Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESDP)
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
What is this?
ESDP helps aspiring and existing entrepreneurs build business and practical skills to start, manage, and grow MSMEs.
Objectives
- Motivate people to consider entrepreneurship as a career, via technical and business-skills training.
- Support establishment of new MSMEs and growth of existing ones.
Who can apply?
- Existing or aspiring entrepreneurs; at least 40% of beneficiaries must be from weaker sections (SC/ST/women/PH).
What do you get?
- Training under three modules: Entrepreneurship Awareness, Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development, and Management Development.
- Hands-on practice/demonstration to upgrade prospective entrepreneurs' skills.
How to apply
- Apply through MSME Development & Facilitation Offices (MSME-DFOs), MSME Technology Centres, or other implementing agencies.
Key links
Best suited for
Capacity Building
Common questions
Answers from this page only — not legal or financing advice.
What is ESDP?
ESDP helps aspiring and existing entrepreneurs build business and practical skills to start, manage, and grow MSMEs.
Who is this scheme typically for?
Existing or aspiring entrepreneurs; at least 40% of beneficiaries must be from weaker sections (SC/ST/women/PH).
Does FoundersOffice guarantee approval under this scheme?
No. Scheme pages here are advisory summaries for discovery. Eligibility, amounts, and process change — confirm on the official nodal ministry or scheme portal before applying.
Is FoundersOffice a government site?
No. FoundersOffice Idea Browser is an independent discovery and briefing tool — not affiliated with the Government of India, MSME, KVIC, DIC, or any bank. Nothing here is a sanction, loan offer, or guarantee of subsidy.
Source: “Playbook of Government Schemes and Initiatives for Startups” (Govt of India, June 2026) · verify against the official scheme source before relying on this for a filing.