Over 1,300 SC/ST Entrepreneurs Benefit from Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme

In its first year, the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS) has proved beneficial for 1,303 entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in Tamil Nadu. Launched by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the scheme aims to promote economic development among SC/ST entrepreneurs.

With a total financial allocation of ₹100 crore, the scheme offers a 35% capital subsidy and a 6% interest subvention for loans, supporting projects not exceeding ₹1.5 crore. Both new and existing entrepreneurs are eligible for these benefits, encouraging entrepreneurship without prescribing a minimum educational qualification. The initiative has empowered entrepreneurs like T. Chitralekha and P. Prabhakaran, enabling them to start or expand their ventures and generate employment.