composite loan covering plant and machinery and working capital.

How to choose the most suitable source of funding?

 Any of the financial institutions can be approached to get funds keeping in view their specific schemes. Evaluate and compare the terms and conditions, including rate of interest and repayment period of loan offered by the different financial institutions. Select the financial institution, which offers funds at minimum interest rate as per your repayment plan to suit your project. Choose the Institution which is in close proximity to the project site if other terms and conditions are similar.

What are the eligibility criteria for getting a loan?

 The major eligibility criteria is return on the investment and profitability of the project proposed to be set up. Any financial institution will support the project if repayment is assured.

How much money the entrepreneur is required to invest out of his own resources?

 Some portion of total investment has to be contributed by the Entrepreneur out of own sources. This is called margin money. Financial Institutions insist on 10 to 25 per cent margin money depending upon the category of the entrepreneur, risk factor and existing scheme under which the project will be financed

What is the cost of borrowing money?

 The cost of borrowing money depends upon the size of loan required. Lesser the amount of loan, lesser is the cost of borrowing. Normally, loans involving an amount of Rs. 25,000/- are available at a rate of interest of about 12.5 %. For loans of higher amount upto Rs. 2 lakhs, the rate may be 13-14% and for amount higher than that, it may be 3-4 % more.

What to do if an entrepreneur does not have any money of his own?

 It is simple. One can arrange for loan for margin money under the scheme being operated by the State Commissioner/Directorate of Industries or State Bank of India. But this scheme is generally offered to professionally qualified entrepreneurs. Alternately you may have to prune down the size of your project in tune with available margin money. The financial institutions will prefer to support an entrepreneur, who is willing to put his/her own stake to some extent.

What is the procedure for getting a loan?

 An entrepreneur should approach the concerned finanical institution viz. State Financial Corporation, NSIC, Bank branches etc. Application in prescribed proformae has to be submitted along with project report including proof of ownership/availability of land/building, proof of residence, collateral securities (wherever applicable) etc. The loan is given by the institution if the application meets the norms.

Can the loan be used to cover all types of investment in the project?

 The amount of loan can be used to cover all types of investment required in the project, such as machinery & equipment, and working capital, land and building. The lending agency for each component of loan may be same or different.

Is there any agency for funding the land and building costs?

 The Banks and State Financial Corporations offer assistance for land/building/shed to certain extent. However, some qualifying parameters have been laid down by these institutions. In addition, Housing Development Corporation also provides funds for land /building.

What are the general conditions for availing financial assistance?

 The general conditions for getting financial assistance are:

1. Eligibility criteria
2. Technical /Economic viability
3. Promoters contribution
4. Capacity to repay loan
5. Collateral securities/guarantee

Is loan available from any other source for small projects?

 Loan is also offered under some special schemes like P.M.R.Y. which are directed towards creation of self-employment.

What is PMRY?

 Prime Minister Rojgar Yojana is a centrally sponsored self-employment for educated unemployed youth desirous of setting up an enterprise of his own. Persons between the age group of 18 to 35 years with annual family income of less than Rs.40000/- are eligible. The age limit is relaxed upto 45 years in case of SC/ST, Women, Physically handicapped and Ex-servicemen. One can set up any industry/business or service activity and can avail of financial assistance upto Rupees Two Lakhs for promoting an enterprise as an individual under PMRY.

Who Operates PMRY?

 PMRY Scheme is primarily operated by Small Industry Development Organisation, Ministry of SSI & ARI through State Director/ Commissioner of Industries. The implementation of the scheme is done through DICs in all the states in the country.

How does an Entrepreneur get assistance under the PMRY?

 A simplified procedure is in operation. An application in prescribed Performa has to be submitted to the concerned DICs along with proof of residency, Affidavit of family income and birth certificate etc. A committee scrutinizes the applications before forwarding all eligible application to the designated bank(s). The banks in turn provide funds after formal examination and acceptance.

What is the interest rate at which PMRY loan is available?

 The PMRY is an attractive scheme offering loan @ normal bank rate. The repayment of the loan is required in 3 to 7 years depending upon the capacity and viability of the project.

Project Report

What is a project report?

 The project report is a document, which gives an account of the project proposal to ascertain the prospects of the proposed plan/activity. The project report contains detailed information about:

1. Land & building required
2. Manufacturing Capacity per annum
3. Manufacturing Process
4. Machinery & equipment along with their prices and specifications
5. Requirements of raw materials
6. Power & Water required.
7. Manpower needs
8. Marketing
9. Cost of the project and production.
10. Financial analyses & economic viability of the project.

