The Government of Maharashtra has launched a new Startup Credit Program aimed at reducing early-stage operating costs for founders across the state. The initiative, rolled out by the Department of Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship, will offer registered startups subsidized access to cloud computing credits, AI and productivity tools, and shared business infrastructure.
Eligible startups — defined as those registered under the state's Startup Policy and incorporated within the last five years — can apply for credits worth up to ₹5 lakh, redeemable across a panel of empaneled partners including major cloud providers, SaaS companies, and co-working networks.
"Access to capital isn't the only barrier founders face — the cost of basic infrastructure like cloud hosting and software tools adds up fast for early teams," said a senior official from the department. "This program is designed to remove that friction."
The program will be administered through the MHStart portal, with applications opening in phases starting with startups based in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur before expanding statewide by the end of the year.