How is a Project Report prepared?

 A project report is prepared with the help of prescribed guidelines available with SISI’s, DIC’s & financial institutions. Information about prices of machinery & equipment, raw material and other various inputs required for setting up an enterprise need to be collected from the market.

Is there any standard model for preparing the project report?

 A model proforma for preparing the project report is available with SISI’s, DIC’s & financial institutions. Every institution has its own model proforma. However contents of all the proforma are almost similar.

Is a model project report available?

 Yes, Model project profiles are available with the Small Industries Service Institute’s & DIC’s for the guidance of entrepreneurs. However, these project profiles have to be recast in accordance with specific needs of the entrepreneurs and the current prices of inputs.

Which agency assists in preparation of Project Report?

 SISI’s, NSIC and State Govt. agencies viz. DIC’s, SFC’s can help you in preparing the Project Report. You can also prepare the Project Report yourself by collecting detailed information on various points.

What details are required for preparation of Project Report?

 Information in detail is required about the technical process, requirements of plant and machinery, raw materials, manpower requirement, market information and statutory representations (like pollution control and public safety) etc. The details of power and water tariff, land/shed/building and selling prices etc. needs to be collected as prevalent in the market.

Which agencies can be approached for obtaining information for preparation of the Project Report?

 Entrepreneur can approach SISI’s and state Govt. agencies viz. Directorate of Industries, SFC’s, DIC’s and market channels for getting information.

Who can help in selecting production process, equipment etc?

 Small Industries Service Institutes, Design and Development Centres like PPDC’s/Tool Room’s, Research and Developmental agencies such as NRDC’s and Regional Research Laboratories can help you in selecting the right production process, suitable equipment’s etc.

Training

What basic training is required for setting up an enterprise?

 Basic training differs from product to product but will necessary involve sharpening of entrepreneurial skills. Need based technical training is provided by the Govt. & State Govt. technical Institutions.

What are the other types of training relevant for a new entrepreneur?

 One can acquire entrepreneurial skills by under going Entrepreneurial Development Programme and Management Development programme.

What is the duration of such courses?

 These are short-term courses of 2 week’s to 4 week’s duration.

Which are the agencies providing such training?

 There are a number of Government organisations as well as NGOs who conduct EDPs and MDPs. These EDPs and MDPs and are conducted by SISI’s, NIESBUD, NSIC, IIE, NISIET, Entrepreneurship Development Institutes and other State Government developmental agencies.

Is different type of training available for different categories of entrepreneurs?

 Need based training courses are available for different categories of entrepreneurs. For example, Central Footwear Training Institute’s provide training for footwear. Tool Room and Tool Design Institutes provide training in Engineering Industry. Likewise other technical training is provided by various institutions of centre and state govt.

Are there any preferential criteria for imparting training?

 An entrepreneur desirous of setting up of enterprises or his representative is preferred for attending these training programmes which are offered on a nominal fee. However, there is no fee charged for imparting training for the entrepreneurs of NE region. Moreover, preference is accorded to weaker sections such as SC/ST, Women, Ex-servicemen. and Physically handicapped persons.

Are there any short terms courses available?

 Short term technical training courses are conducted by SISIs and other technical institutions, which vary from 3 to 6 months of duration depending on nature of training. In addition, short-term training programmes for managers & supervisors are also conducted by SISI’s to upgrade their knowledge and skills.

Does any agency give on the spot training for installation and commissioning of equipment?

 Normally the suppliers of machinery & equipment provide on the spot training as well as facilities on the spot for installation and commissioning of equipment. However, SISIs also assist the entrepreneurs for installation and commissioning of machinery equipment at their premises.

Is there any agency providing training for skill upgradation?

 Skill development/upgradation courses are offered by SISIs, NSIC, PPDCs etc. in different disciplines to skilled workers engaged in the small scale industries with a view to equip them with better and improved technologies of production.

Which are the organisations providing training to improve management of an enterprise?

 SISIs, Management Development Institute’s, NPC, NSIC etc. offer Management Development Programmes for acquiring knowledge about the different aspects of the management required for an operation of industry. Short-term courses of two to four weeks are available on Production Management, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Export Management, Export Procedure & Documentation, Packaging for Exports, Cost Reduction, Material Management etc.

Are there institutions providing consultancy for development or setting up of project?

 SISIs, DICs and State industrial development corporations can provide consultancy for development or setting up of project. Suitable technologies are also offered by CSIR Laboratories, PPDC’s, NRDCs, R&D institutions also offer consultancy at nominal charges.

How does one tackle pollution control needs of the project?

 In case your product is covered under the list of the polluting industries as defined by the state government, it will be necessary to get specific clearance from the state Pollution Control Board/Committees. Pollution control equipments/measures will have to be installed by the enterprise as per need. Such polluting enterprises can only be set up in the designated industrial areas or locations and may have to link up with the common affluent treatment facility, if available in the area.

Which institutions provide details of pollution control requirements?

 Pollution control board/ Committees and State Directorate of industries provide details of pollution control requirements. SISIs, and DICs also help in understanding of pollution needs.

Does any agency provide training in pollution control?

 SISI’s provide training in pollution control for different type of industries as per their local needs. Pollution Control Boards & Ministry of Environment also support training efforts.

Registration

What is registration of SSI?

 Registration of SSI means that you register your proposed/existing enterprise with the State Directorate or Commissioner of Industries or DIC’s. This will make you eligible for availing of Government assistance. A unit is normally registered provisionally first and accorded permanent registration later. Registration is not compulsory.

What are the advantages of SSI registration?

 SSI registration gives recognition to Industrial units & helps in maintaining database for policy planning and other purposes. It is an essential requirements for getting benefits of special schemes for promotion of SSI viz. Credit guarantee Scheme, Capital subsidy, Reduced custom duty on selected items, ISO-9000 Certification reimbursement & several other benefits provided by the State Government.

What is the procedure of registration as SSI?

 Application in a prescribed application form is available with State Directorate/Commissioner of Industries/DIC, is submitted to the concerned authority along with a set of documents specified separately for provisional and permanent registration.

Is registration given for manufacturing a product/ setting up a unit at a particular place?

 SSI registration is both location specific and product specific. But in certain state capitals and metropolitan cities, SSI registration is granted to those units, which are located only in the designated industrial areas/estates. Changes if any are required to be incorporated in the SSI registration certificate.

How much time is required for registration as SSI?

 Normally three to four week’s time is required for registration. It also depends upon time taken by the SSI for completion of all formalities.

What are the formalities to be completed before seeking provisional registration?

 A copy of project report is required to be submitted along with the application. NOC from local municipal /bodies, State Electricity Board, proof of ownership/rent deed are also required if Place/ location of unit is known.

What is permanent registration as SSI?

 The permanent registration as SSI is granted only after the commencement of commercial production. It is given after physical inspection of the enterprise and scrutiny of certain documents.

What is Provisional registration?

 Provisional registration is initially granted for the proposed enterprise. This enables in applying to various departments/agencies/SFCs etc. for availing assistance for setting up the enterprise including infrastructure requirements. It is termed Provisional since the enterprise is yet to come into existence. It is granted for a specified period of time (3 years) during which the unit is expected to be setup.

Is provisional registration compulsory for getting permanent registration as SSI?

 Provisional registration is not compulsory for getting permanent registration. However, for availing of various facilities from financial institutions/Banks, State government, it is necessary to obtain provisional registration.

How does permanent registration differ from provisional registration?

 Permanent registration is life time registration granted to SSI which have commenced commercial production and provisional SSI registration is granted for 3 years to proposed units which have not come into existence.

What are the formalities required to be completed for seeking permanent registration?

 The following formalities are required to be completed for seeking permanent registration:

1. Ownership/tenancy rights of the premises where unit is located.
2. Municipal Corporation clearance
3. State Pollution Control Board/ Committee clearance
4. Electricity Board sanction
5. Copy of partnership deed/Memorandum of articles of association in case of Pvt. Ltd. Co.
6. Sale bill of product manufactured
7. Sale bill of each end product
8. Purchase bill of each raw material
9. Purchase bill of machinery installed
10. BIS/QC certificate if applicable
11. An affidavit giving status of the unit, machinery installed, power requirement etc.

Marketing

How does a new entrepreneur market the product?

 This is an era of globalization and liberalization. The manufacturers have to offer goods and services of desired quality at optimum cost. Select the right market/consumers identified at the time of planning the unit. Establish Direct marketing channels or a network of dealers as per requirement of the product based upon initial survey. Highlight strengths of the product.

How does one popularise the new product?

 You may create awareness among the buyers or consumers about your product’s strong points in order to convince them of the utility of the product. Publicity in various available forms has to be arranged within the budgetary constraints. Sell your quality, to gain consumer’s confidence. Review consumer feed back. Resort to live demonstration. SISI /NSIC help in popularising the product through domestic and international trade fairs/exhibitions.

Are there any specialized agencies which offer marketing assistance?

 There are Governmental and non-governmental specialised agencies which provide marketing assistance. NSIC & KVIC are the devoted govt. agencies for providing marketing assistance to SSI units.

Is there any other assistance offered by NSIC for marketing SSI Product?

 Besides promotion of SSI products through exhibitions, NSIC directly market the SSI produce in the domestic and overseas market. NSIC also manages a single point registration scheme for manufacturers for Govt. purchase. Units registered under this scheme get the benefits of free tender documents and exemption from earnest money deposit and performance guarantee.

Does any agency help in exhibition of the product?

 SISI & NSIC help the small-scale enterprise for exhibiting products of SSI in the domestic and international exhibition.

Does any agency help in promoting exports?

 ITPO, DGFT, FIEO & Chambers of commerce in different countries Ministry of Commerce provide assistance in promoting exports. Office of the Development Commissioner (SSI), Government of India provides financial assistance to small scale entrepreneurs to display their products in overseas fairs and also for sales-cum-study tours abroad.

Are there any special benefits for exports?

 SSI units gets special benefits such as duty draw back, advance licensing for import of capital goods and raw materials, pre- shipment and post shipment credit against firm export orders and marketing development assistance. Income tax benefit is available on exports earning.

Are there any special benefits for exports?

 SSI units gets special benefits such as duty draw back, advance licensing for import of capital goods and raw materials, pre- shipment and post shipment credit against firm export orders and marketing development assistance. Income tax benefit is available on exports earning.

Promotional Schemes

What is the policy of Government for promoting a small scale industry ?

 Government accords the highest preference to development of SSI by framing and implementing suitable policies and promotional schemes. Besides providing developed land and sheds to the entrepreneurs on actual cost basis with appropriate infrastructure, special schemes have been designed for specific purposes like quality upgradation, common facilities, entrepreneurship development and consultancy services at nominal charges

What is the incentive provided for quality upgradation ?

 Government of India has been executing the incentive scheme for providing reimbursement of charges for acquiring ISO 9000 certification to the extent of 75% of the cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 75,000/- in each case. ISO 9000 is a mechanism to facilitate adoption of consistent management practices and production technique as decided by the entrepreneur himself. This facilitates achievement of desired level of quality while keeping check on production process and management of the enterprise.

Is there any concession on Excise Duty payable by small units ?

 SSI units with a turnover of Rs. 1 crore or less per year have been exempted from payment of Excise Duty. Moreover there is a general scheme of excise exemption for SSI brought out by the Ministry of Finance which covers most of the items. Under this, units having turnover of less than Rs. 3 crores are eligible for concessional rate of Excise Duty. Moreover, there is an exemption from Excise Duty for SSI units producing branded goods in rural areas.

Is priority there any on providing credit to SSI ?

 Credit to small scale sector has been covered under priority sector lending by banks. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has been established as the apex institution for financing the SSI. Specific schemes have been designed for implementation through SIDBI, SFCs, Scheduled Banks, SIDCs and NSIC etc. Loans upto Rs. 5 lakhs are made available by the banks without insisting on collaterals. Further Credit Guarantee Fund for small industries has been set up to provide guarantee for loans to SSI up to Rs. 25 lakhs extended by Commercial Banks and some Regional Rural Bank.

What are the policies and schemes for promotion of SSI being implemented by State Governments ?

 All the State Governments provide technical and other support services to small units through their Directorates of Industries, and District Industries Centres. Although the details of the scheme vary from state to state, the following are the common areas of support.

1. Development and management of industrial estates
2. Suspension/deferment of Sales Tax
3. Power subsidies
4. Capital investment subsidies for new units set up in a particular district
5. Seed Capital/Margin Money Assistance Scheme
6. Priority in allotment of power connection, water connection.
7. Consultancy and technical support

If I perform well, will my efforts be recognized ?

 Yes, Government of India runs a scheme for giving National Awards to small scale entrepreneurs providing quality products in 11 selected industry groups of consumer interest. The winners are given trophy, certificate and a cash price of Rs. 25000/- each.